EPA and DHA are two essential fatty acids, which can be synthesized in the human body from an omega-3 precursor, alpha linolenic acid (ALA). This fatty acid, which is also essential, is particularly abundant in walnuts, canola, soybean and hemp oil, as well as in flaxseed and related oil. Fish oil Especially in the elderly or when a specific supplement is required, it is however preferable to obtain EPA and DHA directly from fish oil, rather than indirectly taking them through food sources or supplements rich in alpha linolenic acid. This recommendation is based on the assumption that the human body has a limited capacity to carry out the enzymatic conversion from ALA to EPA and DHA.
, sardines and other large and small blue fish, cod, salmon and tuna are among the fish richest in omega-three. Some of these, such as certain species of tuna, shark or blue shark and swordfish, should not be consumed in excessive quantities, since - being at the top of the food chain - they accumulate not only omega-3s in their meat, but also toxins such as polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, mercury and chlordane.
Since many of these substances, and in particular dioxin and some pesticides, are fat-soluble, they are found in good concentrations also in fish oil.
It is therefore advisable to pay particular attention to the adequate choice of the supplement, considering, in addition to the possible presence of contaminants, also the degree of lipoperoxidation of the same fatty acids contained in it.
The most important sources of fish oil are farmed salmon and cod liver; the product, once purified by molecular distillation, is eventually integrated with tocopherol and enclosed in gelatin caps or pearls.
There are several quality certifications relating to the degree of oxidation, the content of heavy metals and toxic substances; the best known is probably the IFOS (International Fish Oil Standard).
(EPA and DHA), known for their fundamental metabolic properties.
Initially used above all for its hypotiglyceride-lowering properties, fish oil has gained - over time and with many studies - a large and important role in the preventive and therapeutic fields.
Today, the following are ascribed to fish oil:
- Hypotiglyceridemic and hypocholesterolemic metabolic properties;
- Anti-inflammatory properties;
- Antioxidant properties;
- Immunomodulating properties;
- Hypoglycemic properties;
- Neuro-protective properties;
- Hormone-like properties;
- Antiallergic properties;
- Cardioprotective properties.
For these reasons, fish oil is used in the prevention and control of various diseases, including:
- inflammatory bowel diseases;
- autoimmune diseases;
- diabetes;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- neurodegenerative diseases allergic diseases.
In recent years, fish oil has also been used successfully in sports.
EPA and DHA.The amount of studies concerning the preventive and therapeutic usefulness of fish oil has increased dramatically in the last 20 years, also thanks to a refinement of the study techniques.
