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I've heard that flax seed oil and fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) are
good for IC symptoms. Is there one better than the other? Do you have
any particular brand that you recommend? Also, is there any difference
between the liquid and capsule? Thanks so much!
Answer: Before we jump to the conclusion that taking
supplemental omega-3s can �cure� interstitial cystitis and other
diseases, it is important to know what we are talking about. Omega-3
fatty acids are healthy fats found in foods in three main forms: DHA,
EPA, and ALA.
DHA and EPA, or the �fish oils�, are found in salmon, trout, and other
fish. These omega-3 sources have been shown by some studies to reduce a
person�s risk for heart disease, eye disease, and possibly cancer. DHA
has been studied in Alzheimer�s disease (AD) patients and may act as a
partial mediator, possibly lowering the risk of AD in some genetic forms
of the condition.
ALA is found in flaxseed and in small quantities in canola and soy.
ALA has not been show to have any significant effects in humans and
must be converted to DHA in order to be used, hardly an efficient
process. In addition, some studies have discovered that men who eat an
average of 1,500 mg. a day of ALA in the form of flax seed oil actually
have two times the risk of advanced prostate cancer than those who
consumed half that amount. Consumption of flax seeds have not been shown
to be a problem for men, and ALA in general does not seem to be a
problem for women.
So why all the hype? Although there isn't any direct
evidence that omega-3 fatty acid consumption is related to interstitial
cystitis, there is emerging research suggesting that low levels of
omega-3s may correlate with inflammatory conditions. In addition,
omega-3 fatty acids are, in general, important for cellular health. They
are a key component of cell membranes and important for healthy cell
replication. This is especially true of epithelial (skin) cells. Many
people may not know that the urothelial cells of the bladder wall are
very similar to the epithelial cells of the skin. It wouldn�t be too
much of a stretch then to believe that omega-3 fatty acids could be
important for a healthy bladder.
Omega-3s, like other nutrients, don�t stand alone, so the best way to
get these essential nutrients is directly from food. Consuming three to
four servings of fatty fish a week provides most people with the amount
of omega-3 fatty acids needed to maintain good health. Some fish may be
contaminated with heavy metals or other toxins, so it is important to
vary the type of fish consumed and not consume these fish if you are
pregnant, nursing, or if your physician has cautioned you against eating
fish. The ALA in flax seeds is best digested when the seeds are ground
just prior to eating. Flax seeds are also a great source of fiber and
lignans, nutrients being investigated for use in the prevention and even
treatment of a variety of conditions.
If you are interested in taking omega-3 fatty acids in supplement form
there are a few common sense guidelines:
-
Look for a
supplement with more EPA than DHA. A ration of 3:2, EPA to DHA, is
common.
-
Avoid supplements
made from algae oil, which contain only DHA.
-
Avoid cod liver
oil. It is high in vitamin A, which can be toxic in large doses.
-
Look for brands
that meet certification standards, such as the International Fish
Oils Standard (IFOS) or the United States Pharmacopeia Convention (USP).
Omega-3
supplements from capsules, liquid or gels are equally effective. Some
brands claim to be odorless, however these are usually more expensive.
Most people find that taking the supplements with a meal works best.
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