Tuna Oil
Updated Oct. 13th, 2017
Tuna oil contains EPA and DHA, two omega 3 essential fatty acids. EPA is an important fatty acid in the maintenance of cardiovascular health and the regulation of inflammation. EPA is a precursor to a series of chemicals whose job it is to regulate the inflammatory effects of arachidonic acid. Too much arachidonic acid leads to pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis. Arachidonic acid also causes inflammation in arteries and leads to the development of atherosclerotic plaques.
Deficiency of EPA can result in cardiac arrhythmias, high cholesterol and excessive aging. EPA has been used to treat heart disease, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. DHA is an essential component of the brain and central nervous system. It seems to concentrate in areas where there is lots of electrical activity such as the synaptosomes, where nerve cells communicate, and the photoreceptors of the eye. This is why a deficiency of DHA can result in poor brain development, attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, memory problems and poor visual development. Fish oils may also offer protection against some forms of cancer.
Tuna contains more omega 3 rich fat than most other fish species. Tuna supplements are usually found as standard soft gel capsules, containing 180 mg of EPA and 120mg of DHA per capsule. Ensure your tuna oil supplement is not processed with heat because it damages the acids and creates free radicals. It is important to purchase a good quality fish oil supplement that has been tested for contaminants. Keep capsules away from heat to increase shelf life.
Hopefully you have an article on microalgae oil! Tuna, as a top predator, is very unsustainable. Since tuna (and other omega-3 rich fish including the very-praised salmon), get these omega 3 fatty acids from the algae that they feast on, these algae are really the omega 3 powerhouses. That said, it is a shame that there is a considerable markup in terms of price for microalgae oil relative to fish oil-shouldn't it technically be cheaper to go directly to the source?
Anyway, thank you for the great article. There are indeed many benefits of long chain omega 3 fatty acids for the heart and brain. Also, I really appreciate the notes you have on getting the most out of the supplements (eg storage and considerations when taking)
Hello Rachel,
Thank you for your comment and notes on sustainability. Indeed, microalgae oil is a fascinating topic and one that is gaining traction in the health and wellness community. As you rightly pointed out, tuna and other omega-3 rich fish obtain their omega-3 fatty acids from the algae they consume. By bypassing the middleman, so to speak, microalgae oil offers a direct and sustainable source of these essential nutrients.
While it's true that there may be a price difference between microalgae oil and fish oil, it's important to consider various factors that contribute to this disparity. The production process for microalgae oil is still relatively new and requires specialized technology and expertise. If you'd like to learn more about different algae, please check out our articles, https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/algaecal/
Have a healthy day