Krill Oil Vs Pharmaceutical Grade Omega 3 Fatty Acids

While products derived from krill oil are currently enjoying popularity among many consumers due to a significant marketing campaign, this article will discuss the advantages of pharmaceutical grade fish-based Omega-3 products over those containing krill oil, including significantly higher levels of EPA/DHA, substantially lower cost per milligram of EPA/DHA and the large volume of validated scientific studies proving the health benefits associated with pharmaceutical grade Omega-3 derived from highly concentrated, ultra-pure fish oil. We strongly encourage you to compare omega 3 fish oil products to any krill oil that you are currently taking or are considering taking.
Available sources of Omega-3
There are three main sources of Omega-3 essential fatty acid available to consumers: fish oil, krill oil and plant sources, such as flax or other seed oils. While the health benefits of Omega-3 are virtually undisputed, the best source of Omega-3 for humans is the subject of ongoing debate.
Omega-3 in the form of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, or EPA/DHA, is found naturally only in animals, with the greatest concentrations being found in seafood, including fish and krill. EPA/DHA is required by the body to support cardiovascular and neurological health and has been shown to have positive health benefits in the areas of inflammatory and auto-immune disease, mental health, brain development in fetuses and babies, vision and more. Plant-based products, while often favored by vegetarians, vegans and those who have concerns about seafood alergies, only provide Omega-3 in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). To be available for use, the body must first convert ALA into EPA/DHA. This conversion is inefficient, requiring both energy and nutrient expenditures, thereby reducing the health benefits of plant-based Omega-3 products. While there are many Omega-3 products containing ALA available, this article focuses on the comparison between products containing krill oil and pharmaceutical grade Omega-3 derived from highly refined, ultra-pure fish oil.
What are Krill?
Krill are small, shrimp-like crustaceans that live in the ocean and feed mainly on phytoplankton. Low on the food chain, they're eaten by whales, fish, penguins, seals and squid. Krill have been harvested as a food source for humans and domesticated animals since the 19th century, and possibly even earlier in Japan. Large-scale fishing of krill developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and now occurs in Antarctic waters and in the seas around Japan. Over 95% of all harvested krill are used to make something called "fish meal," which is most oftenused as a feed for farm raised salmon. Approximately 2% of harvested krill is used to produce the krill oil found in Omega-3 products.
Products derived from krill oil are considerably more expensive than products derived from pharmaceutical grade fish oil due to several factors, including:

• the low concentration of EPA/DHA in krill oil;
• the high cost of krill oil processing methods;
• relatively limited availability of krill, which are located and harvested near the South Pole;
• the fact that krill must be processed into oil onboard the harvesting ships to avoid spoilage;
• a limited harvest season of only a few months per year;
• the high advertising costs required to promote a relatively new and unproven product to physicians and consumer

Krill as a source of Omega-3
Like fish oil, krill oil contains EPA/DHA. However, Omega-3 products derived from krill oil typically have EPA/DHA concentrations of only 15-24%, compared to the 85%+ in pharmaceutical grade Omega-3 products. Because of this low concentration, the number of servings of krill oil required to meet the recommended daily intake of EPA/DHA is significantly higher than for products containing pharmaceutical grade Omega-3 derived from fish. For example, one of the best selling krill oil products currently on the market contains 72 milligrams of EPA/DHA in each 300 milligram capsule.

Ever take fish oil because the doctor says so? Well, you might as well ingest a stick of butter instead because the amount of fat in fish oil is very high. Check the labels. You will see essential fatty acids like Omega-3 - a combination of DHA and EPA is available in professional grade products without a prescription at your local pharmacy or direct from http://www.oceanblueprofessional.com. They also have samples you can order straight from their website. Order and get healthy!

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Hope Springs Eternal: Give Autistic Kids a Chance With DHA

It's a cruel irony, but if there's one thing an early diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder doesn't change, it's the uncertainty. Children symbolise hope precisely because their destinies are still fluid and malleable; so do autistic children, though in a far more brutal manner.
This article does not mean to raise false hopes, only to recognise the widely accepted consensus that we know very little about the causes of autism. In contrast, Alzheimer's disease, a common degenerative brain disorder, has at least a definitive pathology that can be confirmed (albeit only in post mortem microscopy). Those diagnosed with autism are left with empirically-established treatments, which are a fancy name for trial-and-error. To date, it consists of behavioural and rehabilitative therapy, and little else.
There just might be another possibility out there though. Preliminary reports, surfacing ever so slowly but inexorably, now seem to establish a link between omega-3 oil supplements and an improved quality of life in autistic children. This direction of research has been going on for decades, ever since low levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with a wide range of neurological disorder. However, initial trials were conducted in a less-than-rigorous manner. Either they neglected to enforce a double-blind condition, which renders the results susceptible to the placebo effect, or they were done in very small scales or as case reports. Happily, new evidence have remedied these defects, and the results are still holding up.
One such trial assembled 70 six- to eleven-year-olds who were afflicted with autism, and prescribed them with a daily regime of DHA-enriched omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil capsules. 30% of the exhibited significant improvements compared to the control groups: they began to make eye contact and socialized in more advanced manners. Two points were especially scintillating: the fact that improvements lasted as long as the supplements were given, and the age of the participants.
Usually, the human body copes with DHA shortages by a very inefficient conversion mechanism. However, it depletes other essential fatty acids in the process. It is conceivable that neural growth irregularities, once firmly entrenched past the age of three or so, are being continually repaired by the brain. In the process, it consumes the normally allotted quota of fatty acids, which in turn brings about a long-term omega-3 deficiency. (Of course, this is no more than a hypothesis: researchers, in a suspiciously self-rewarding consensus, agree that more research is needed before they can pinpoint the exact mechanism.)
If you are inclined to try this approach, there are a few things you should note. Dosages vary from trial to trial, but a good rule-of-thumb for toddlers is around 1000mg of omega-3 oil with a quarter of it in DHA by weight. Since they are classified as food supplements, there is strictly speaking no upper limit for fish oil consumption, and any unabsorbed remnants are simply excreted away with no side effects whatsoever.

