Omega 3 Fish Oil Capsules Vs Omega 3 Without Fish Oil

Lots of experts recommend omega 3 fish oil capsules as a daily dietary supplement. But, what about omega 3 without fish oil? There are two basic types of omega 3 fatty acids. They are referred to as long chain and short chain. When it comes to food, the best source of long chain omega 3 fatty acids is fish, but there are many food sources that supply short chain omega 3 fatty acids.

When it comes to dietary supplements, the best sources of long chain omega 3 fatty acids are fish oils or fish oil capsules. For omega 3 without fish oil, the most common source is flax seed oil, which is also available in the form of a capsule. Capsules are generally easier to swallow and, if manufactured properly, are unlikely to spoil or become rancid. Both, fish oil and flax seed oil will become rancid if not refrigerated after opening.

Flax seed oil contains only short chain omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil contains both long and short chain fatty acids. Both short and long chain fatty acids are important to the health of the body. The body will convert a small percentage of short chains to long chains, if no long chains are present in the diet. The problem, according to many nutritionists, is that the amount converted to long chain fatty acids can not be enough to satisfy the needs of the human brain.

The long chain fatty acid know as DHA is particularly important to brain and neurological functions. Low levels of DHA in the blood stream are associated with Attention Deficit Disorder, Alzheimer's, depression and other conditions.

1000mg fish oil capsules contain around 250mg of DHA. 2000mg of flax seed oil contains no DHA. It contains about 500mg of a short chain omega 3 known as ALA. Some of the ALA may eventually be converted within the body to DHA, but the total amount of DHA that a person can logically expect to get from 2000mg of flax seed oil is less than 4mg. Vegetarians and vegans are known to have very low stores of DHA within their bodies. Some nutritionists suggest dried plankton or sea algae as a supplement for vegans or those who have a moral objection to eating fish or fish oils. For anyone else, fish oil capsules are the best choice for a dietary supplement.