FISH OIL: the single most effective addition to our patients' regimen

"In terms of its potential impact on health in the Western world, the Omega 3 story may someday be viewed as one of the most important in the history of modern nutritional science."

--William Harris, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, February 2003, p. 279.

Eight years of experiences at our Cholesterol Studies and Treatment Program have convinced us of the strength of Dr. Harris’s prediction.

Medical wisdom of the 1980’s and 1990’s generally advocated fish oil supplements for patients with the highest levels of triglycerides—over 500 mg/dl. But the current consensus is that even mildly elevated triglycerides (150-250 mg/dl) are threatening to arteries, probably by enhancing the tendency of cholesterol to penetrate into the artery wall.

Early in our Cholesterol Studies and Treatment program we experimented with various brands and strengths of fish oil. We found that while two regular strength fish oil capsules per day worked a bit, larger amounts worked better to reduce triglycerides. Recognizing that more was better for our patients, we searched for an extra strength capsule, particularly one with more DHA, the Omega 3 that is most effective for lowering triglycerides and increasing LDL particle size.

After some frustration, we connected with a company that uses multiple-pass molecular distillation to:

1. Provide a highly concentrated, pharmaceutical grade Omega 3 fatty acid capsule
2. Increase the concentration of the more active DHA component
3. Provide a mercury-free capsule

Our CST20/50 capsule has 4 times the DHA strength of most fish oil capsules, and provides the balance of EPA and DHA Omega 3s that we have found to be most effective. This product has proven to be the single most effective addition to our patients' regimen. We have tested its effectiveness in treatment of our patients, measured their response through a range of advanced lab tests, and used ultrasound technology to monitor their artery walls, tracking a reduction in thickening of the walls.