Which fish oil?

Following on from our story about fish oil and stroke, several readers have asked about the difference between fish oil and fish liver oil (usually cod liver oil). One reader correctly points out that the traditional cod liver oil can be full of mercury and pesticides (just like fish meat). Fish oil is rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and is especially beneficial if you have Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

The concern about stroke is a real one, if a fish oil supplement is taken over the long-term. It can increase levels of fatty acid in the blood, and oxidative damage has been discovered after six months’ usage. Some researchers fear it could lead to atherosclerosis and plaques. Garlic supplements or 15 g of pectin every day can mitigate against the worst effects of fish oils, and it’s important to add extra vitamin E to your daily regime because fish oils can also increase the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels.

Our sister publication PROOF! found in its lab tests that the Solgar Fish Oil Concentrate was the best on the market.