Lowering triglycerides and raising HDL, can it be done with omega-3?
Good evening, can you please indicate the main differences between: 1) Omegor Vitality 60 cps 2) Omegor Krill? The goal is to increase HDL cholesterol (and possibly lower triglycerides). Thank you. FC
Dear Fabrizio,
Omega-3 supplementation can be very helpful in maintaining normal triglyceride levels in the blood. According to EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and the European Commission, this beneficial effect is achieved with a daily intake of 2 grams of EPA and DHA. This is where the difference between the two products you mentioned, Omegor Vitality and Omegor Krill, lies. They are both omega-3 supplements, but they come from different animal sources and have different concentrations of EPA and DHA.
Omegor Vitality 1000 and Normal Triglyceride Levels
Omegor Vitality is a dietary supplement made from fish oil extracted from anchovies and sardines, with omega-3s in triglyceride form, which is the structure in which fatty acids are present in the foods we consume and are accustomed to assimilating. Omegor Vitality is available in the following formats:
- Omegor Vitality 1000, in 1g capsules with 30 or 45 capsules per package;
- Omegor Vitality 500, in 500mg capsules with 60 capsules per package.
- Each capsule of Omegor Vitality 1000 provides at least 630mg of EPA+DHA: to reach the 2g of EPA+DHA required for the effect on blood triglycerides, you would need at least 3 capsules per day;
- Each capsule of Omegor Vitality 500 provides 315mg of EPA+DHA: to reach the 2g, you would need 6 capsules per day.
Omegor Krill, More Easily Absorbed but Less Concentrated
Omegor Krill, on the other hand, is a dietary supplement made from krill oil – a small crustacean that makes up the zooplankton in the cold Antarctic waters. In krill oil, omega-3 EPA and DHA are found in the form of phospholipids, which are more easily absorbed by our body than triglycerides. Each capsule of Omegor Krill contains 500mg of krill oil, and the recommended daily dose of 2 capsules provides 200mg of EPA+DHA. In summary:
- Krill oil has a lower content of EPA and DHA compared to fish oil;
- However, being a newer food ingredient, its consumption is regulated at the European level, and the daily intake of EPA and DHA from krill oil should not exceed 250mg per day.
As you can see, 250mg of EPA and DHA from krill oil is too low a dosage for maintaining blood triglyceride levels (compared to the 2g of EPA and DHA needed).
Dosage
Based on the above, to help normalize triglyceride levels, I recommend opting for products based on concentrated fish oil, such as Omegor Vitality 1000 (3 capsules per day) or Omegor Vitality 500 (6 capsules per day). Omegor Krill, however, is particularly recommended in cases of psychological stress and poor concentration, as the unique structure of its omega-3s provides greater benefits for the nervous system.
How to Increase Good Cholesterol (HDL)?
As for increasing HDL cholesterol levels, unfortunately, no product alone can cause a significant increase. This parameter is actually only minimally affected by medications. One of the most effective tools for raising plasma HDL levels is physical activity and abstaining from smoking. The recommended physical activity is aerobic exercise with slow and prolonged muscle work, such as walking 30 minutes every day. I recommend informing your treating physician about the type of supplementation you plan to implement, as the doctor should always be informed of any dietary adjustments or supplements, especially when combined with pharmacological treatments.
I remain available for further information.
Best regards,
Rosaria Ramondino, Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Chemist