If you're interested in reading more about the health benefits of omega 3s and fish oil supplements, feel free to visit my website where I discuss the truth about omega 3 fish oil and what I personally use to stay healthy and in shape.
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Fish Oil For Children - Are Omega-3 Fatty Acid Products Safe For Your Kids?

Is fish oil for children safe? As a parent you might be aware of the reported benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil have. But along with this knowledge may be the skepticism of the safety and effectiveness of giving fish oil for children.

Of course, you only want what's best for your child and to help you decide whether giving fish oil for children is worth it or not, let us take a look at some facts about the benefits of fish oil for children.

IMPROVES CONCENTRATION AND LEARNING

Probably the most well known benefit of fish oil for children is the seen improvement in brain functioning, including memory, learning, as well as reasoning.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT FOR ADHD

Omega-3 found in fish oil is considered to be an alternative treatment for ADHD in children due to its ability to improve symptoms like inattention.

HELPS WITH AUTISM

Studies show that giving omega-3 fish oil supplements to children with autism significantly improved both learning and language skills.

HELPS KEEP EYES HEALTHY

It is important to start taking care of our eyes while we are still young. Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA, can help improve focus, perception, and clarity of vision. In fact, DHA is found in high concentrations in the retinal tissues of the eyes.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS ARE IRREFUTABLE

It is very clear that omega-3 offers a lot of benefits for both healthy children and those with problems like ADHD and autism. The question now is, is omega-3 safe to give to children? Yes, it is safe, but you need to be careful when choosing a brand to ensure that it is of high quality.

HOW TO FIND A SAFE SUPPLEMENT FOR YOUR CHILD

How do you ensure that you buy an omega-3 supplement that is safe for your child? For one thing, make sure that the brand you will buy uses fish that is naturally high in DHA and EPA like hoki, salmon, sardines, and tuna. You also need to check that the DHA content is higher than EPA. Purity is also another important factor to consider.

Choose a fish oil brand that makes use of molecular distillation as a means of purifying the oil as this effectively removes the impurities. Also check the form of the oil in the capsule.

The natural form of oil should be retained as this plays a major role in the absorption by the body. Freshness can also be checked by looking at the total oxidation, which should be low to avoid side effects like bloating and burping.

Omega-3 supplements can help your kids a lot but be sure to pick one that is of good quality.

BONUS TIP!

If you are serious about finding the best fish oil supplement for children: you need to do your research! Find the best natural supplement that delivers on its promises and you will discover, like I did, that staying healthy, happy and vibrant is not as difficult as some would have you believe!

Visit http://www.fish-oil-advice.com/ to discover the exact secrets and lies I uncovered that brand name omega-3 manufacturers do not want you to know about!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henri_K._Junttila

How Can Fish Oil Help Autistic Kids?

It is known all over the world to relieve autism. It has shown tremendous potential in regulating and alleviating symptoms of this condition. But how can this help autistic kids?

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects kids and appears during the first 3 years of life. Characteristics of autistic kids can vary, but autism mostly affects a child's communication and/or social skills. The exact cause as to the occurrence of autism is still unknown as of the moment, but research has it that autistic kids have remarkable problems with metabolism of omega-3 fatty acids. They have difficulty converting these essential fatty acids into forms necessary for normal chemical and biological reactions. It has also been found that levels of omega-3 are lower in those with autism compared to normal children.

It has also been discovered long ago that omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA, significantly affects brain function and mood. This should not be surprising as a large portion of the brain consists of DHA. DHA seems to have something to do with intercommunication between neurons, which make this ideal as brain foods.

Does this for autism really work?

Now the question is: does this really help autistic kids? There have been several studies conducted on the effectiveness of this supplementation as a natural treatment for autism. It has been found by researchers Patrick and Salik that children supplemented with this daily for 90 days increased their learning and language skills. Another study spanning 6 months showed improvements in sleep patterns, cognition, eye contact and social interaction. In another double blind placebo study published at the Biological Psychiatry journal, it was reported that autistic kids respond well to this supplementation showing reduced hyperactivity and reduction in performing repeating movements.

