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[holidaylover]

Morning Ladies

For just over a month now I have been taking daily, Omega 3 Fish Oil (1000mg) alongside a SevenSeas Multi Vitamin for Women 50+.  Just wondered if anyone else taking the fish oil has noticed any weight gain whilst taking.  I certainly feel more 'plumped' up and my backside is starting to resemble that of Kim Kardashian, but not in a nice way!  Maybe just coincidence and nothing to do with the supplements at all, but would like to hear your views.  I have been feeling a bit better (dare I say without jinxing), but my anxiety doesn't seem to be as bad, I feel calmer and more relaxed, but again could well be coincidence.

What do you girls think?

[Dancinggirl]

Hi holidaylover
I can't remember if you are on HRT or not? I'm afraid HRT can make you feel a bit more plumbed up.  Also I'm afraid we do need to eat less as we get older - since coming off HRT I have reduced the amount I eat each meal by about a quarter and I've been able to maintain my weight; although the fat has redistributed from my legs and arms to the top of my hips!!!!
I doubt very much it's the supplements that are making you gain weight.  Your appetite may have improved - B vitamins can improve our appetite, so maybe you are eating bit more without noticing. 
I first started taking Omega 3 oils after attending a conference given by the Charity AFASIC about 14 years ago.
My son has Semantic/Pragmatic disorder (which means he has problems processing language) and Afasic supports children with language difficulties which includes children on the autistic spectrum. One of the speakers at the conference (I think she was from Oxford University) gave a talk amount her research into Omega 3 - this included extensive controlled trials using Omega 3 as a supplement. Her findings were amazing - she believed Omega 3 was a vital component for good brain development and maintenance. Her findings showed a dramatic improvement in concentration, behaviour, sleep and many other factors -  I believe her research was the trigger for the subsequent surge in interest about this and resulted in Omega 3 being added to so many foods. She described one trial with a class of 30 children of mixed ability (not just special needs kids); I think she just did a 50/50 split with half on Omega Oils and other half a placebo.  Within a few weeks the parents of the children who were clearly not on the Omega 3 oils were demanding to have their children given whatever the others were on because word had spread around about the improvement in so many of the children.
When given to children on the Autistic Spectrum there was often a marked improvement in many areas.
My son was certainly calmer and seemed to be better when taking the omega oils but the biggest improvement was in my daughter who suffered with lack of concentration and mild dyslexia - her academic ability definitely did a leap forward.
I think there is evidence that Omega 3 helps with mild forms of depression - you would have to research this. I'm not at all surprised to hear that the Omega 3 is helping you to feel calmer - it certainly won't do you any harm.
DG x

[holidaylover]

Thanks Dancinggirl,  It certainly is a very helpful supplement and fantastic that it has done so much for your family.  I'm not on HRT, and I think perhaps you may be right that in me feeling a bit calmer and relaxed I am probably not paying enough attention to the calories I'm consuming.  I'm going to up my exercise and cut back of the food.  Easier said than done! 

[babyjane]

I suffer with dry eye and blepharitis and I read that omega 3 fish oils can help with this so I bought a 3 month supply.  It really did help in a big way to the effect that I forgot to use my eye drops at times. I was delighted.  However over time my tolerance of the fish oils became less and I suffered flare ups of my IBS and bad heartburn.

I stopped them and it got better but my eyes got worse again so when I reached the end of the pack I did not get any more.  I had to make the choice between eye discomfort and digestive discomfort.  I was very sad but can endorse that if you can tolerate it it really is a helpful supplement.  Glad you are feeling better.

[Dancinggirl]

babyjane - you can get Omega 3 in other forms e.g. flaxseed which you may tolerate better. My stomach is easily upset but I don't have problems with good quality Omega Oils.
I forgot to mention - I had an American Cocker Spaniel who had terribly dry skin and when I put her on Iams that has Omega 3 oils in it her skin really improved. DG x

[babyjane]

 

[dahliagirl]

I took an omega3 oil capsule with a multivitamin (because I had it in the cupboard) because of joint aches.  My friend, who did some nutrition and diet in her degree years ago, swears it will solve the problem of low vit D levels (which she decided I must have) and improve cholesterol test results.  She has looked hard at both of our diets and says it is not feasible to get enough of these without eating oily fish three times a week (and you can go off sardines........)

I had a vit D test a month later and I was 'insufficient' so she was right about the vit D!  I am hoping she is right about the omega 3 too.

I have not seen any weight gain.  I have had to take extra vit D3 but I have noticed a difference in how I feel.  Maybe if you are feeling a bit better, you are enjoying your food more  (sorry - that is meant to be a grin - who doesn't want to enjoy their food! )

[Kathleen]

Hello holidaylover.

I have been taking large amounts of Omega 3 on a daily basis for four and a half years to treat an inflammatory condition and in that time I haven't notice any particular weight gain. I have a bit of a belly but I'm still pretty much the same shape I've always been and don't have a spare tyre, so for me consuming the extra oil hasn't been a problem. Hope this helps you.

Take care.

K.

[Dyan]

I take it too for my brain
It's had no weight gain effect on me.

[Dancinggirl]

I've just had a look on the internet and discovered that Flaxseed is not as effective. I have personally not had problems with reflux or other gastric issues when taking Fish oils - I can't eat onions/ garlic or spicy foods because I get terrible reflux. I do make sure I get good quality ones that have been properly processed to filter out any toxins. Naturally you need to take them with food and, of cause, if you can eat some salmon/tuna/sardines etc. then this is ideal. I do know that the body cannot create or store Omega 3 so you do need to either eat it or take a supplement regularly. I also believe there is some evidence that it benefits diseases such as Crohns because of the anti inflammatory effect so if you suffer from stomach disorders it should, in theory, actually help the digestive process. Fish generally is easy to digest - I remember learning in school that one should give an invalid steamed fish because of this.
I am a great believer in Omega 3 for the reasons I explained in my previous post and there are good reasons why it is now put into so many foods - especially for kids.
Here is one link that I think explains the benefits quite well:
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=873
DG x

[babyjane]

like Babyjane, I suffer with heartburn/digestive problems

well I would never have guessed sparkle 

[kayeb]

I've been taking Omega 3 for about 3 months & have lost 12 pounds but due to cutting out chocolate, cake, biscuits & wine but upping protein, fruit, veg, nuts & complex carbs. Dr Marylin Glenville is a massive fan of Omega 3 & I am now. Make sure you take the best brand you can afford & one with v high levels of EPA & DHA which apparently is what counts.
x