Importance of omega-3s for the health of our hair and skin

You don't have to eat fish daily. My doctor said 3 times a week is good. She puts more focus on nutrition than supplements, that's why I like her.

Black beans, walnuts and wild rice are also sources of omega-3s.

On 4/6/2014 HonnyBrown said:

You don't have to eat fish daily. My doctor said 3 times a week is good. She puts more focus on nutrition than supplements, that's why I like her.

Black beans, walnuts and wild rice are also sources of omega-3s.

Unfortunately the vegan sources of the omega-3s (flaxseed oil is another excellent source) are all in the ALA form.

The DHA form of omega-3s is the principal form found in the brain, eyes, and I believe the heart as well.

In general, the body uses the fish oil forms of omega-3s -- DHA and EFA -- much more effectively in the body.

ALA has to be converted by the body into either DHA or EPA before it can be utilized. Unfortunately it's a very inefficient conversion. Basically to make one new DHA or EPA molecule, a number of ALA molecules have to be used.

The same is actually true of the conversion of EPA to DHA which is the preferred form of omega-3s for a number of key organs.

From everything I've read, your body operates best when you give it omega-3s (whether in fish or supplement form) on a daily basis. -- I take some daily vitamin supplements that are lipid (fat) soluble and have a preference for EPA (e.g. lutein & zeaxanthin to protect the macula of the eyes). -- If omega-3s are not in the digestive system at the same as these particular nutrients, these nutrients cannot be absorbed by the body and will just go through the intestine as waste material.

Again, from what I've read, these are the recommendations for daily intake of DHA/EFA:

* rock bottom level - 250mg

* general overall consensus - 500 or 800 or 1000 mg daily

* World Health Organization - 2 grams (2,000mg)

* Dr Dean Ornish (famed heart surgeon) - 3 grams (3,000mg)

As more research becomes available, more professionals are recommending that 500mg of the daily intake be of the DHA omega-3.

I take about 3gm of DHA/EPA daily. Probably 1,000-1,200gm of that is of DHA.

-- bebe

I have no idea what you're talking about.

bebe777,

Enjoyed your comments!

Are you a vegan? I eat a vegetarian diet except for some of the dietary supplements my M.D. requires due to an immunological problem I have. He is a vegan and is absolutely great about respecting dietary choices and helping find the least offensive supplements. Having someone who is supportive that is helpful isn't it?

bebe777,

Thanx so much for all the info. I ordered the Omegas from HSN. You are very knowledgeable and I appreciate learning about vitamins. (as well as many other things)

On 4/6/2014 HonnyBrown said:

You don't have to eat fish daily. My doctor said 3 times a week is good. She puts more focus on nutrition than supplements, that's why I like her.

Black beans, walnuts and wild rice are also sources of omega-3s.

My doctor told me essentially the same thing just a year ago!

On 4/6/2014 HonnyBrown said:

I have no idea what you're talking about.

HonnyBrown, I'm not sure what your question, I'm not sure how to answer you.

-- bebe

On 4/6/2014 scottygal said:

bebe777,

Thanx so much for all the info. I ordered the Omegas from HSN. You are very knowledgeable and I appreciate learning about vitamins. (as well as many other things)

scottygal, thank you so much for your kind words. The special today is really a great value, especially the 800 caps size. It compares very favorably with buying the liquid omega-3s in bottles. btw, next weekend Andrew will be having the maximum eye support on special.

-- bebe