Is ‘Deep Sea Fish Oil’ Just Marketing Hype?

There has been an increasing attention to the benefits of Omega 3 by the science and health community and this is the reason why there has also been a growing acceptance of fish oil in the news and commercials, and related products have emerged. Another name used to describe fish oil is “deep-sea fish oil”. What exactly is “deep sea fish oil” and why does it matter when purchasing a fish oil supplement?

Fish oil, in general terms, is not exactly derived from “deep sea” fish, or those species found in extremely deep waters (1800m) where light can barely penetrate the water. Herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines (species that can be really found in more shallow waters) are fish that possess the most oil and have the highest natural omega-3 concentrations.

Another reason why these species of fish are ideal for quality fish oil supplements is because they are located at the bottom of the food chain, have shorter life spans and are small in size, which implies that they do not contain as much toxins compared to the larger species that live longer (some can live as long as 70 years) and those that eat lots of smaller fish. In addition, the species referred to above are ideal due to the fact that they can reproduce speedily and are easy to sustain.

To buy a product from a reputable company that specializes in fish oil products might give some degree of assurance because there is simply no other way to be certain. For instance, a tag that says “deep sea” could just mean that the fish were from the open ocean as opposed to from shallower waters. So, if you go to search for an omega-3 fish oil product, you would definitely bump into varied marketing phrases and terms that, in turn, would translate into confusion and misinformation. Because the benefits of fish oil are becoming more popular, these products can be easily found in stores today, pharmacies, and grocery stores. But even with all these marketing claims that can confuse the uninformed consumers, what should you look for?

First, check the label for the specific fish species cited above rather than comprehensive terms like “fish oil concentrates” or “marine lipids.” Second, ensure that the precise amount of DHA and EPA (the Omega-3s in fish oil) in each serving is listed. It is a good idea to check the DHA and EPA content against the price to ensure that you are getting the maximum value for your money. Before buying your fish oil, it wouldn’t hurt if you do some sort of research and go for products from producers with a reputation for high standards of quality and purity. Even though such standards are not officially enforced in the United States, there are international policies and third-party verification organizations that set the standards for fish oil quality. A reputable fish oil manufacturer will give details about their manufacturing processes – from catching to canning / bottling – and provide proof of their claims validated by reliable third-party agencies.

What exactly are omega-3 fatty acids and why do we need them? Omega-3 fatty acids are not only good, but also significant, for our health. Since fish are by far the most abundant source of omega-3s, taking fish oil is among the most excellent and safest ways to obtain these extremely valuable substances.

In more explicit terms, the benefits we can obtain from fish oil supplementation involve the lessened risk of cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation. It can also help to manage blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Furthermore, clinical studies and research demonstrate that using fish oil can relieve the symptoms linked to disorders like depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, and bipolar. Fish oil also facilitates brain growth and helps it to function more effectively. Can anybody say we *don’t* need fish oil?? However, it’s not essential to select a fish oil supplement which claims to be “deep-sea fish oil.

Be educated more regarding the benefits of fish oil on the website of Brittany W. Wallace. Brittany is an authority on health who studied deep sea fish oil for the past decade.