Where to get omega 3?

It is abundant in fish. However, autistic kids are almost always not fans of fish meals. There is also the problem of mercury intoxication which may even be more harmful. There are non-fish sources of omega-3, but just the same, high amounts must be taken in order for results to be seen. Fortunately however, there are not fish oil supplements that you can conveniently give to autistic kids. Fish oil caps, especially those that are ultra refined, contain pure omega 3 fish oil and offers benefits without posing any health risk.

How much this is needed?

Studies have established that at least 1 to 2 mg of fish oil supplement is optimal to yield positive improvements. However, it is important to make sure that the fish oil cap contains at least 50% active ingredient, DHA and EPA.

The discoveries the connection between omega 3 fish oil and autism continue to bring good news to autism sufferers. Yes, it can indeed help autistic kids attain better quality of life; it provides them a shot at eventually getting the normal life they deserve.

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Autism and Omega Fatty Acids

Did you know Omega fatty acids have been proven to aid in brain function and health and those with autism have been found to have a lower amount of these essential Omega fatty acids then others with out autism. Those with autism have shown great improvement in their language and learning skills after being introduced to Omega fatty acid supplements. But not all supplements can be as easily digested or absorbed into the body as whole foods. Whole foods are easily digested and absorbed into the body naturally after all that's how God intended for us to get them was through the foods that he provided for us.

You can get these fatty acids by eating more

"Eicosapentaenoic acid" an essential fatty acid found in fish and fish oils

"Docosahexanoic acid" another essential fatty acid also found in fish and fish oils.

"Alpha-Linolenic acid" found in seeds, vegetable oils, and green leafy vegetables.

Though God intended for us to have these essential fatty acids our fruits and vegetables have been tampered with by man literally changing their genetic make up with G.M.O. foods the nutrients that God intended for us to have is lost. Even fruits and vegetables that have not been tampered with genetically are picked way before they are ripened and mature and gassed to have a ripening effect but the true nutrients is lost and we are left with little to work with that makes it almost impossible to get the nutrients needed making it necessary to take supplements to get all the nutrients a man needs but still it does not have the same effect as natural whole foods.

Home grown vegetables grown with non G.M.O. seeds still have all the nutrients God intended our foods to have and through eating them we can still get the nutrients needed though our foods, instead of having to take these processed supplements that our bodies can hardly use anyway. God intended for us to eat our way to health with natural foods. Try feeding your body through whole foods and see if you can see the difference between mans way and Gods way.

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How Much Omega 3 For Youths and Children and How to Get the Maximum Benefits Safely

When it comes down to how much omega 3 for youths and younger children to give, quality is actually more important than the amount of the dose. Find out how to ensure your child gets the purest and safest dose and the correct amount.
Generally speaking, fish oils are very safe if they have been purified (distilled) and only those annoying fishy burps are likely to put your kids off!
How much omega 3 for youths and children to use with a quality supplement are as follows. It is recommended that children up to around 7-8 years old have one 1000mg supplement a day, while older children and youths can take two.
What is extremely important is that the oil is proven to be pure or has been molecularly distilled. This process separates out the oils from the toxins like lead and mercury which can result in long term health problems as they are stored in the body.
This is because children's defense systems are still developing and they are not able to process these toxins efficiently and so it can be storing up problems for the future.
Getting the right oil can deliver benefits like improved comprehension, better vocabulary, improved IQ and better coordination. For those with autism or ADHD they have shown to have particular beneficial effects and help to normalize their behavior and improve their concentration.
I personally give my son, who has mild autism, one 1000mg capsule a day and have seen significant improvements over the last three months. As he cannot swallow them, I cut them open and pour the contents into his morning juice.
You should avoid cod liver oil because it contains only small amounts of useful omega 3 fatty acids and also high amounts of vitamin A, which can be toxic in high amounts.
You should also avoid oils especially for kids as they tend to contain sweeteners, colorings and additives that are unnecessary.
The best oils come from the whole fish like Hoki, Tuna and Salmon which contain the essential omega 3 fats DHA and EPA. If you want the full benefits for your children, then you want as much DHA as possible as this is responsible for most of the rewards.
I would recommend to get at least 250mg of DHA in each capsule and you should see improvements within weeks.
It is important to remember that these natural oils can also help with your health and well-being too, reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke, ensuring correct brain health and helping to cure age related eye disease among others!
Now you know how much omega 3 for youths and younger children to give, you can introduce the right supplements knowing that they will be pure and safe and give lasting benefits.

Discover the best omega-3 fish oil for children available today.
Rich Hawkins is a dedicated researcher of the amazing health benefits of quality fish oil. Take a moment to visit his site now at www.best-omega-3-supplement.com and discover the latest DHA omega 3 supplements that he recommends after extensive research.

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