Lowering triglycerides and raising HDL, can it be done with omega-3s?

Good evening. Can you tell me the main differences between: 1) Omegor Vitality 60 cps 2) Omegor Krill ? The optics are to raise HDL cholesterol (and possibly lower triglycerides). Thank you. FC

Dear Fabrizio,

omega-3 supplementation can be very helpful in helping to maintain normal blood triglyceride levels. According to EFSA and European Commission advice, this beneficial effect is achieved with a daily intake of 2 g of EPA and DHA. Therein lies the difference between the two products you mention, Omegor Vitality and Omegor Krill. They are both omega-3 fatty acid supplements - but they come from different animal sources and with different concentrations of EPA and DHA.

• Omegor Vitality 1000 and normal blood triglyceride levels 

Omegor Vitality is a dietary supplement containing fish oil extracted from anchovies and sardines with omega-3s in the form of triglycerides, the structure by which fatty acids are present in the foods we consume in our diet and which our bodies are accustomed to assimilating. Find Omegor Vitality in formats:

1. Omegor Vitality 1000, in 1 g oil capsules and in packs of 30 or 45 capsules;
2. Omegor Vitality 500, 500-mg oil capsules in packs of 60 capsules.
3. Each capsule of Omegor Vitality 1000 provides at least 630 mg of EPA+DHA: to achieve the 2 g of EPA+DHA useful for the effect on blood triglycerides, at least 3 capsules per day are needed;
4. In contrast, each capsule of Omegor Vitality 500 provides 315 mg of EPA +DHA: 6 capsules per day are needed to reach the 2 g dose.

• Omegor Krill, more assimilable but less concentrated

Omegor Krill, on the other hand, is a dietary supplement based on oil extracted from krill-a small crustacean that makes up the zooplankton of cold Antarctic waters. In krill extract, the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are found in the form of phospholipids and are even more easily absorbed by our bodies than triglycerides. Each capsule of Omegor Krill contains 500 mg of krill oil, and the recommended daily dose of 2 capsules provides 200 mg of EPA+DHA. Schematically:

1. Krill oil is lower in EPA and DHA than fish oil;
2. but since it is a new food ingredient, its consumption is regulated at the European level and the daily intake of EPA and DHA from krill oil must not exceed 250 mg per day.

As you can see, 250 mg of EPA and DHA from krill oil is too low a dosage for maintaining blood triglycerides (compared with the 2 g of EPA and DHA needed).

• Posology
  

On the basis of what has just been said, to help normalize triglyceride levels, I recommend that you turn to concentrated fish oil products such as Omegor Vitality 1000 (3 capsules per day) or Omegor Vitality 500 (6 capsules per day). Omegor Krill, on the other hand, is particularly recommended in cases of mental and physical stress and poor concentration, because the characteristic structure of its omega-3s allows for greater benefits at the level of the nervous system.

• How to raise good cholesterol?

As for raising HDL values, unfortunately, no product alone can achieve a significant increase in values: in fact, this parameter is poorly modifiable even by drugs. One of the most valid and effective tools for increasing plasma levels is physical activity and abstaining from smoking. The recommended physical activity is aerobic activity with slow and prolonged muscle work such as walking daily for 30 consecutive minutes. I recommend that you inform your treating physician of the type of dietary supplementation you plan to implement, because the physician should always be informed of any dietary shrewdness or supplementation we plan to implement especially if in conjunction with drug therapies. 

I remain available for further information. 

Sincerely, 

Rosaria Ramondino Pharmacist and pharmaceutical chemist