Flaxseed oil and fish oil are two different supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of beneficial fat that can be used to reduce risk of developing cardiovascular problems and other health conditions. Flaxseed and fish oil contain different kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, and while it is safe to take both of them simultaneously, you should talk with your doctor before taking these supplements.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Because your body cannot synthesize them, omega-3 fatty acids are considered to be essential fatty acids and thus must be consumed to get into your body. These fatty acids can be found in many kinds of food, including fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in flaxseed, legumes, leafy green vegetables, and oils made from nuts.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Types
There are three main omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linoleic acid, which is also known as ALA. Fish oil contains two other kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, which are eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, or EPA and DHA, respectively. EPA and DHA are the most biologically active omega-3 fatty acids. On the other hand, the body is able to convert alpha-linoleic acid into DHA and EPA, so it can still provide benefits, but it is not known how efficient the body is at converting ALA into DHA and EPA, so flaxseed oil may not be as beneficial as fish oil.
Benefits and Dosing
Both flaxseed oil and fish oil may be able to protect you from developing cardiovascular problems. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce your triglyceride levels and increase HDL, also known as the "good" cholesterol. Flaxseed oil and fish oil can also make your platelets less sticky, which can reduce your risk of developing blood clots. The World Health Organization recommends that you get between 0.8 and 1.1g of ALA each day and 0.3 to 0.5g of DHA and EPA daily.
Considerations
Although it is generally safe to take both flaxseed oil and fish oil supplements, there are some reasons why you may not want to take both. If your intake of omega-3 fatty acids is too high, you can impair your blood's ability to clot normally, leading to excessive bleeding and bruising. If you have diabetes or schizophrenia, you may not be able to convert ALA into EPA and DHA, which will make flaxseed oil a less effective option compared to fish oil. ALA may also increase your risk of developing prostate cancer and macular degeneration.
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