Where to Purchase Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil

Because of concerns over contaminants, many of us wonder where to purchase pharmaceutical grade fish oil. There are hundreds of different brands, grades and types of fish oil on the market.

Most people are aware of the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and know that fish oil is the best source. Recent surveys have shown that fish oil is one of the most popular health supplements on the market, but if you choose the wrong product, you may actually be putting your health at risk.

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Reports from Environmental Defense in the United States, Greenpeace International, the Food Standards Agency in the United Kingdom and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland indicate that some fish oil supplements contain unsafe levels of banned pesticides and heavy metals like mercury. Of great concern is also the presence of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).

Where to Purchase Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil

PCB production was banned in the 1970s, but they breakdown so slowly that they may be present in the environment for hundreds of years or more. PCBs are highly toxic to birds and other animals. In humans, research has shown that they cause damage to the liver, the immune system, the reproductive system and the endocrine system. They are now classified as cancer causing agents by the National Toxicology program.

Famous health experts have advised that pharmaceutical grade fish oil is the safest choice. But, finding where to purchase pharmaceutical grade fish oil can be difficult. If you do an internet search, you will get results from lots of different companies, some of which do not even sell fish oil. What you are really looking for is molecularly distilled fish oils. Health food grade fish oils are sometimes distilled, but the process used does not remove PCBs.

Only the best manufacturers use molecular distillation and can guarantee that their supplements are free from all contaminants.

What Not To Buy

OmegaPure produced by the Houston-based company Omega Protein, Inc contains PCBs and the pesticides DDT and Dieldrin, according to an independent laboratory analysis published by Greenpeace. Environmentalists are also concerned that the fishing practices of this company will cause the disappearance of the tiny Menhaden fish, a filter-feeder that removes pollutants from the oceans and bays and is a food source for bass, seabirds and whales.

What follows is a list of the "worst choices" according to Environmental Defense, because the companies do not follow the strictest standards for safe levels of contaminants or because the companies did not respond to repeated inquires.

From the manufacturer Twinlab: Emulsified Cod Liver Oil, MEGA Twin EPA, Omega-3 Fish oil and Plain Cod Liver Oil Liquid.

From the manufacturer Solaray: Salmon Oil and Super purEPA.

You might think that where to purchase pharmaceutical grade fish oil would be a pharmacy or drugstore, but Rite Aid fish oils and those sold at K-mart pharmacies also make the "worst choices" list.

In order to compile their list of best and worst choices, Environmental Defense requested that the manufacturers submit to them complete data concerning their fish oil products. A number of companies submitted only partially complete data, so the safety of their products cannot be confirmed.

The following companies submitted incomplete data: Vitamin World, V.E. Irons, Vitamin Shoppe, Target, Springreen, Sonne's Organic Foods, Rexall, Radiance, Puritan's Pride, Physiologics, Nutrition Warehouse, NOW foods, Nature's Bounty, Major Pharmaceuticals, Holland & Barrett, Health from the Sea, Good 'N Natural, GNC, Country Life and American Health.

In the UK, Seven Seas Fish Oil and two batches of Boots Super Strength Fish Oil Capsules were removed from the market due to excessive dioxin levels, another contaminant. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland found that 10 brands of fish oil contained levels of dioxins exceeding the newest European guidelines. The highest levels were found in fish liver oils, such as the common cod liver oil. All of the brands examined contained some level of contaminants.

Where to Purchase Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil

Buy from a manufacturer who guarantees that their product is free of ANY contaminants. If the label or the website does not guarantee the safety of the product in writing, don't buy it. Although organizations like Environmental Defense try to help us, it is ultimately the responsibility of the manufacturer to guarantee that the fish oil they sell is safe.

Where to Purchase Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil

Dan Ho is editor of http://www.omega-3-fish-oil-guide.com/Fish_Oil_Products.html Visit us now to find out the pharmaceutical fish oil supplements we personally use and why.

Antioxidant OPC3

It was not so long ago that terms such as "antioxidants" and "reactive oxygen species" were unheard of. Today, much is known about these two chemical species that somehow work against each other. The body's natural chemical and biological processes produce harmful reactive oxygen species that are distributed to the cells and tissues, which then cause death and cell destruction. Moreover, natural and man-made things like cigarettes also add to the concentration of these destructive species. Even the sun has been credited to adding to the reactive species content of the human body. This is the reason why people who are more exposed to the sun in their daily activities grow older much faster than those who have minimal exposure.

