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This morning Good Morning America ran a story about fish oil supplements stating that they contain harmful chemicals called PCBs, industrial chemicals that were banned back in the 1970s because they cause cancer and birth defects.
This is obviously not something that I like to hear and I am sure you’re the same way. I wasn’t born in the 70s but I have heard about the issue several times over my biology studies. And when I heard the story my question was… how are these chemicals getting into the supplements?
Well… the thing is that many of the fish that are used to harvest for fish oil are from waterways like Chesapeake Bay… small, filter fish take in the PBCs (polychlorinated biphenyl compounds) that were deposited in the water decades ago by electrical plants and other polluters. Here’s a fun fact… out of all of the 10 fish oil supplement companies tested by environmental analysts all of them showed PBCs.
How much it too much?
While getting small doses of the chemical isn’t linked to health issues, getting over 90 nanograms isn’t recommended… three of of the 10 had much more than the 90 ng… so where do you stand?
The FDA is required to test fish for PCBs but not fish supplements… that is the biggest issue about any supplement, they are not regulated very strongly. So eating fish shouldn’t be a worry… but taking the supplement you might want to think twice.
Why do you take fish oil in the first place?
Because it is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega fat acids are linked to healthy skin, hair, fat burning, heart health and more. But just because you don’t want to take fish oil doesn’t mean you can’t get your omega-3s in!
More specific benefits:
- Reduce inflammation throughout the body
- Blood thinner to fight clotting
- Help cholesterol in the blood
- Improve the body’s response to insulin to fight fat storage
- Help fight cancer growth
Other Healthy Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Cold water fish… tuna and salmon (eating just once a week is plenty)
- Flaxseed and flaxseed oil. I don’t like the taste of the oil but the pills and the actual seeds are fine.
- Foods like avocados, nuts, and soybeans
Read the story from ABCs Good Morning America… The Truth Behind Fish Oil
Fish Oil Bad For Your Health And Future Kids?
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t like these scare tactics. Every week there seems to be something else that is healthy or previously touted as a super food being told that they are harmful and cause cancer. I take things like this with a total grain of salt. I think if you go with a more natropathic brand you’re going to rule out a lot of the so-called dangers.
Fish oil has too many proven benefits to have these kind of scare tactics put on it. I take it not just to help with joint recovery and muscle recovery but also for the mental health benefits and to keep the neurological pathways healthy.
I have to agree with you… fish oil really is a great thing, it seems every time we turn around something else is being called a carcinogenic. Who knows, next week they might be telling us Vit C is bad for us too.
Going with a well trusted brand and going with a natropathic brand is a great suggestion.
It doesn’t surprise me one bit that fish oil can be dangerous. Just because we are told for years and years that something is great for us by corporate America or the government doesn’t make it so.
I have no desire to take fish oil because even when you take it, it still tastes like fishy fish. I would much rather get my Omega-3s from the real thing… fatty fish and the veggies.
Forget the supplements.