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Why Vegetarian Omega 3 Microalgae Oil is Safe and Effective

By Scott Doughman

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 13Mar2009 Word count: 672 Viewed: 349 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Although fish oil from reputable companies is regarded as safe, long term exposure through supplementation is often feared since trace pollutants from ocean ecosystems contaminate both fresh caught and farm-raised fish that feed on or are fed marine organisms. But now, golden microalgae oil is ready to replace medical fish oil for heart and brain health supplement needs.

Some types of fish contain relatively high levels of mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], dioxins and other environmental contaminants. In general, older, larger predatory fish contain the highest level of contaminants. Fish can also contain significant levels of methyl mercury, considered one of the more dangerous food contaminants today. PCBs and methyl mercury are believed to have long half-lives in the body and can accumulate in people who consume fish on a frequent basis. Recommendations currently suggest limiting intake of fish to twice per week.

Can docosahexaenoic acid omega-3 (DHA)-rich microalgae oil function as a universal fish oil alternative? Based on the effects and benefits of fish oil, it will be important to know how well DHA-rich oil compares in clinical efficacy. Early clinical indications strongly support equal or greater efficacy of microalgae oil compared to fish oil for many treatments, particularly those related to cardio-protection, Alzheimer's prevention, and lowering triglycerides.

The DHA-rich omega-3 oil produced from microalgae has undergone extensive analysis, showing that the individual components of the extracted oils are all present elsewhere in normal foods consumed by communities. Thus, DHA-rich oil is inherently safe in its fatty acid and sterol components, a fact known since 1997.

The oil's safety is further supported by historically safe use of this oil and fish oils of similar active ingredient compositions. In addition, microalgae oil safety is guaranteed. The knowledge of human metabolism for each individual component in microalgae oil and a lack of adverse reactions are conclusive. There have been no reports in the literature of allergic or toxic responses to microalgae oil, plus it is approved for infant formula, pregnant and nursing mothers, the elderly and people of all ages.

It has been shown that its individual ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids vary according to food source. For DHA-rich microalgae oil from, the key points to note are how this golden colored microalgae oil matches the human body's direct needs. For example, 9 out of 10 of the omega-3s in the human body are a DHA molecule. Notably the Chromista strain has very high levels of DHA (C22 DHA n-3) for help building up the total omega-3s in the body. For naming purposes, C22 refers to the chain length of 22 carbons and the n-3 refers to the omega-3.

C22 chains are abundant in the brain. Also noted is the moderate content of docosapentaenoic acid (C22 DPA n-6) in the concentrated nutritional oil. The n-6 refers to omega-6 form. Brain beneficial C22 DPA n-6 is an important building block, present in a wide variety of foods and it does not have the negative properties of other omega-6 forms. It is also relatively abundant in eggs and breast milk. The ratio of C22 DPA n-6 to C22 DHA n-3 in human breast milk is reported to range normally from 1:1 to 1:6. The ratio of the C22 DPA n-6 (DPA) to C22 DHA n-3 (DHA) in the Chromista oil is 1:3, the median range of breast milk. Still, DPA and DHA are some of the hardest 'good' fats to get in the diet without supplementation. Golden microalgae oil provides both of these from one source.

C20 chains are abundant in the cardiovascular system. The golden colored oil also has appropriate levels of the 'good' anti-inflammatory EPA (C20 EPA n-3) to neutralize inflammatory arachidonic acid (C20 ARA n-6) in the system, which may be elevated in dislipidemic individuals and those with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

Microalgae oil strains have been developed by conventional techniques and no Genetic Modifications were used or needed. An independent panel of experts in the US has concluded that DHA-rich oil from microalgae can be 'Generally Regarded as Safe' as a nutritional food ingredient or supplement.

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