The Difference Between Flax Oil & Fish Oil

Fish oil and flaxseed oil both contain an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are a family of fatty acids that the body converts into differing forms. The three varieties of naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Your body converts ALA into EPA and DHA. All three varieties have proven health benefits, notably to the cardiovascular system, mood stability, attention deficit disorder, the treatment of inflammation and diabetes. They're an all-around boost to human physiology.

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the mother omega-3 fatty acid compound, found in dark green leafy vegetables, phyto-plankton, flaxseeds, hemp seeds and walnuts. Once eaten, animal enzymes break it down into EPA and DHA.

Eicosaentaenoic Acid (EPA)

• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is predominant in fish such as salmon, mackerel, cod and tuna, and other animal products such as eggs and grass-fed beef. Here the ALA from plant chloroplasts ingested by the animal has been turned into the daughter compound, EPA.

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is found in lesser concentrations in the same foods of EPA, since it is a daughter compound of EPA via enzymatic action.

Diet

• Because your body converts ALA into the daughter and granddaughter compounds of EPA and DHA, a diet rich in leafy vegetables and flaxseed oil is enough to generate beneficial quantities of the other omega-3 varieties. However, fish oil is beneficial also, as a supplement, and diets with lots of fresh fish can be correlated with longer lifespans (such as those observed in Okinawa and Japan).

Prime Difference Is in Processing

• The prime difference between fish and flaxseed oils is the preparation. Fish oil must be separated from the animal tissues and is often deodorized to remove odors. Flaxseed oil is made simply by pressing the oil out of the seeds. Fish are also more likely to contain biomagnified pollutants from contact with industrial effluents.
  For conscientious consumers looking for health supplements that have a delicate impact on the earth, flaxseed oil is the obvious choice. However, clean fish oil can have benefits, too, especially for people suffering from digestive conditions that may make flaxseed oil difficult to absorb (such as Crohn's disease). They both have their place.