What Is Fish Oil Granulate?

Your body can't produce its own omega-3 fatty acids. These essential polyunsaturated fats --- crucial to brain function, body growth and development --- must come from an outside source. Add polyunsaturated fats to your diet by eating plenty of whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, olive oil and broiled or baked fish. You can also take granulated fish oil as a means of assuring adequate daily intake of omega-3 compounds --- though you should consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Fish Oil and Plasma Lipids

Fish oil contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) --- two powerful omega-3 acids that reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. According to the American Heart Association, elevated levels of these plasma fats contribute to the development of coronary artery disease. Excess triglycerides can also indicate other problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism and kidney or liver disease.

The Mayo Clinic suggests that a healthy lifestyle alone may not be sufficient to lower triglycerides to a safe level. Fish oil supplements can further enhance your ability to control plasma fats. If you already have a heart condition, omega-3 acids can help reduce your risk of death, heart attack and stroke. Additionally, fish oil slows the formation of blood clots and hardening of the arteries.

Granulation

You can purchase fish oil supplements as gel capsules, liquids and a granulated powder. Fish oil capsules and liquids have a limited shelf life due to oxidation. As with any oil that breaks down chemically, over time, rancid fish oil develops an unpleasant odor and taste. Fortunately, the process of microencapsulation uses spraying and freeze-drying methods to produce a more stable, water soluble, fish oil granulate, researcher Sri Haryani Anwar at the University of Bonn in Germany reports.

Dosage

In a 2008 article for "U.S. News and World Report" magazine, Dr. Bernadine Healy stressed that acceptable blood levels for omega-3 acids have yet to be established. The Mayo Clinic concurs that dosing is currently based on research, usage and opinion.

The American Heart Association recommends two servings of fatty fish per week for healthy adults. The World Health Organization recommends a daily intake of 0.3 to 0.5 grams of EPA and DHA combined. Children under 18 years of age should not take fish oil supplements.

Considerations

Some people have digestive issues with omega-3 supplements. Fish breath and burping should not occur with granulated fish oil. Fish oil granulate is measurable --- thereby allowing you to be more precise with your intake of the supplement.
Refined fish oil supplements are less likely to contain environmental contaminants such as mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that can be found in fresh fish, Healy warned in "U.S. News."

Cautions

Herbs and supplements are not fully regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; purity and product quality are inconsistent.

You should avoid fish oil supplements if you are allergic to fish. There is also a slight risk of increased blood sugar in people who take omega-3 fish oil supplements. Therefore, diabetics taking fish oil granules should carefully monitor their glucose levels --- and get doctor's approval before taking any supplements.

Omega-3 fatty acids at high doses can increase bleeding and interfere with blood clot formation, the Mayo Clinic warns.