By Dr. John R. Pikula, FCCR(C), MSc, FCCS(C),
DA CBN, FA CO, FCCO(C)
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids: They are necessary for human health but the body cannot make them – these are obtained through food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils. A lso known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA s), omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. The A merican Heart A ssociation recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon) at least twice a week. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive and behavioral function. Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation. Clinical evidence is strongest for heart disease and problems that contribute to heart disease, but omega-3 fatty acids may also be used for: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis,systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoporosis, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, some skin disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, macular degeneration, menstrual pain, colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids can be taken in the form of fish oil capsules. Flaxseed, flaxseed oil, fish and krill oils should be kept refrigerated. Be sure to buy omega-3 fatty acid supplements made by established companies who certify that their products are free of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider. If you are currently being treated with any of the Following medications, you should not use omega-3 fatty acid supplement, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA ), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA ), and alpha-linolenic acid (LNA ), without first talking to your health care provider:
- Blood-thinning medications
- Diabetes medications: These drugs include: Glipizide (Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL), Glyburide (Micronase or Diabeta), Metformin (Glucophage), Insulin
Beneficial interactions have been reported with the following medications:
- Cyclosporine
- Etretinate and topical steroids
- Cholesterol-lowering medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Dr. John R. Pikula is a chiropractic evaluator for IME Plus Evaluations Ltd. He is a licensed chiropractor and a Fellow of the Chiropractic College of Radiologists, Fellow of the College of Chiropractic Sciences, Fellow of the Chiropractic College of Orthopedists, and Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists. He holds specialty certifications in the disciplines of Radiology, Clinical Sciences, Nutrition, and Orthopedics. He is an Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and is on the editorial board of the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. He is also an executive board member for the Canadian Society of Chiropractic Evaluators and for the Chiropractic College of Orthopedists.
