Omega-3 long chain fatty acids such as DHA, EPA etc are considered essential for many body functions and good health but the very same hitherto considered "angels" have been suddenly made out to be a "demon" under some conditions, if a recent study in Germany is to be taken seriously. The new controversy concerns the upper safe limits of consumption for this group of essential fatty acids. It is interesting to note the stands taken by different members of EU and also the reaction of the Omega-3 supplement industry to this new controversy.
'"The agency has been commandeered to perform the review by the European Commission on the basis of a report from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) which outlines the rationale for a 1.5gm/day upper safe level for long-chain omega-3s like DHA, EPA and DPA. It has been handed nine months to deliver its findings. There is currently no USL in the EU, while in the US, the Food and Drug Administration has recommended 3g per day.The BfR report (in German) suggests harmful effects of over-consumption could include increased cholesterol levels, risk of cardiovascular mortality among long term users with cardiovascular disease, inhibited immune systems in the elderly, and anaemic effects. It can be found here. Responding, Harry Rice from the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED) said: "Regardless of being baffled by the Commission's basis for requesting a scientific opinion from EFSA, we still contend that the concerns raised in the BfR's report are unfounded and we aren't the only
ones." "At the beginning of July, the Steering Committee of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety published its opinion on the safety of the omega-3 fatty acids". It came as no surprise that the Committee found no adverse effects up to levels as high as 6.9 grams/day for certain conditions."
'"The agency has been commandeered to perform the review by the European Commission on the basis of a report from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) which outlines the rationale for a 1.5gm/day upper safe level for long-chain omega-3s like DHA, EPA and DPA. It has been handed nine months to deliver its findings. There is currently no USL in the EU, while in the US, the Food and Drug Administration has recommended 3g per day.The BfR report (in German) suggests harmful effects of over-consumption could include increased cholesterol levels, risk of cardiovascular mortality among long term users with cardiovascular disease, inhibited immune systems in the elderly, and anaemic effects. It can be found here. Responding, Harry Rice from the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED) said: "Regardless of being baffled by the Commission's basis for requesting a scientific opinion from EFSA, we still contend that the concerns raised in the BfR's report are unfounded and we aren't the only
ones." "At the beginning of July, the Steering Committee of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety published its opinion on the safety of the omega-3 fatty acids". It came as no surprise that the Committee found no adverse effects up to levels as high as 6.9 grams/day for certain conditions."
Contrary to the assertion by the food supplements industry that omega-3 fats are safe and there is no danger of over consumption, many experts feel that ultimately the ratio of intake of Omega-6 to Omega-3 in the diet would determine the consequences, good or bad. In the US many observers believe that the ratio is way above the desirable ideal figure of 2:1, often reaching the ominous ratio of 25:1. This is claimed to have contributed to many of the health disorders that confront the American population. It is not realized that omega-3 is associated with many positive functions in human body, while Omega-6 is implicated in negative effects like inflammation, mood and behavior. If European Commission comes out with factual data, there can be world-wide re-calibration of policies vis-a-vis consumption of EFAs whether Omega-3 or Omega-6. Currently Omega-3 fats are a raging business in the US and there is hardly any product which is not fortified with these nutrients. If EU eventually decides to set a USL for European countries what effect it will have on the US food industry? Will it affect the food trade between these giant industrial power houses?"
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