One of the most potent soldiers against the reactive species is the antioxidant OPC3. Antioxidants have been studied for years by dedicated scientists and were proven to stop the harmful actions that are characteristic of these reactive oxygen species. Antioxidants do an extensive search in the cells and tissues of the body to fight and neutralize the reactive species and stop their destructive rampage.

\"Fish Oil Weight Loss\"

Antioxidant OPC3 is a combination of various oligomeric procyanthocyanidins, which can be found from grape seeds and the bark of pine trees. This antioxidant is sometimes called proanthocyanidin or procyanidin or, even, proanthocyanidolic oligomers (PCO). To make the name of the oligomeric procyanthocyanidins more easily remembered, scientists use the acronym OPC3 to denote this type of molecules. This way, scientists and ordinary people can recognize the name easily.

Antioxidant OPC3

One of the most potent actions that antioxidant OPC3 can do is to scavenge, and react with, the reactive oxygen species that target the cells that line the walls of blood vessels. Because cell walls are healthier, the risk of angina and high blood pressure is minimized. This would also contribute to overall wellness of the body as the improved cell walls allow the blood circulation all over the body to function properly. Also, owing to the many effects in the body's blood system, stress and overfatigue can be minimized.

Got those ugly-looking varicose veins making spidery webs across your legs? Well, a lot of researchers are trying to prove that the application of antioxidant OPC3 would reduce the size of these varicose veins because these veins have similar properties to those of the blood vessels that line the heart. However, no definite conclusion has yet been made, but the application might be realized sooner.

Because various reactive oxygen species threaten to cause cell death, tissue and muscle degenerations, tumors, and other illnesses, the antioxidant OPC3 helps in neutralizing them. Some tests have shown that this antioxidant is more powerful than vitamin E. Some scientists even claim that it can be as much as 50 times the potency of that vitamin. And because vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidants, this goes to prove that antioxidant OPC3 is truly a potent agent against the harmful reactive oxygen species.

If natural sources of this antioxidant are not easily available in your locality, it is always available as a natural vitamin supplement and is being sold in most pharmacies.

Antioxidant OPC3

As you pick up the next natural vitamin supplement at the pharmacy, look out for the ingredient Antioxidant OPC3

You may also read more on other benefits of antioxidants at http://www.whatisantioxidant.com/

Chewable Fish Oil Capsules - Learn About Chewable Fish Oil Capsules

Chewable fish oil capsules are a hit because they are more palatable than concentrated fish oil. A soft, chewable, gelatin shell encloses the fish oil not only to make it easier to ingest, but also to prevent oxidation from taking place and thereby maintaining the freshness of the oil.

Should I take chewable fish oil capsules?

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Yes, especially if your doctor allows you to. Fish oils are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats figure more prominently in brain functions, but it also affects other systems like the cardiovascular and muscoskeletal systems. However, Omega-3 cannot be manufactured by the body -it should be incorporated in your diet via fish oil.

Chewable Fish Oil Capsules - Learn About Chewable Fish Oil Capsules

Two of the major types of Omega-3 fatty acids are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). DHA improves the state of neurons and neurotransmitters that enhances the coordination of the brain to other functions. On the other hand, EPA "protects" the body from pathological conditions.

What are the benefits of chewable fish oil capsules?

Some of the diseases that can be prevented or alleviated by fish oil capsules include cardiovascular ailments like heart diseases, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Muscoskeletal problems like osteoporosis, arthritis, and muscular degeneration can also be addressed by Omega-3 in chewable fish oil capsules. They can also help treat psychological disorders - in fact, these fatty acids are helpful to ward off depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Even surface damages like burns and skin diseases can be answered by the healing abilities of fish oil. Asthma, Inflammatory Bowel disorder, menstrual pain, as well as certain types of cancers have been shown by studies to benefit from these supplements.

Some reminders

A precautionary measure for those who are using, as well as those who plan to use, chewable fish oil capsules: Buy only from reputable manufacturers. Toxic contaminants like mercury can still be present inside the fish's body if the manufacturer does not clean it properly. Also, the manufacturing plants of some dubious manufacturers with poor sanitary conditions can be sources of harmful substances.

If you want to be 100% sure that you are getting top-quality chewable fish oil capsules, purchase your fish oil supplements from pharmaceutical GMP-compliant manufacturers that have passed very strict manufacturing standards set by the FDA. These manufacturers do not add any fillers (such as sugar, starch or even sand) to their products, so you get the exact amount of fish oil nutrients you paid for.

Chewable Fish Oil Capsules - Learn About Chewable Fish Oil Capsules

We have found a pure pharmaceutical grade, molecularly distilled fish oil product that is naturally high in DHA and EPA.

