Fish Oil, Ultra Pure EPA/DHA -
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Each softgel capsule contains:

• 100% Pure Fish Oil
• Providing 360 mg EPA and 240 mg DHA

Suggested dosage:

• 1-3 capsules 2-3 times daily, or as directed by your doctor..
• The amount of fish oil you need depends on your diet, body size, and health status. Please consult with your healthcare professional about the amount that is best for you. If you are on blood-thinning medication, consult with your physician before taking any fish oil.

Fish oil contains fatty acids EPA and DHA that are critical for healthy function, fluidity and health of cell membranes. EPA/DHA are also converted by the body into "good eicosanoids", which are very powerful hormone-like substances that prevent inflammation and a host of other potential health problems. Deficiencies of EPA/DHA are associated with abnormal development and dozens of chronic health problems.

EPA/DHA can be created in your body from a precursor fatty acid called alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in some nuts, seeds, vegetables and animal foods. You can also get some EPA/DHA directly from your diet, especially from fish. ALA and EPA/DJA are members of the "omega-3" group of fatty acids. (A "fatty acid" is a basic building block of fats and oils).

However, most Americans do not consume nearly enough ALA or EPA/DHA in their diet.

You should also be aware of two other important issues, discussed below.

Fatty Acid Metabolism

There is a very important distinction between the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids found in most foods, such as nuts and seeds. Flax seeds or flax seed oil is a good example. The omega-3 fatty acids in flax are not the same as in fish oil. The oil in flax is called alpha linolenic acid (ALA). It must go through a metabolic transformation before it is converted into final omega-3 fatty acids called EPA and DHA. This transformation is controlled by an enzyme called delta-6-desaturase (D6D).

There are many factors that inhibit the performance of the D6D enzyme and thus reduce the conversion of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) into EPA/DHA. Among the D6D inhibitors are elevated cholesterol, caffeine or alcohol consumption, saturated fat or trans-fat consumption, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and hormonal abnormalities, including stress hormones, insulin resistance, and hypothyroidism. Women with PCOS and infertility typically have some of the factors at play, possibly resulting in impaired D6D activity. The consequence is that needed EPA and DHA is not created in sufficient quantities.

Fish oil solves this problem. Fish oil already contains EPA/DHA. So when you consume fish oil, you don't have to worry about how well your D6D enzyme is working. You have completely bypassed that metabolic bottleneck by ingesting your EPA/DHA instead of having to create it yourself.

In some individuals, fish oil may be a lot more effective than flax seed oil.

We explain fats, fatty acids and eicosanoids in great detail in our Healthy PCOS Diet book.

Fish Oil Contaminants - Purity Is Important

The bad news about fish oil is that it is extracted from fish. Fish accumulate toxic metals, pesticides and a multitude of other poisonous chemicals that are ubiquitous in our environment. Many of these substances are stored in the fatty tissue of the fish. Therefore, the oil extracted from the fish fat can have rather high amounts of environmental toxins.

Only a few fish oil manufacturers go to great lengths to remove these toxins from their oil. Most manufacturers don't bother, because it is expensive to do so. However, the brand of fish oil that we carry in this store is among the purest oils you can find anywhere. The manufacturer has provided us with independent laboratory verification that their product is free of heavy metals and free of toxic environmental chemicals such as dioxin and furans.

Fish Oil and PCOS

Women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) have a number of symptoms that may be improved by omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil.

• Insulin resistance.
• Chronic inflammation.
• Higher risk of heart disease.
• High blood pressure.
• High blood fats (high triglycerides).
• Higher risk of diabetes.
• Depression.
• Stress.

Click here for more in-depth information about fish oil and PCOS.

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