Flaxseed oil and salmon oil both provide natural omega-3 fatty acids known to help reduce your risk of cardiac disease while providing extensive auxiliary healthy benefits. However, flaxseed oil may not provide an effective level of the most efficient omega-3 acids. If you are thinking about taking either supplement, talk to your doctor about dosage, the possible side effects and precautions.
Flaxseed Oil Benefits
Flaxseed is oil derived from the seeds of the flax plant and is a major source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The principle fatty acid in flaxseed oil is alphalinolenic acid, or ALA. Some ALA is converted by the body into eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. EPA and DHA are some of the healthiest forms of omega-3 fatty acids, helping to reduce inflammation and cardiac disease and improve brain development.
Salmon Oil Benefits
Salmon oil is derived only from salmon and primarily contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Because EPA and DHA are naturally occurring in salmon oil, you get a higher dosage of benefits compared with flaxseed oil, which must convert ALA into EPA and DHA to be beneficial. When compared with other fish oils, salmon oil contains the highest percentage of EPA and DHA, making it the most effective omega-3 supplement available.
Flaxseed Oil Side Effects and Precautions
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises several possible side effects and precautions when taking flaxseed oil. People with diabetes or schizophrenia are less likely to have the capacity to change ALA into EPA and DHA, negating the effects of the oil. Flaxseed may also inhibit the effectiveness of some oral medications and increase the risk of macular degeneration. Finally, some studies have shown that ALA may increase your risk of prostate cancer. Patients who are at risk or concerned about any of these side effects should substitute fish oil or salmon oil for their omega-3 supplement.
Salmon Oil Side Effects and Precautions
The National Institutes of Health list several possible side effects of salmon oil. Taking too much salmon oil can create an overabundance of EPA and DHA, which can reduce your blood's capacity to clot and increase the risk of bleeding, especially among patients with liver disease and high blood pressure. Salmon oil may also contain mercury and alkaloids present in the fish. Taken in large doses, these metal toxins can poison you. Finally, salmon oil may increase or exacerbate the symptoms associated with depression, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.
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