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Flaxseed Oil / Nuitrition Questions

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Exodist

Exodist

Senior member
I see many post on Fish oil and have used it for years. But last time I was at the doctors office they suggested fish oil and flaxseed oil regiment to keep my cholesterol low. Which I guess works because its never high. I have taken straight flaxseed before back in the military for internal cleansing.. But when I picked up the flaxseed oil and got home with it, I noticed its has much the same Omega Fatty Acids that fish oil does, but slightly less Poly Unsaturated and monounsaturated fat. So wouldn't the Flaxseed oil be better for you and still get a large amount of Omega3,6, and 9 fatty acids. Reason I ask is that its slightly cheaper and I see no reason buying two things that do the same thing. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Cheers,
Joe
 
My understanding is that flaxseed oil contains ALA instead of EPA/DHA and the ALA must be converted to DHA. The conversion process is very inefficient, something like 15% of ALA actually gets converted to DHA in the body, so flaxseed oil is considered an inferior source of EFA's. Only someone like a vegan would want to consume flaxseed oil as an efa source as the conversion rate is too low. They would be better served to take some sort of algae supplement instead.

There may be other benefits to flaxseed oil but I don't know them.
 
Ksyder said:
My understanding is that flaxseed oil contains ALA instead of EPA/DHA and the ALA must be converted to DHA. The conversion process is very inefficient, something like 15% of ALA actually gets converted to DHA in the body, so flaxseed oil is considered an inferior source of EFA's. Only someone like a vegan would want to consume flaxseed oil as an efa source as the conversion rate is too low. They would be better served to take some sort of algae supplement instead.

There may be other benefits to flaxseed oil but I don't know them.
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Well said. I don't endorse flax seed oil for this reason - it's a waste of money. If you're going to supplement something, the research shows that you get the most bang for your buck from fish oil.
 
SociallyChallenged said:
Well said. I don't endorse flax seed oil for this reason - it's a waste of money. If you're going to supplement something, the research shows that you get the most bang for your buck from fish oil.
Click to expand...

Gotcha.. Thanks guys for the reply. I didn't know about the ALA conversion. This makes me happy I didnt by more flax seed oil yesterday. I will go for more fish oil. If I can ask one more question, what dosage would you recommend. Directions normally say 2 pre each meal. 6 daily IIRC. Should I stay on this dosage?
 
Exodist said:
Gotcha.. Thanks guys for the reply. I didn't know about the ALA conversion. This makes me happy I didnt by more flax seed oil yesterday. I will go for more fish oil. If I can ask one more question, what dosage would you recommend. Directions normally say 2 pre each meal. 6 daily IIRC. Should I stay on this dosage?
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Research has shown that for the average individual 1800mg of DHA+EPA per day can significantly decrease inflammatory markers and improve lipid profile. Some people take more than that. I take anywhere from 1800mg to 3000mg, depending on my workout intensity, etc. Keep in mind that the fish oil pills will typically say they're 1200mg fish oil, but only contain 300mg of DHA+EPA. Calculate it based off how much DHA+EPA they have and then take the corresponding amount.
 
SociallyChallenged said:
Research has shown that for the average individual 1800mg of DHA+EPA per day can significantly decrease inflammatory markers and improve lipid profile. Some people take more than that. I take anywhere from 1800mg to 3000mg, depending on my workout intensity, etc. Keep in mind that the fish oil pills will typically say they're 1200mg fish oil, but only contain 300mg of DHA+EPA. Calculate it based off how much DHA+EPA they have and then take the corresponding amount.
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Excellent information. Many thanks SC.
 
Seems I take too little fish oil... I've been doing 2x300 twice a day, I think I'll step it up to 2x300 3 times a day for a while to see if I notice a change in inflammation. This could be handy for my old body as I do what I love to do. 🙂
 
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