Coming from the Hoki Fish Located on the pristine southern coasts of New Zealand, where the waters are extremely low in pollution and toxins. Discover the best fish oil product on the market today and the one we ourselves personally use. We recommend you learn more: Omega 3 Fish Oil

Jean Helmet is one of the editors for a series of health sites, We offer a free health book for subscribers to our websites newsletter. We cover everything you need to know on nutrition, as well as omega 3 nutrition, and how to improve your general overall health. Check out our nutrition health book

High Dose Fish Oil: Beneficial or Harmful?

High Dose Fish Oil & Omega 3 Fish Oil Side Effects

Studies related to high dose fish oil have not, to this point, revealed any detrimental side effects. Recommended dosages vary from two to five grams per day. The average fish oil capsule contains only about a half a gram. Five grams is equivalent to about one teaspoon.

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The common side effects of fish oil include a fishy aftertaste and in a few cases diarrhea. Omega 3 benefits to the heart, brain and other systems far outweigh the omega 3 fish oil side effects. One thing to be cautious of, however, is that fish oil is a blood thinner. Therefore, if you are already using blood thinners (such as aspirin) be sure to let your doctor know you intend to take fish oils so he or she can monitor you.

High Dose Fish Oil: Beneficial or Harmful?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends no more than two grams of fish oil per day from a fish oil supplement. This recommendation is not due to additional known side effects from high dose fish oil supplementation per se, but because the FDA is concerned about risks associated with fish oil contamination.

If unsafe levels of mercury are present, omega 3 fish oil side effects will be like those of mercury poisoning. Smart consumers will avoid this possibility by purchasing molecularly distilled fish oil or pharmaceutical grade fish oil. These fish oils will contain no impurities and therefore make high dose fish oil supplementation much safer.

If you are using high dose fish oil, try taking it with food rather than on an empty stomach and this may help to get rid of the fish aftertaste and "fishy tasting burps". In rare cases where diarrhea was noted, lowering the dosage slightly was effective.

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those found in fish oil, may play an important role in preventing heart disease, reducing triglycerides in the blood stream, improving the ratio of good to bad cholesterol in the blood stream and much more.

High Dose Fish Oil

One of the best fish oils comes from New Zealand. The fish source is the Hoki fish, which is naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids and swims in very clean waters, so the possibility of contamination in low, but manufacturers still purify the oil using molecular distillation technology. For those considering high dose fish oil supplemetation this is probably the best choice and the ones we use ourselves.

High Dose Fish Oil: Beneficial or Harmful?

Discover the fish oil product we use ourselves after extensive product comparisons. Visit =>http://www.omega-3-fish-oil-guide.com/Fish_Oil_Products.html

Doctor - Does Fish Oil Help Arthritis?

Fish oil has been touted as a remedy for a number of conditions.

Data from at least a few randomized double-controlled studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of dietary fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis In fact, more than nine studies overall have shown statistically significant reductions in the number of tender joints. In many of these studies, patients were able to lower the amount of non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroids. One study suggested that combining fish oil with olive oil may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of fish oil. (Kremer J, et al Dietary fish oil and olive oil supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical and immunologic effects. Arthritis Rheum 1990; 33:810-820).

\"fish Oil\"

Fish oil works by reducing inflammation. Scant evidence indicates it may retard progression of rheumatoid arthritis... although the effect, if it exists, is relatively mild.

Doctor - Does Fish Oil Help Arthritis?

Fish oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce inflammation. Fish oil also lowers triglycerides and reduces blood pressure therefore protecting against cardiovascular disease as well. This is noteworthy because of the known increase in cardiovascular risk, patients with rheumatoid arthritis have.

It is difficult to get therapeutic amounts of fish oil by eating fish alone. Supplements are advised.

The type of fish oil is important. The oil should be derived from cold-water fish such salmon, cod, mackerel, halibut, tuna, and herring.

Fish oil comes in a variety of preparations. The most common is gel caps. Each gel cap should contain at least thirty per cent EPA/DHA, which are the active compounds. For rheumatoid arthritis about 2.6 grams of fish oil containing 1.6 grams of EPA should be taken twice a day.

A few words of caution. Patients on anticoagulant therapy with warfarin may notice their clotting times will bounce around. Pregnant woman may want to avoid eating cold water fish because of the danger of mercury toxicity. On a lighter note, burps often have a fishy taste and odor.

Doctor - Does Fish Oil Help Arthritis?

Dr. Wei is a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the nationally respected Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland (http://www.aocm.org). He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has served as a consultant to the Arthritis Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. For more information on arthritis and related conditions, go to: Arthritis Treatment