Research on benefits of fish oil
 

I noticed that there is a 2010 Journal of Neurosurgery article by Dr. Julian Bailes and others on the potential benefits of taking fish oil after a TBI (the researchers tested four groups of rodents, three of which were subjected to an "impact acceleration injury." Two of the latter three groups received dosages of omega-3 fatty acids for the 30 days following the injury. The omega-3's apparently had some significant beneficial effects on those groups, for example, in relation to the number of amyloid precursor protein (AAP)-positive axons in the brain). The authors concluded that the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA "are safe, affordable, and readily available worldwide to potentially reduce the burden of traumatic brain injury."

All this makes me wonder whether in the future fish oil will be widely viewed as a significant aspect of post-concussion treatment (and concussion prevention). It also makes me wonder what the appropriate dosage level is - for example, whether it should be higher than the standard 4 capsules or 1500 mg / day (ie, taking into account other risk factors that may prevent people from taking higher doses).

greenfrog,

Good find.

Dr Julian Bailes has been at the forefront of concussion research for quite some time. He has been ignored by the mainstream medical community until recently. He coined the term "sub-concussive impact."

Omega 3's should be part of the diet of any concussion sufferer. I have never read anything about it being used as a concussion preventative or it making the brain more concussion tolerant.

Two substances have been found to reduce the impact to the brain of concussion. Progesterone has show good promise as an immediate treatment after a brain trauma. metformin, a drug taken by some diabetics, also shows promise as it helps in the post concussion phase.

Here are a few media articles on the subject. Hard to know how much is hype - there seem to be only a few articles from credible publications out there - but I find it interesting that some athletes/teams are getting on board. Some of the quotes suggest that DHA is the substance that researchers are most interested in (ie, as opposed to EPA). It's unclear what the optimal EPA : DHA ratio in fish oil is for people recovering from a concussion.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5995704

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...n-issue-headon

http://randybirdnutrition.com/2010/0...otball-helmet/

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11002/1115033-139.stm

Another article
 

Again, not sure about the scientific accuracy of this article (it's written by Barry Sears, a researcher who has his own line of fish oil products). But I found it interesting.

http://www.zonediet.com/blog/2011/05...-brain-trauma/

Just curious if you know if there are preparations of fish oil that are 100% guaranteed not to have shellfish ingredients. I have a severe allergy to shellfish and couldnt find a health store that would say for certain that their fish oil was shellfish free.

Not sure - maybe you could email some manufacturers of the better fish oil products out there (ie, those with the fewest contaminants)? Or talk to a good nutritionist or allergist?

I googled "fish oil shellfish allergy" and found some links with different views on this issue - some sources suggest that taking fish oil supplements might be OK in your situation. But I'm by no means an expert - you should definitely get properly informed before deciding to go down this road.

I'm taking supplements produced by this company, which seems to have a good reputation.

http://www.ascentahealth.com/

The ingredient list for the product I'm taking is: "fish oil (anchovies, sardines, mackerel), all natural flavouring, natural tocopherols (vitamin E), green tea extract."

Thanks for your thoughts. I try to have mahi or tuna a few times a week to get my omegas in...will probably just stick to this routine to stay on the safe side. I'll ask my allergist too the next time i go in! thanks

My Neuro has me take 900mg of DHA fish free Algae based Omega 3...I know I like the taste much better and no lingering after-taste. I've read about the algae based Omega3 and I'm encouraged by the clinical studies.

Is fishoil treatment for concussions really a hoax like FDA claims ? It in fact denies everything from curcumin to every dietary supplement out there.any thoughts?

This is a good read below (it's very long). You can scroll down to
"Recommendations for Omega-3" but the article mentions other nutrients as well.

http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/ful.../neu.2013.3234
Nutritional Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury

Scrimgeour Angus G. and Condlin Michelle L..
Journal of Neurotrauma.
June 1, 2014, 31(11): 989-999. doi:10.1089/neu.2013.3234.

Galaxy,

You need to understand our FDA.

It is the best government agency money can buy. That money comes from Big Pharma, the pharmaceutical manufacturers. They say that unless there has been a full double blind clinical study, any claims of therapeutic value are bogus.

There has been a war between the vitamins and supplements industry for decades. There has been a goal for a takeover of the vitamin and supplements manufacturing by just a few 'approved' manufacturers. The impetus for this comes from a small group of German pharmaceutical manufacturers who have been trying to set global standards.

So, even though there are reams of anecdotal and small study evidence that show value, the FDA claims that evidence is not up to their standards.

I don't know how it can be a hoax, physiologically it makes sense. Maybe it doesn't supply all the promised benefits. I feel like they are of great benefit for fatigue, placebo effect or not.

Personally I am skeptical of any large food and drug organization, tough to say what the real agenda is. Take type 2 diabetes for example... chronic and incurable... where science tends to disagree

Mark, we do think a lot alike. I don't trust too much of the FDA claims. Or non claims. FDA and pharma are good bed partners. I don't have a brain injury but do take a lot of supps to keep me going and omega 3's are a big part and DHA is major for brain health. DHA is one oil too preg woman need to be taking for their babies brain function.

I could go on and on about the FDA....... I would be careful about too much tuna for the mercury reason. I buy mostly for my fresh fish wild salmon and wild cod...have been avoiding tuna for a lot of years.

I was just placing an order with iherb.com Like them and one can buy $20+ and free shipping...I've been using their Madre Labs Omega 3's for some months now and like this product....and there are over 3000 reviews from folks on this very affordable omega 3. I've used many omega 3's over many years but find myself sticking with this one. Just an FYI.... I don't like to buy the cheapest supp and aim for mid range, but this one is so affordable and believe it's good quality. iherb is a quality company as I see them.