Numerous studies and placebo controlled clinical trials continue to reveal that fish oil high in the Omega 3 fatty acid Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA as it is known, can have a dramatic effect on a child’s performance at school. In the UK, the Durham trials in particular have shown that fish oil aids concentration and memory and some children improved their reading age by as much as a year after only three months of taking fish oil.

Fish oil also reduced the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) such as hyperactivity and impulsiveness and the children were calmer and more focussed. Indeed some researchers in Australia have even claimed that fish oil is better than Ritalin at treating ADHD.

What is so special about fish oil?

The truth is that there is something quite special about fish oil. Fish oil contains the important Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These fatty acids are essential for life but cannot be produced by the body so must be sourced from the diet. DHA is necessary for healthy brain development so is particularly important during pregnancy and in early childhood however after that it is EPA that is required for efficient brain function on a day to day basis.

The problem is that our diets and particularly kids’ diets contain very little Omega 3 as EPA can only be found in any significant quantities in oily fish such as Salmon, Tuna and Mackerel to name but a few. It would seem logical then to eat more fish but as our fish swim in seas that are polluted, they can also contain harmful toxins. There is another form of Omega 3 (ALA) in green vegetables and in algae but unfortunately our bodies are not efficient at converting this into EPA.

So, the only real and valuable source of EPA is in fish oil that has been purified to remove the toxins and that has a high EPA content. As it happens, this is the kind of fish oil that has been used in the trials that have revealed such startling results. Fish oil basically boosts your child’s brain power.

Even worse, they might even think that the numerous other products claiming to contain Omega 3 such as bread and margarine for example, will give them enough Omega 3 to make a difference. This is simply not the case.

Omega 3 fatty acids

There are different types of Omega 3 fatty acids but the two most important are Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA and Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA. This is because we cannot survive without them but as we cannot produce these fatty acids ourselves we must get them from our diets but the only really reliable source we have of these fatty acids is oily fish.

Another type of Omega 3 fatty acid is Alpha linolenic acid or ALA, which is equally essential but we can find this in many sources such as green vegetables, canola oil, flax seeds and algae. It is this form that is often added to products. However it is EPA that most researchers now consider to be the most important fatty acid and here’s one of the reasons why.

You will often read that our bodies can convert ALA into EPA and DHA. Theoretically this is true; however, our ability to do this is extremely limited and according to some studies could even be lower than 5%. On the other hand if we get enough EPA in our diets we can convert it into the DHA that we need which is why it is vital that we get enough EPA. One way to do this is by taking fish oil capsules regularly.

What to consider when buying fish oil

If you want to start taking fish oil there are certain things to consider before you buy. The first is obviously the amount of EPA contained in the oil, the higher the amount of EPA the better.

The second thing is whether or not the oil has been through processes such as molecular distillation to remove any toxins that could be lurking in the oil. Our seas are polluted and so are our fish so if we don’t remove these harmful toxins there’s little point in taking fish oil for health.

Finally, you have to consider the number of capsules you have to take per day. Many fish oils require you to take six or more capsules which can be inconvenient and costly. It pays to buy the best oil you can afford but obviously concentrated fish oil where you only have to take one or two capsules a day is ideal.

So what can you expect if you overdose on fish oil? The symptoms of a fish oil overdose are likely to be similar to the side effects that can be experienced with fish oil only much worse.

What are the side effects associated with Fish Oil?

It has to be said that the risk of severe side effects from taking fish oil is quite rare. The most commonly reported side effect from fish oil are fishy burps, a fishy aftertaste in the mouth and an upset stomach in the form of stomach cramps and possibly accompanied by flatulence and diarrhoea. You can help prevent this by keeping your fish oil in the fridge and only taking it along with meals.

More serious side effects can include easy bruising and an increased risk of bleeding and possibly the more serious internal bleeding which can be difficult to identify. However, there is also a risk from ingesting too much Vitamin A but only if you are taking Cod Liver Oil as Cod Liver Oil contains significant amounts of Vitamin A which can cause Vitamin A toxicity. This is particularly important for pregnant women as too much Vitamin A is believed to be harmful to the unborn baby and may result in birth defects.

If you are worried about vitamin A toxicity then it may be best to avoid Cod Liver Oil and take other fish oils which do not contain vitamin A as it is quite easy to exceed the recommended dietary allowance of Vitamin A, particularly if you are taking the fish oil over extended periods of time as Vitamin A can accumulate in the body.

