Some people are speculating that Fish Oil may lead to bruising more easily, along with Ginkgo, Ginger, and Garlic, and any combination of these supplements taken along with Aspirin.  The obvious reason is because Fish Oil has a blood thinning effect,  which is why it is often used to reduce clotting.  We generally take Fish Oils because they are a main source of fat and contain two very important Omega 3 Fatty Acids, DHA and EPA.  The benefit of these Omegas is that they are readily absorbed into your body and promote heart health, so the advantages of taking this supplement outnumber any small side effects such as increased likelihood of bruising.  If you are taking other medications or supplements and have concerns about this issue, just talk to your physician to make sure you are taking the right amount.  (more…)

Kids need DHA for optimal learning and brain development. Fish oils are by far the best source.

A frequently-asked question pertaining to omega 3 fatty acids is whether fish oil or flax oil is better, or whether there’s any difference or benefit to taking one or the other.   Vegetarian considerations aside,  we do recommend fish oil (here’s our favorite fish oil)  and there are in fact significant differences that shed light on why we think  so. A new study adds weight to claims that fish oil  is better than flax oil, especially so for nursing Moms and infants. Find out why in today’s AllStarHealth bog. (more…)

Long before it’s talked about on the evening news, the most promising nutritional research first surfaces in peer-reviewed  scientific journals, the ones nobody but doctors, scientists or grad students read.  So once a month, AllStarHealth summarizes some of the most promising new findings in our Nutrition Research Roundup.

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Supplements may help with high blood pressure, but it's not just a matter of popping a few pills.

Dear AllStarHealth,

Help! My doctor’s told me that I have to go on a blood pressure medication.  I just looked up the side effects and I think it went up a few more points! I just hate the idea of taking prescription drugs. Are there any supplements I can take instead? I currently take a women’s multi and extra calcium.

Rachel,

Woodstock, NY (more…)

Many supplements have similar-sounding names, leading to confusion and disappointment with results.

With thousands of dietary supplements on the market and more emerging every day, there are a growing number of similar-sounding products making it all too easy to buy the wrong product for your needs.  For example, there’s calcium ascorbate, calcium pyruvate and calcium d-glucarate,  but none of these is actually a calcium supplement.   Here’s a guide to help you sort out the most  commonly-confused supplements. (more…)

Mailbag: Supplements From Sea

Q: I think we have a few too many ‘nutrition experts’ in the family! Last time we got together we had seafood, and afterward the Big Debate was about which is best; fish oil, salmon oil, krill oil, or cod liver oil. I couldn’t keep up with all the crosstalk about mercury and omegas, and all the technical details. Could you straighten me out on which is best, or at least give me something that will settle this so they can argue about something else next time?

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