Posted by Larry Hoover on February 14, 2005, at 15:43:05
In reply to Question about mercury in fish oil capsules » SLS, posted by Chris O on February 1, 2005, at 16:58:05
> SLS, or anyone:
>
> The end of this fish oil study has this statement:
>
> "Previously, the authors reported nonsignificant amounts (less than 12 µg/L) of mercury in 5 brands of fish oil: Omega Brite, Nordic Ultimate, Sundown, Kirkland, and CVS."
>
> I am no expert on mercury levels, but, for someone taking large amounts of fish oil via capsules every day, could these levels quoted rise to "significant amounts," amounts that would affect the health of the user? I have just gave up on another monthlong try of Dr. Stoll's Omegabrite product at five capsules (about 2 grams) of fish oil a day. Every time I have given fish oil a trial, it has done nothing, nada, zil for me. No decreaes in depression, anxiety, OCD, worrying. I just wonder, if, in the end, fish oil is really a safe option, even if it is "purified" and "tested" and blah blah blah. Anyway, anyone have any thoughts on this issue?
>
> Thanks,
> ChrisIt is not clear if that 12 ppb level is the detection limit of the test or not, but that is about the lowest concentration that we could even measure, using the best technology available. In other words, if the instruments can't find any mercury, there isn't enough to hurt you. You don't want to know how much mercury is in dust blowing around major cities.
Consumerlab just tested 41 fish oil products, and found no detectable mercury in *any* of them. See: http://www.consumerlab.com/results/omega3.asp
People who eat fish are healthier than those who do not. All fish is contaminated with mercury. (So is your hamburger, by the way. Sorry, vegetarians, but so is soya protein.) Despite the obvious source of mercury intake, most fish is good for you, unless it comes from massively polluted waters. Purified fish oil is safer yet.
What we know is that fish oil is *tested*. Name one other food that you know of that has been certified free from mercury.
Fish oil may not give obvious effects on mental status or mood, but I can guarantee it is good for your heart and circulatory system, and substantially reduces the likelihood that you'll develop Alzheimer's, have a stroke, or a heart attack, develop diabetes, and so on.
If the mercury concerns you, anyway, take selenium. Selenium irreversible binds the mercury, inactivating it. It will still be in your body, but it can't do the slightest harm any longer.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:450687
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050131/msgs/457730.html