Treating an overdose

If you suspect that you have overdosed on fish oil and/or are experiencing severe side effects then seek medical attention as soon as possible so that you can receive the appropriate treatment. Treatment will generally consist of alleviating or stopping the symptoms that have arisen as a result of the overdose.

Fish Liver Oil on the other hand, is Fish Oil that has been extracted from the liver of fish as opposed to the whole fish, Cod Liver Oil for example. Just like Fish Oil, Cod Liver Oil also contains the Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

Many people believe that Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil are much and such the same so it won’t make any difference which one they take but this isn’t correct. In addition to the Omega 3 fatty acids Cod Liver Oil also contains quite significant amounts of Vitamins A and D which can be detrimental to health if taken in too high a quantity.

Vitamin A Toxicity and Cod Liver Oil

With Vitamin A in particular, it is not going to be too difficult to exceed the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) as Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin so it isn’t as easy for the body to dispose of any excess in the diet and so it can accumulate in the body. Vitamin C for example is water soluble so any excess can be eliminated fairly easily.

Too much Vitamin A can lead to a serious condition known as Hypervitaminosis A, or in other words Vitamin A toxicity. Symptoms of Vitamin A toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, blurred vision, headaches, muscle pain, weakness, confusion, and in severe cases, hair loss, fever, anaemia, drying of the mucous membranes and even bone fractures. If you are concerned about Vitamin A toxicity or if you are pregnant or nursing or intending to become pregnant then it is best to avoid Cod Liver Oil as too much Vitamin A has also been linked to birth defects.

Pure EPA Fish Oil

Fish Oil doesn’t contain Vitamins A and D so vitamin toxicity isn’t a proble

Benefits of Cod Liver Oil

The Omega 3 fatty acids in cod liver oil are the very Omega 3 fatty acids that we find so hard to source in our diet unless we eat significant amounts of fish. Normal Western diets are now so high in Omega 6 and so low in Omega 3 that many health professionals believe this imbalance to be the main cause of a rise in heart disease, inflammatory conditions and other so called ailments of the 21st Century.

Omega 6 is pro inflammatory whereas Omega 3 is anti inflammatory. What we need to do to rectify this imbalance is reduce our intake of Omega 6 and increase our intake of Omega 3 but of course this can be difficult if we don’t eat a lot of fish. This is where fish oil comes in and yes taking cod liver oil can help to increase your Omega 3 intake.

Vitamin A Toxicity

As Cod liver oil contains relatively high amounts of vitamin A it is quite possible to exceed the recommended dietary allowance and because Vitamin A can accumulate in the body, there is a risk of developing Hypervitaminosis A, a serious condition as a result of vitamin A toxicity. Vitamin A in high doses can also cause birth defects so it is not recommended for pregnant women or for anyone trying to conceive.

Purity

Another potential problem with Cod Liver Oil is the possibility of the oil containing undesirable and harmful toxins such as mercury and PCBs. This of course does not apply if the oil has been refined and purified to remove these toxins. However, not all fish oil producers regularly test their oils for purity so it is essential that if you do consider taking fish oil that you opt for a reputable one.

Sources of DHA

The only real source of DHA in any significant quantity is in oily fish or in fish oil extracted from oily fish so unless we eat a lot of fish, which is not recommended due to the amount of toxins they can contain such as mercury, PCBs, Dioxin and Chlordane, or take fish oil regularly, we are not going to be able to get very much of it in our diets.

Why DHA is important

DHA is found in sperm, the retina and the brain and as it is necessary for healthy brain structure and development it is particularly important during pregnancy or in the first few years of life when the brain and the eyes are developing rapidly. As a baby in the womb will source all its DHA from the mother, it is so important that the mother has enough in her diet to cater for this demand. It is disturbing that many research studies have revealed that there is a direct correlation between lower intake of Omega 3 and postpartum depression.

DHA versus EPA

Many fish oils on the market contain both DHA and another important Omega 3 fatty acid known as Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA. EPA is also a long chain Omega 3 fatty acid but this time with a 20 carbon chain and five double bonds with the first double bond located at the third carbon from the end.

