Dr Rick

It's a pitch for a book written by Andrew L. Stoll, M.D. with quotes from Andrew L. Stoll, M.D., and references from published work authored by Andrew L. Stoll, M.D.

Rick

Dank

Flax-seed oil is the common plant (non-fishy) source, though it is bitter...

Chip

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered short chains while Omega-6 and Omega-9 are called long chain fatty acids. Flax seed oil contains a fatty acid that humans can convert to the Omega-3 acids to varying degrees.

galiel

On a site that happens to be in the business of selling health supplements.

Doesn't this raise any red flags? Seriously, isn't it appropriate for you to be just a tiny bit skeptical of the fact that the only "accurate" review you can find (I wonder if "accurate" is a euphemism for "in support") is on a site selling the book along with supplements to match?

Viti

Dr. Rick,

My FIL has rheumatoid arthritis...do you think Omega-3 supplements are truly helpful?

Dr Rick

Hi LadyShea,

The answer to your question is a definite "maybe."

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks components of itself. Fish oils seem to have some anti-inflammatory effects in autoimmune diseases, but these effects may only be short term. Animal studies of autoimmune diseases have shown that supplementation of dietary Omega-3 fatty acids might lead to a decrease in the numbers of certain types of destructive autoreactive white blood cells, but the effect seems to fade, possibly due to regrowth of pathogenic autoreactive cells.

Long-term clinical trials in humans are still needed. Some, but not all, short-term clinical human trials have demonstrated some modest improvement in rheumatoid arthritis disease activity with fish oil supplements.

In still other animal studies, diets high in Omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oils reduced disease severity in autoimmune disease, while Omega-6 linoleic acid-rich diets increased disease severity. It's possible the anti-inflammatory effects depend on the dietary balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and not just the total intake of one or the other.

It probably wouldn't hurt for your FIL to give Omega-3 supplements a try, but he should tell his doctor if he does.

Finally, while there are plant sources of Omega-3 fatty acids available, most of the good positive studies have been done with fish oil supplements. Since we don't fully understand their mechanisms of action, we don't know yet if plant derived supplements such as flaxseed oil will have the same potential benefits as the fish oils.

Rick

[ October 30, 2002: Message edited by: rbochnermd ]</p>

galiel

Rick,

Aren't there also studies suggesting that overdoses of certain Omega-3 fattyacids may suppress the immune system?

I don't think there is any doubt among experts that these fattyacids fulfill a vital role in the normal growth and functioning of the human body. However, like many, many previous issues the "alt-meds" community has gotten ahold of, they are being touted as a cure for everything under the sun, (literally, including skin cancer), without sufficient clinical studies to evaluate the safe dosages, let along efficacy, as you point out.

IANAMD, I only urge caution before people experiment with things that may have unforeseen side-effect, or that may lull one into a false sense of security that may prevent use of more effective treatments.

I am not opposed in principle to new medical claims. Medicine, like all fields of scientific practice, is advancing all the time. In fact, my wife has osteoarthritis and takes glucosamine and chondroitin, which are not yet officially approved by the FDA for such treatment. However, we did extensive homework before she took her first dose.

There have been enough instances of people going off half-cocked and taking unapproved supplements that have later proved dangerous or even fatal (Fen-phen, anyone? Or, most recently, Ephedra or Ma Huang? Not to mention damage by ommision: how many women who could benefit forego HST because of "Wild Yam Cream" claims?)

This is a particular problem because of the widespread myth of "alternative" or "New Age" medicine, and the correlating irrational suspicion of "Western medicine". My sister nearly went blind in one eye because she tried to treat an infection with herbal remedies. Only because she finally "broke down" and went to see a "Western" doctor, who gave her antibiotics, was she cured.

I think it is irresponsible, if not borderline criminal, to tell another person to take any medication, conventional or "alternative", in an online forum like this, particularly someone with a medically diagnosed problem. NO reputable practitioner would make such a recommendation without seeing a patient, or at least consulting with their doctor and examining their records. The consequences are potentially fatal.

[ October 30, 2002: Message edited by: galiel ]</p>

Kharakov

I know if I feel down and eat some sardines, I generally feel better in a day or 2. Of course it could be psychosomatic. The other day I went to a doctor because I thought I had hypochondria.

Seriously though, I do think that getting Omega-3s is beneficial to mental and physical well being.

Chip

Rick,

My understanding is that fish do not manufacture their own omega-3 fatty acids. It's source in aquatic environments appears to be an algae or more than one, as is the case with astaxanthin, another valuable substance to add to one's repertoire.

It is expected as the demand for omega-3 fatty acids increase, algae cultures will become the preferred, less expensive and more free of mercury and other possible contaminants that may concentrate in fish.

Regards, Chip

Chip

Galiel,

Please cite your allegations of dangerous side effects of EFAs.

As far as I can see, no one here is partaking in a conspiracy to instruct anyone to do something without sufficient preknowledge and professional advice. Please cite where you see this "potentially fatal" malevolence.

Regards, Chip

Edited to add second paragraph.

[ October 30, 2002: Message edited by: Chip ]</p>