Oil Quality of Wild versus Farm Raised Salmon: Due to questions we have had on the above subject, the following might be of some interest. It is well known that farm raised salmon are subject to problems which are feed related. As with humans, we are what we eat.  

In any discussion of the feeding of fish, both the manner and the stimuli for feeding need to be included. The feeding habits or the feeding behaviour of fish is the search for and ingesting of food. Wild salmon traditionally feed on other fish. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish derive from the phytoplankton in the food chain that fish eat.

In the natural diet of animals, vitamins occur in sufficient amounts to supply the very limited quantities required for normal metabolic functions. However, when fish are raised on artificial diets the selection of food constituents, the property of rapid deterioration of some vitamins, and other factors may lead to specific deficiencies with their attendant impairments of body functions.

It has been found that the highest protein conversion efficiencies are obtained when fish eat others of their own kind. Fish fed on artificial diets which could include antibiotics are not subjected to the aggressive hunt and feed habits which create different metabolic functions in wild fish. Research has found variations in fish oil quality in farm raised fish which were not found in wild fish.

Biochemistry: Salmon Oil provides an ideal and natural source of the essential Omega 3 fatty acids, Eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), Docosahexanoic acid (DHA), and Docosapentanoic acid (DPA). 

The consumption of salmon oil (lipids) provides the body with a direct source of the Omega 3 series of fatty acids that are absolutely required by the human body.  These are not optional nutrients, yet most of the population is deficient in them. 

Physiology:  EPA is the precursor to the series 3 prostaglandins (PGE 3) which are critical hormones regulating cell activities.  The PGE 3 series prostaglandins, along with the PGE 1 series prostaglandins, protect the body against the deleterious effects of PGE 2 series prostaglandins such as high blood pressure, sticky platelets, inflammation, water retention, and decreased immune function.  The Series 2 prostaglandins are made from arachidonic acid, which is derived from consumption of excess animal products.  DHA is important for the normal functioning of the brain, nerves, adrenal gland, and sperm, as well as for proper vision and hearing. 

Indications:  Numerous studies have shown that Omega 3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol and blood triglycerides, and help to prevent clots in arteries which may result in strokes, heart attacks, and thromboses. 

Other Benefits:  Evidence has been shown that the fatty acids found in fish oil may benefit rheumatoid arthritis.  Patients who suffered from swollen joints, fatigue and morning stiffness have experienced, after fish oil supplementation, easing of joint  tenderness and less fatigue. 

"You may never be plagued with arthritis in the first place if you consistently eat small portions of fatty fish over many years."   Carper, Jean. Food -- Your Miracle Medicine, NY, 1993.

The fatty acids found in fish oil are being studied in connection with a variety of disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and Raynaud's phenomenon. 

Safety and Side Effects:  Fish oil capsules have a remarkable safety record, however, there are a few factors to consider.  Fish oils tend to make the blood thin and reduce the risk of clots.  But if anyone is already on blood thinning medication they should check with their doctor before taking fish oil capsules.  Fish Oils are also contraindicated in anyone with bleeding disorders, such as hemophelia; persons who have a tendency to hemorrhage should also check with their doctor before taking them. 

Fatty Acid Profile Analysis (% comp.):

          Myristic acid . . . . . .    5.271
          Palmitic acid . . . . . .  15.763
          Palmitoleic acid  . . .    9.270
          Stearic acid  . . . . . . .    3.283
          Oleic acid  . . . . . . . .  15.477
          Linoleic acid . . . . . .    3.399
          Linolenic acid . . . . .    1.044
          Arachidic acid . . . . .    2.529
          EPA . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16.618
          Behenate acid  . . . . .    1.345
          DHA  . . . . . . . . . . . .  13.503
          DPA  . . . . . . . . . . . .    3.247

(Method: Capillary Gas Chromatography (FID), oil converted to Methyl Esters)

Recommended Dosage:  3 capsules per day with meals.