Omega 3's: How Much to Lower Cholesterol?

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Sun, July 27, 2008

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Increasing the amount of omega-3 fats in our diet and decreasing the amount of omega-6 is beneficial in reducing your risk for heart disease. Most American's consume a high omega-6 diet, with omega 3 being a common deficiency. Omega 3 deficiencies and the imbalance between omega 3 and omega 6 intakes...

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Laura

7/31/08 3:37pm

Can you provide a source on the bleeding caused by over 2 grams per day? If this is so, why does the AHA recommend 2-4 grams?

Thanks!

Lisa Nelson, RD, LN

8/ 1/08 1:27pm

Hi Laura, I do not have a source off the top of my head to share with you, but let me clarify on the bleeding issue and what AHA recommends. The AHA recommends supplementing 2-4 grams ONLY UNDER PHYSICIAN'S CARE. The reason behind this is related to the increased bleeding risk when supplementation exceeds 3 grams per day. Now, if you do a little research you'll find this is an area of controversy. Some will say the risk is very slight and there isn't enough evidence to back up the relation between excess bleeding and omega 3's. But let's say you're on an blood thinner and supplementing high doses of omega 3's. Your bleeding risk is compounded with the two, which is why AHA recommends supplementing over 2-4 grams only with your physicians knowledge. What if you're a candidate for surgery and your MD doesn't know all treatments you are using? You'd be putting yourself at increased risk. If I come across a good study backing up the bleeding risk associated with omega 3's, I'll be sure to post it. All the best, Lisa Nelson, RD, LN eNutritionServices.com

Laura

8/ 1/08 1:41pm

Thanks, Lisa, much appreciated. But I'm a little confused...in your message in one place you say OVER 2-4 grams only with supervision, and in another you say 2-4 grams with supervision.

I'd love to get the reference if you come across it. I've seen a lot of different recommendations on this and it's something I've been looking for guidance on. It seems to be hard to find any recommendations that have some hard facts to back them up. Perhaps we're in an area where there isn't that much data yet?

Thanks again!

Lisa Nelson, RD, LN

8/ 1/08 2:14pm

Hi again,

I didn't realize I switched up my wording, so to clear up the confusion -

If you supplement OVER 2 grams of omega 3's daily, speak with your MD.

This can lead to further questions, such as why is a cap put on (2-4 grams). Someone could sure get access to 5 grams if they wanted! Also, why should you consult with your MD at 2 grams if the excess bleeding risk isn't documented until dose exceeds 3 grams? All areas I'd have to explore further to give you an accurate answer.

I'll keep you posted as I learn more:)

Lisa Nelson, RD, LN

eNutritionServices

Emile

1/23/12 1:17pm

hi Lisa

you write about most american's eating too much omega 6

and the best omega 3 - omega 6 ratio

but never say what food products contain omega 6

please advise,

thank you,

Emile