Wild v. Farmed Salmon
There is considerable controversy about wild versus farmed fish, especially salmon. Wild fish advocates state that wild fish, such as wild Atlantic salmon, have fewer PCB contaminates than their farmed counterparts. Proponents of farmed fish, especially farmed Pacific salmon, note that famed fish contain greater amount of healthy DHA and EPA omega-3.
As a consumer, it is important to know than even these claims may change as farmed and wild fish purveyors modify their methods of feeding and collection to meet consumer demand. Ultimately, the benefits of both farmed and wild fish outweigh the risks when it comes to protecting your health.
Can I Take Fish Oil With My Medications?
Beta blockers, blood thinners and diuretics are some heart medications that could interact with fish oil. Other non-cardiac medications, such as hormones, may also interact. Be sure to ask your doctor before trying any dietary supplement, even if it is sold over the counter.
Bottom Line
The current consensus of nutrition experts is that the benefits of eating omega-3 containing fish, such as salmon and tuna, far outweigh the potential risks of mercury, PCB, or dioxin contamination, especially for persons with existing heart disease or high cholesterol. However, pregnant or nursing women, women contemplating pregnancy, and young children should be vigilant and limit their intake to EPA recommendations.
Sources:
Harris,William S., Pottala, James V., Sands, Scott , Jones, Philip . Comparison of the effects of fish and fish-oil capsules on the n–3 fatty acid content of blood cells and plasma phospholipids. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 86, No. 6, 1621-1625, December 2007.
Massaro M, Scoditti E, Carluccio MA, Campana MC, De Caterina R.Omega-3 fatty acids, inflammation and angiogenesis: basic mechanisms behind the cardioprotective effects of fish and fish oils. Cell Mol Biol. 2010 Feb 25;56(1):59-82.
Mozaffarian, Dariush, Rimm, Eric B. Fish Intake, Contaminates, and Human Health: Evaluating the Risks and Benefits JAMA. 2006;296(15):1885-1899.
Sacks, Frank "Ask the Expert" Harvard School of Public Health. Accessed July 10, 2010.
What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA Factsheet. Accessed July 10, 2010.
