Comments on: A Primer on Dietary Fats – Part 2

By: lylemcd

lylemcd — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:17:57 +0000

While I would certainly expect this to be the case (I’ll be honest that I haven’t looked since most don’t eat nor have access to it), the simple fact is that most game meat is exceedingly lean. So even if the proportion of w-3 is higher, the total fat content is simply tiny. I’ve had the pleasure of eating venison at Christmas (my uncle is a hunter) and the fat content approaches almost nil.

By: James

James — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:56:56 +0000

You mentioned that free range animals tend to have a higher percentage of w-3 fatty acids. Do you know if this finding extends to game animals (deer, elk, etc.)? I imagine the whole of nutritional research on game is incredibly small; but if it’s out there, I also imagine you’d be aware of it. Thanks.

By: lylemcd

lylemcd — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:09:13 +0000

David

The only thing I’ve really looked into was a consumer reports type thing that did analyses of a bunch (over 30) brands of fish oils from varying brands. As I recall, only 2 didn’t meet label claims and none had issues with contamination.

Lyle

By: David R.

David R. — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:00:34 +0000

Hey lyle. I respect the laboriously skeptical positions you maintain in your advice (btw).
but anyway, do you happen to know about the PCBs and mercury content of non-pharma grade fish oils?

It’s definitely a marketing ploy for these pharma companies, and I know a little bit about studies being done on breast milk of women who may eat local fish from lakes with higher PCB content.

Do you happen to have an opinion about the dangers of these PCBs, the liver’s long-term ability to process these chemicals, or the dangers of the types of mercury found in the fish?

with respect,
dave

By: admin

admin — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:50:02 +0000

Gram for gram (e.g. 2 grams krill vs. 2 grams fish oils was the comparison if I recall) krill oil seems to be more effective in terms of lowering blood cholesterol and improving PMS symptoms.

But that’s an insuffiicent amount of fish oil IMO and nobody has compared (to my knowledge) say 2 grams of krill vs. 6 grams fish oils or what have you. And the last time I looked krill was about three times the cost of fish oil so I’m still not sure it works out to be better. You could take 10X1 gram standard fish oil caps per day (buy ‘em in bulk) and it would still be cheaper.

So, in general, I don’t think so. Not until the commercial price of krill comes down. Then…maybe.

Lyle

By: Justin

Justin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:07:12 +0000

What’s the verdict on krill oil? Is it worth the additional cost?

By: admin

admin — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:13:55 +0000

Michael: I think I covered this in the article itself. Whether saturated fats are good, bad or neutral depends on the context in which they are eaten.

Dan and Phil: As noted in the article, certainly some feel that it’s a ratio issue (and I think that insufficient w-3 is a big problem in terms of optimal intake levels), others are countering that issue and suggesting that w-6 are, if anything, anti-inflammatory and that the ratio idea is based on weak evidence. As I noted, I’ll let them argue it out for the time being. Certainly, polyunsaturated fats tend to be reactive to heat and processing them in that fashion will cause problems.

Jack: The issue of saturated fat and optimal testosterone levels is complicated to parse in terms of the research since any time you change the intake of one nutrient, you have to change another (and most of the studies are comparing high saturated fat/low-fiber diets to low saturated fat/high-fiber diets).

There is also some question about how relevant small changes in testosterone within the normal range are in the first place. There is also some research to suggest that even if total testosterone levels change, the body will also alter levels of the binding protein such that free test doesn’t really change anyhow.

Lyle

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:41:27 +0000

Lyle

What do you think of Anthony Colpo’s position on saturated fats? Misinterpreted research?

Thanks,

Michael

By: Dan

Dan — Mon, 18 May 2009 20:58:28 +0000

I was always under the impression that Omega 6′s were bad for us. New research is saying that it’s not the omega 6′s it’s actaully all the processing the oils go through. The heat of that processing can change the makeup of the oil. SO if you increase your Omega 3 and decrease your processed Omega 6 you can increase your health. this is new research but it makes sense. Omega 6 can be healthy if you stay away form the processed foods that contain them.
I think the obvious fact is that processed foods of any kind are our down fall.

By: Phil

Phil — Sat, 16 May 2009 20:25:30 +0000

Hi, Lyle.

Do you feel it is the lack of optimal omega 3′s more so than the 6:3 ratio that may cause a lot of the issues associated with omega 6 fats? I got the feeling that it’s a case of “don’t go crazy about cutting out 6′s but don’t seek to add more concentrated sources of them either. ” And on top of that, ensure sufficient EPA/DHA intake, eat a varied diet, and let blood work and certain other factors guide future adjustments. Does this seem like a sound approach?

On a quick side note, if you ever decide to write a future article on fish oil dosages, it would be interesting to hear your general take on krill oil in terms of benefits, hype, dosages, etc.