Cold-water salmon oil is rich in alpha- linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentanoic (EPA) and docosahexanoic (DHA), These are all fatty acids that are essential for the functions of the human body. Cold-water salmon oil is a precursor of the prostaglandin E 1 (PGE1) and E3 (PGE3) series.
There has been a great deal of research over the past 15 years which shown promising positive results from the use of cold-water salmon oil (omega-3) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive airways disease, symptoms associated with menopause, symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, non-insulin dependent diabetes, psoriasis and other skin conditions. It also has a positive influence on hair, skin and nails.
PGE1 and PGE3 (which omega-3 is converted into) reduces or inhibits:
- inflammation
- platelet stickiness (making the blood thinner)
- thrombosis (blood clotting)
- synthesis of bad LDL cholesterol
- tightness of the arterial walls (thereby lowering blood pressure)
- formation of cancer cells
The essential fatty acids are also able to protect the liver from the effects of too much alcohol and irritating drugs. Prostaglandins also help to maintain water and electrolyte balance, insulin secretion by the pancreas, transmission of messages along the nerve cells and digestive function.
The functions of essential fatty acids means that non-contaminated Omega-3 fish oil supplements can be used with benefit in the following situations.
Cardiovascular disease
- Anti-inflammatory effect
- Reduces platelet stickiness
- Reducing blood clotting
- Lowers blood pressure by decreasing smooth muscle tone in the arterial wall
- Lowers bad LDL cholesterol while increasing good HDL cholesterol
Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
- Anit-inflammatory effect
- Immune system support
- Corrects possible Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), eicosapentanoic (EPA) and docosahexanoic (DHA) deficiencies
Skin disorders such as eczema, acne, allergic dermatitis, psoriasis
- Anti-inflammatory
- Immune system support
Allergies such as asthma, hay fever, food allergies, contact dermatitis
- Anti-inflammatory
Immune system support
- Antibacterial and antiviral – viruses are known to decrease the efficiency of delta-6-desaturase, leading to an imbalance of EFA and prostaglandin synthesis. Treating post viral fatigue (chronic fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalitis, fibromyalgia) with a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 normalises the balance.
Weight loss
- Improves cellular metabolism, electrolyte and water balance
- May ease craving for sugar and help to decrease appetite
Pre-menstrual syndrome and menopause
- Electrolyte and water balance – reduces water retention
- Corrects possible deficiencies
- Anti-inflammatory
Benign (fibrocystic) breast disease
- Anti-inflammatory
- Corrects possible deficiencies in GLA, EPA and PAG1
Multiple sclerosis
- Improves nerve transmission – helps restore the protective sheath around the nerve fiber
- Corrects possible deficiencies
- Immune system support
- Decreases platelet clumping
- Balances prostaglandins
Hyperactivity in children
- Corrects possible deficiencies
- Reduces allergies
- Improves nerve transmission in memory and concentration areas of the brain
- Immune system support
- Balances low blood sugar levels
Schizophrenia
- Corrects possible deficiencies and imbalance of low PGE1 and high PGE2
Protects against alcohol
- Alleviates withdrawal symptoms
- Reduces liver toxicity
- Reduces nervous system depression
Depression and anxiety
- Corrects possible EFA deficiency
- Improves nerve transmission in the brain and nervous system
- Balances low blood sugar levels
Cancer – GLA of the omega-6 and EPA of the omega-3 suppress tumor growth and metastasis (spread), particularly in colon cancer, breast cancer and melanoma. While GLA, EPA and DHA are not necessarily curative they do alleviate symptoms, prevent further complications, support the immune system and help to restore function.
Diabetes Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may assist nerve function and help to prevent nerve disease (neuropathy)
Is there anyone who wouldn’t benefit – there are many functions that essential fatty acids perform. Omega 3 supplements from a non-contaminated source help in many diseases. Side effects are practically non-existent although transient nausea may sometimes be experienced because of the oil content of the capsules. This can generally be avoided by taking the capsules with food. Transient mild skin rashes or acne have also been reported to occur occasionally.
