Flaxseed oil vs. Fish oil - Vitamins & Supplements Message Board

Adidas0298 · 01-16-2008, 09:42 AM

Im 27, male, slim build, overall not so healthy lately. Had my gall bladder removed in June (emergency surgery) and lately Ive been having real bad heart palpitations. I wore a heart monitor overnight and go in for a stress test and ultrasound in the following weeks...

Anyways I unfortunately have an extremely strong history of heart disease on both sides of my family. My grandparents on my Mothers side died in their 40's due to advanced coronary heart disease. My Dad's side of the family has arrythmias and my Father had a massive heart attack 2 years ago (the "widow maker" as they dubbed it) and has 30% heart function.

Since Im 27 and having heart palps, shortness of breath

etc... my first priority was get to a DR- I did. I went to my local vitamin store and bought a bottle of Organic Flaxseed Oil (1000mg) and Fish Oil (1200mg). I started taking flaxseed oil today (1 pill w/my lunch). I feel that I should be taking preventative steps here and omega 3 seems like a no brainer.

My question is, given my family history and current situation, what should I rather be taking - the flaxseed or fish oil? Which one offers less side effects (I do have allergies but not to fish, but I do with flowers and greens so..) and the most benefit? How many should I be taking?

janewhite1 · 01-16-2008, 07:06 PM

Flax oil must be consumed in larger quantities to get the same benefits. With no gallbladder, it might cause you problems to down a couple of tablespoons of oil at a time.

I haven't heard of terribly many people being allergic to either one.

KDHawaii98 · 01-17-2008, 08:36 PM

Flaxseed oil can cause prostrate cancer.

Adidas0298 · 01-23-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KDHawaii98

Flaxseed oil can cause prostrate cancer.

May I ask exactly how you formed this opinion, and how you back it up?

naturodude · 02-03-2008, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adidas0298

May I ask exactly how you formed this opinion, and how you back it up?

I think it's a "common knowledge" thing. Just like omega 3s being good for the heart. anyways, Men probably shouldn't take flaxseed oil since we cannot convert ALA fatty acids (form found in flaxseed) into DHA fatty acids (the most useable form). Women, however can to a certain extent. We do need a little ALA though, so eating 2-4 tbsp. of ground flaxseeds would be better for us guys. Fish oil is the best, molecullarly distilled (spelling??

) is best (less allergens). other good things for the heart is exercise, red grapes and their juice, and krill oil (a special form of fish oil, very anxioxidant rich).