There has been a long standing debate as to whether DHA or EPA is more important. Many leading researchers, particularly in the UK, now believe that EPA is the single most important fatty acid for optimal brain function on a daily basis and for nerve stimulation. The truth is we need both DHA and EPA however, if we get enough EPA in our diets we can convert it into DHA as required.

These fish don’t actually produce the Omega 3 fatty acids themselves but instead they accumulate them in their bodies by eating micro algae or by eating other fish that have eaten micro algae. Obviously those at the top of the food chain are likely to contain more of these essential fatty acids. We cannot produce Omega 3 fatty acids either so must also source them from our diets.

Unfortunately, fish like Salmon are the only real source of EPA and DHA available to us. There is a plant based Omega 3 fatty acid known as ALA (Alpha linolenic acid) however our bodies cannot efficiently convert this fatty acid into the more beneficial EPA and DHA.

Some researchers go as far as to say it is the lack of Omega 3 fatty acids in our diets combined with consumption of too much Omega 6 that is singularly responsible for the massive rise in heart disease and inflammatory conditions, allergies and skin problems we have seen over the past few decades. This is why fish oil is so important.

A major cause of concern regarding fish and therefore fish oil is the fact that our oceans and rivers are polluted and therefore so are our fish. This is particularly true in the case of predatory fish like Salmon as they eat other fish so the levels of toxins can accumulate. As a result of this it is recommended that we only eat one or two portions of oily fish a week at the most. This is hardly ideal when Salmon for example can contain high amounts of the Omega 3 fatty acids we need so badly not only to survive but to be in the best health physically and mentally.

Fortunately there is a way round this problem. Salmon Fish oil or any other fish oil can be purified to remove these toxins leaving only the concentrated Omega 3 fatty acids that we need. However, not all fish oils are subjected to the sophisticated distilling and purifying processes required to remove these toxins. When choosing a fish oil, shop around for one that is high quality pharmaceutical grade fish oil and buy the best you can find. When it comes to fish oil you can’t afford to buy the cheapest or you might get more than you bargained for.

However, before you go rushing out to eat fish seven days a week there is a catch. The fish in our oceans are polluted and therefore if we eat too much of it we are unlikely to experience any health benefits from the Omega 3 in the fish as our bodies will have to deal with the toxins they contain. Currently the official recommendation is to continue to eat fish but no more than twice a week. This is not exactly ideal but fortunately there is another solution.

Fish oil can be taken instead of fish and you will be able to get all the benefits of pure fish without the problems association with the toxins, but again there is a catch. This applies only if you take the right kind of fish oil. The fish oil must be high quality purified fish oil so that it contains the right nutrients and none of the pollutants.

What is in fish oil and how does it work?

Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA and Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA are the two nutrients that are essential for healthy brain development and function. DHA is more important during pregnancy and in the first few years of life when the brain is developing but after that it is EPA that is required for normal brain function.

No one knows the exact mechanisms that allow EPA to work but it is believed to be due to a number of factors including that as EPA is anti-inflammatory it helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body and increase blood flow to the brain. It is also believed to facility better inter-neural connectivity. The result of this is better concentration and focus and improved memory. It also acts as a mood booster and improves health in general. Indeed, research has shown that fish oil with a high EPA content can alleviate symptoms of depression, ADHD and many other conditions as well as help protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

However, some of the most significant results involving children and teenagers have been the dramatic effect that fish oil appears to have on concentration, learning and behaviour in the classroom.

Better performance at school

The UK Durham trials in particular, led by Dr Madeleine Portwood continue to report on the beneficial effect that fish oil has on learning and behaviour. The results of several studies have indicated that a daily dose of fish oil high in the essential fatty acid Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA increases attentiveness and reduces impulsiveness and has a positive effect on a youngster’s academic performance in general.

One study involved a group of 20 teenagers between 12 and 15 years of age most of who showed moderate to severe symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). ADHD is characterised by an inability to concentrate or remain focused on tasks for any length of time, along with symptoms of impulsive and hyperactive behaviour, all of which can have a negative effect on a child’s performance at school. Interestingly, children with ADHD have been found to have particularly low concentrations of Omega 3 fatty acids in their blood.

After just 12 weeks of giving the teenagers Omega 3 fish oil on a daily basis, their inattentiveness levels fell from 94% at the start of the trial to just 17% and impulsivity from 89% to 28%. Yet another study, this time in Adelaide, Australia, concluded that giving fish oil supplements to children with ADHD significantly improves their performance at school and the researches even reported that fish oil could be better than Ritalin for treating ADHD.

