AboutTodd Bublitz, RCEP Expertise I can answer questions on Cholesterol & Lipids. I can explain how diet can and cannot improve your cholesterol & triglyceride levels.
Experience I have 17 years experience in cardiovascular disease prevention, rehabilitation and education. Researcher in cardiovascular exercise, cardiac function and cardiac testing. I developed and maintain Lipid-Clinic.com
Also run Nuclear Cardiology Research Organizations National Lipid Association
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
Question Can you tell me if pharmaceutical grade omega 3 is something created as an advertising ploy. Or, is that something I should look for? Is there an EPA DHA ratio to look for? Thank you!
Answer Lauren,
Anything that comes as a prescription in the U.S. is subject to FDA (Food & Drug Administration) regulations. These regulations include the manufacturing process, purity, standardization, the contents of the pills/capsules, etc., and the safety & effectiveness of the product, as well as all marketing claims.
Over the counter dietary supplements in the U.S. are not regulated by the FDA as "drugs" but as "foods", and there is no guarantee that the products contain what is stated on the label, free of impurities or contaminates, or that the product was manufactured using "Good Manufacturing Practice" (GMP). "Good Manufacturing Practice" is a set of regulations from the FDA describing conditions under which dietary supplements must be prepared, packed, and stored. However, these regulations are voluntary, not mandatory. Dietary supplements are not required to be standardized in the United States. In fact, no legal or regulatory definition exists in the United States for standardization as it applies to dietary supplements.
Choose a manufacturer you know and trust. Buyer beware!
There is no set ratio of EPA to DHA. Most Omega-3 preparations have about a 1:1 ratio. I strongly suggest you consult your doctor before using large doses of Omega-3 due to the possibility of certain side effects (i.e. caution in people with bleeding disorders, people on blood thinners, and people with diabetes, among other possible concerns).
I suggest people check out Consumer Labs (www.consumerlab.com) for evaluations of dietary supplements and the Office of Dietary Supplements National Institutes of Health (http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov).
