Triglycerides are the main type of fat found in blood. When calories are not used immediately for energy, they form triglycerides and are stored in fat cells in the body, according to the American Heart Association website. Elevated triglycerides increase the risk for several health conditions, including coronary artery disease and diabetes. Research indicates that omega 3s, which are found in fish oil and flax seed oil, are effective in lowering triglycerides. However, fish oil is more proficient than flax seed oil for improving triglycerides.
DHA and EPA
Fish oil is rich in the omega 3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, which are reponsible for lowering triglycerides. Healthy participants with elevated triglycerides ingesting fish oil for 12 weeks experienced a significant decrease in triglycerides levels compared to those consuming a placebo, according to the Stanford School of Medicine website.
Fish Oil and Type 2 Diabetics
In a study published in the 2001 issue of the "Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews," University of Oxford researchers investigated the effects of fish oil on type 2 diabetics, who are more at risk of elevated triglycerides and heart disease. Scientists discovered that subjects taking fish oil for 12 weeks considerably lowered their triglycerides levels.
Flax Seed Oil
Unlike fish oil, flaxseed oil contains the omega 3 fatty acid alpha linolenic acid, a precursor to DHA and EPA. The conversion of alpha linolenic acid to DHA and EPA is sometimes not an efficient process, mainly because it depends on the presence of the enzyme delta-6-destaurase, which is sometimes not active or available in individuals, especially diabetics. However, research shows that taking flax seed oil significantly reduces triglycerides levels, according to the World's Healthiest Foods.
Dosage
According to Medline Plus, healthy adults should take in approximately in 0.8g to 1.1g of alpha linolenic acid and 0.3g to 0.5g of DHA and EPA daily. Check with your doctor before beginning fish oil and flax seed oil supplementation.
Which is Best?
As studies have shown, both fish oil and flax seed oil help reduce triglycerides levels. However, fish oil is slightly better because you are receiving DHA and EPA directly.
