Posted by BarbaraCat on July 13, 2002, at 15:01:36
In reply to Re: What's best; DHA alone or DHA with EPA et al? » BarbaraCat, posted by Ron Hill on July 10, 2002, at 10:55:28
Hi Ron,
Thanks for your concern. Yes, I'm back on level ground again. I hate to admit it, but I have a definite weekness for Chardonnay and I overdid it with some friends. I don't know if the fish oil has sensitised things, or what, but I was in a deep horrible place that brightened up as soon as I got the booze out of my system. I am now on the wagon. I've learned my lesson well, it was so horrible. Plus, my husband chewed my ass royally.About your question, I really don't know, and am as confused as you are about the EPA/DHA question. What I've heard is that DHA is the preferred branch for brain function and EPA is better for reducing inflammatory cytokines. But they are synergistic in their overall efficacy. I tend to go with Dr. Sears' recommendations, because, like you, I think he's on to something with the Zone. His recommended ratio is about 2:1 EPA:DHA. Let me know if you hear anything else. One other benefit I've found is my skin and hair look terrific since taking it. At 51, this is no small thing. - BarbaraCat
> Hi Barb,
>
> I've been reading bits and pieces about omega-3 PUFA's for a couple of years but never gave them a trial (nor did I fully investigate the literature on the subject) until a few days ago. When I found out, via your post, that Dr. Barry Sears is now advocating omega-3 supplementation, I was compelled to look deeper into this fishy omega-3 issue. I value Dr. Sears' opinions because I have found his Zone diet to be quite helpful.
>
> Long-story-short, I am currently taking roughly 10g/day of natural fish oil concentrate (in capsule form) containing 1200g/day DHA and 1800g/day of EPA. (Recall that I also take 600 mg/day Lithobid and 400 mg/day SAM-e and that I am bipolar II). So far, I really like the effect the omega-3's have on my brain [with the exception that I have been experiencing some difficulty falling asleep (small amount of hypomania?) which may or may not be related to the fish oil consumption]. Further, almost everything I read on this subject makes sense.
>
> Here's my question Barb. The literature almost unanimously points to DHA as the omega-3 PUFA that is providing most of the body and mind health benefits. Therefore, knowledgeable professionals, such as Dr. Anthony Stoll, market products containing almost 100% DHA. Conversely, the product sold by Dr. Sears', for example, contains DHA and EPA, and so do natural fish oils. Which do you think is better, DHA alone or DHA with EPA?
>
> On the one hand, most all of the research is pointing to DHA as the most beneficial fish oil ingredient. On the other hand, I've seen it over and over again where the initial research shows one thing and we later find out that extracting the component from its natural matrix was not the best approach after all. What da ya think?
>
> A few days ago you posted that you were going through a rough spot in the road of life. Are you back on level ground?
>
> -- Ron
poster:BarbaraCat
thread:111261
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020709/msgs/112227.html