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posted by Edward Casanova | Nov 12, 2019

Omega−3 fatty acids, also called ω−3 fatty acids or n−3 fatty acids, [1] are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that play an important role in the human diet and in human physiology [2][3].

In a previous post, I talked about the importance of these fatty acids in the development of child cognition as well as other areas.

However, latest research has shown a potential downside through a “Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies” that associated additional supplementation of fish oils containing DHA to the development of prostate cancer.

The American College of Rheumatology has stated that there may be modest benefit from the use of fish oils, but that it may take months for effects to be seen, and cautions for possible gastrointestinal side effects and the possibility of the supplements containing mercury or vitamin A at toxic levels (mostly fish, krill or shark based) [4].

Another study from the JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute confirmed previous reports of increased prostate cancer risk among men with high blood concentrations of LCω-3PUFA. The consistency of these findings suggests that these fatty acids are involved in prostate tumorigenesis.

Recommendations to increase LCω-3PUFA intake should consider its potential risks.

Watch out for scaremongers

There have been multiples cases against supplement promoters that holding false claims to the public. On June 25, 2019 a recent class action involved the CVS Algal-900 DHA Supplement Class Action Settlement

Plaintiffs Jeff Worth and Robert Burns filed their class-action lawsuit against CVS in February 2016. They claimed that CVS made deceptive claims about their Algal-900 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements.

The pharmacy allegedly claimed that the supplement was “clinically shown to improve memory” and/or “clinically shown memory improvement.”(outdated research)

Another outdated study is being used by Dr. Joel Fuhrman as a marketing tactic for his algae-based supplement (even vegans can be wrong).

What does this mean for vegans?

A lot has been said about the potential deficiencies vegans may face when it comes to fulfilling their daily DHA and EPA requirements.

This is because humans are only able to convert small quantities of ALA (found in flaxseed, chia, walnuts, etc.) into DHA and EPA. 5

Notwithstanding, a more recent study held in 2015 that compared the levels of these fatty acids in vegans against omnivores showed no remarkable differences between both.

The vegans responded robustly to a relatively low dose of a vegetarian omega-3 supplement.

And if you’re thinking about staying with your algae-based supplement, here’s a study that suggests a positive outcome and another suggesting a more negative one..

The research about Omega-3 supplementation remains unclear in the male population; when it comes to the female one, according to Dr. Greger, it may only be helpful during pregnancy but with adequate precautions.

Low intake of DHA doesn’t “necessarily equate with fetal DHA inadequacy,” but new data suggest that some infants may not be getting enough and could benefit from their moms supplementing. Given this, I recommend pregnant and breastfeeding women on plant-based diets to follow the consensus guidelines to get about 200mg of preformed DHA from an uncontaminated source, like algae oil, which is probably the best combination for all women given the state of our world to minimize exposure to toxic pollutants such as dioxins, PCBs, and mercury.

In the end, as T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. says:

If I must answer the DHA question, I would only say that we can get plenty of that type of chemical from the consumption of the omega-3 fatty acids that are found in certain plants–certain nuts, flaxseed, etc.

I hold that we need to discard the traditional view of nutrition, based on the effects of single nutrients, and take seriously the symphonic nature of food chemicals working together. In effect, the ‘whole’ nutritional effect is greater than the sum of its parts.

What do you think?

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Feel free to curate it, as long as you include the original authors, and follow me for more fitness wisdom (my network).

Next: Don’t Go Plant-Based

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References:

1. "Office of Dietary Supplements - Omega-3 Fatty Acids". ods.od.nih.gov. Retrieved 2019-03-22.
2. "Essential Fatty Acids". Micronutrient Information Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR. May 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
3. Scorletti E, Byrne CD (2013). "Omega-3 fatty acids, hepatic lipid metabolism, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease". Annual Review of Nutrition. 33 (1): 231–48. doi:10.1146/annurev-nutr-071812-161230. PMID 23862644.
4. "Herbal Remedies, Supplements & Acupuncture for Arthritis - Supplements for arthritis". American College of Rheumatology. June 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9637947

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