These results are exciting enough but are not the only benefits to be obtained by giving Omega 3 fish oil supplements to teenagers.

Fish oil helps to combat acne

Fish oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory and can have a positive effect on skin conditions such as acne. During adolescence, there are a number of hormonal changes taking place and the Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil can help inhibit the production of androgens, a hormone which is particularly active during adolescence and which can trigger acne and perhaps this is why teenagers are more prone to acne than other age groups.

So what is so special about fish oil?

Oily fish contains essential fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that are necessary for physical and mental health but the essential fatty acid EPA is considered to be particularly important for efficient functioning of the brain on a daily basis. EPA is thought to work by increasing blood flow throughout the body and to the brain and also has an impact on hormones and the immune system, together which can improve brain function and general health.

EPA can only be found in any significant quantities in oily fish but we are advised to limit our consumption of fish due to the amount of toxins they can contain. However, purified fish oil with a high EPA content is a perfectly safe and convenient way for teenagers to get enough of the essential EPA Omega 3 fatty acid in their diets to make a difference.

What is OCD?

Most people hear OCD and they think of a person that washes their hands over and over again or a person that needs to count the number of times that the door closes before they can leave a room – both of these are generic examples and possible behaviours that can be explained by OCD. OCD, or obsessive compulsive disorder, is a condition in which the person can not control a behaviour that they have. This might be hand washing, but it can also be something like hair pulling. What happens is that the patient is unable to control these behaviours because whenever they are not done, they feel extreme anxiety. But at the same time, the patient realises that they are being controlled by their behaviours and can begin to feel stress at the amount of time these actions are taking from their life.

A patient might begin to spend hours in these ritualised behaviours in order to feel like they can cope in the world. Eventually, the behaviours can become so controlling that they begin to crowd into their life causing them to isolate themselves and to not be able to keep a job. OCD has also led to a number of suicides among the afflicted as these people can begin to feel like their life is meaningless.

No one is quite sure what causes OCD, though most agree that it must be some sort of chemical imbalance in the brain that is causing the reactions to the ritualistic behaviours – or the lack thereof.

What are the Treatments for OCD?

At the current time, OCD is generally treated with a combination of SSRIs as well as cognitive and behavioural therapies. The medications help to control the anxiety issues that the person feels when they aren’t following these uncontrollable impulses. And the other therapies help by giving the patient other alternatives to the behaviours they are accustomed to doing. For example, someone who is obsessed about hand washing might be directed to try another sort of behaviour when that impulse strikes.

Alternative therapies like Saint John’s Wort are also being investigated as possible treatments for OCD, but studies are not conclusive at the current time. Some researchers are even looking into using illicit drugs to help with OCD impulses.

How can OCD Be Helped by Fish Oil?

Fish oil is one of the alternative therapies that seem to be the most promising. Because the essential fatty acids in the fish oil are necessary for the body to promote basic cellular function and repair, they are used in the nervous system functioning. When the nervous system is working well, the impulses of OCD are not as strong. This can help the patient to begin to find other ways of dealing with these impulses, eventually causing them to stop these impulses altogether.

Fish oil has been linked in studies done at Harvard Medical to the slowing of the OCD in many patients. Researchers have found that patients with OCD as well as other mental disorders are vastly improved and able to function in society as a result of taking fish oil supplements.

How to Add Fish Oil to the Treatment Regimen

While fish oil seems to be a promising way to deal with OCD and other mental disorders, it is not without concerns. Since fish oil can often thin the blood when taken in larger doses, this is a treatment addition that needs to be monitored by a trained physician – especially if the patient is taking other medications at the same time. Try to find a physician that is open to alternative therapies to see if they will advise you on the correct dose for you.

If taking a supplement doesn’t seem to be the best course for you, you might also want to try adding a few servings of fish to your weekly menu. Just two servings per week is the recommended dosage for helping to ensure that the patient is getting enough essential fatty acids. Try fishes like mackerel, herring, and kipper if you want to get the maximum amounts of fish oil in your diet.

Conclusion

Adding fish oil to the diet can help with OCD in many patients. While no one cure works for all people, the lack of side effects in comparison to traditional psychiatric medications helps to make fish oil something that should be considered.