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Are Omega 3, 6 And 9 Fatty Acid Supplements Necessary To Maintain General Health?

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Posted on Tue, 4 Apr 2017
Question: I wanted your opinion on something please. It was advised to me by my family doctor to have a teaspoon each of flax seed oil, cod liver oil, olive oil and avacada oil for general health. I was told by another doctor that this is not good for me, especially since the ratio of omega 3s and 6s would be out of sync. Please let me know what you think. Thank you,

XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
These can have side effects

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

These oils contain omega 3, 6, 9 and are usually suggested as supplements. Omega 3, 6, 9 are found in human body especially the nervous system. Their structure differs according to the source of oil and does not match with those found in human body. Hence these can cause side effects like diarhea and blood in stools, irritability, restlessness and racing heart, etc.

I would like to know the indication for which these have been suggested to you. Also let me know if you have taken them already. After knowing details I will be better able to help.

If you have not taken them, I would suggest that you do not take them.

Hope it helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (5 minutes later)
Thank you Doctor. I did some research on my own and it seemed from what I read that taking olive and avacado together and leaving out the other 2 would be OK. What is your opinion on this, please. Thank you again.

ps I was also told that it was not good to take too many supplements unless tey were for a specific medical condition because the body gets them anyway if we eat as healthy again.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Olive oil is already part of food and salad

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

Olive oil is already part of food and can be used in moderation. Extra virgin olive oil may be avoided for taking directly. Avocado oil has not been much researched on but I think it may also be taken in moderation. 1-2 spoons of these oils are usually mixed in salad but the quantity is very low to cause side effects.

I am a pharmacologist and my opinion is that healthy food provides all nutrients. In healthy people or mild disease, supplements are not needed at all.

Dr Vaishalee
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Vaishalee Punj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 3270 Questions

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Are Omega 3, 6 And 9 Fatty Acid Supplements Necessary To Maintain General Health?

Brief Answer: These can have side effects Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic. These oils contain omega 3, 6, 9 and are usually suggested as supplements. Omega 3, 6, 9 are found in human body especially the nervous system. Their structure differs according to the source of oil and does not match with those found in human body. Hence these can cause side effects like diarhea and blood in stools, irritability, restlessness and racing heart, etc. I would like to know the indication for which these have been suggested to you. Also let me know if you have taken them already. After knowing details I will be better able to help. If you have not taken them, I would suggest that you do not take them. Hope it helps. Let me know if I can assist you further. Dr Vaishalee