Fish oil and flax seed oil

By Anne October 30, 2008 - 9:37am

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I hear so much about fish oil and flax seed oil. I know that they are good for us but they seem to be a lot alike in the health benefits they are said to offer.

What's the difference between them (besides where they come from)? Do they offer different benefits? Is it better to take one or both? And why would a person choose one over the other?

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Dr. Susan

Fish oil naturally contains an enzyme (delta 6-desaturase) that helps our bodies properly digest and absorb omega-3 fatty acids(fish and flaxseed oils). Flaxseed does not contain this enzyme. For this reason I always recommend a fish oil omega-3. The only time I would prescribe the flaxseed oil omega-3 would be if the patient is a vegetarian and/or vegan and cannot take a fish-based product.

Dr.Susan
http://www.lakeshorewellnesscenter.com

October 30, 2008 - 9:47am

Anonymous (reply to Dr. Susan)

Sorry to disagree but fish oil does not contain delta-6-desaturase. This is an enzyme that, together with delta-5-desaturase, is produced in the body. Together, these enzymes are necessary for converting ALA - found in flax oil - into long-chain fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. Both EPA/DHA are found pre-formed in fish oil and this is reason that many people think that fish oils are a 'better source' of omega 3. However, healthy males convert 16% of consumed ALA into EPA/DHA, and women more; but this drops severely in older people, those with health problems and deficiencies. So sometimes fish oil is required, but most of the time client will do equally well on either source.

(Comment edited by EmpowHer Moderator to remove non-working link.)

February 6, 2010 - 3:46pm