Fish oil and vitamin E both provide healthy benefits to fight diseases, prevent inflammation and maintain cellular function. Currently, there are no upper limits as to how much you can consume daily because research has not shown any negative side effects of consuming both excessively. However, fish oil is a type of fat that provides about 9 calories per gram, and overconsumption of fish oil can lead to fat gain. Americans do not risk deficiencies in fish oil and vitamin E if their diet already consists of vegetable oils and fish.
Composition of Fish Oil
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are in two forms: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are polyunsaturated fatty acids that contain more than one double carbon bond, which make fish oil in its liquid state at room temperature.
Function
Omega-3 fatty acids regulate the production of eicosanoids, which are anti-inflammatory agents that support your immune system and messengers in the central nervous system. They also are components of every cell membrane in your body, particularly in your brain, retina and nervous system.
Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant that protects the unsaturated fatty acid components of the cell membrane by donating an electron to free radicals, which are unstable compounds that damage cell membranes. Vitamin E is also needed for iron metabolism in cells and for maintenance of nervous tissues and immune function.
Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant that protects the unsaturated fatty acid components of the cell membrane by donating an electron to free radicals, which are unstable compounds that damage cell membranes. Vitamin E is also needed for iron metabolism in cells and for maintenance of nervous tissues and immune function.
Benefits
Fish oil and vitamin E work together to help reduce inflammation and the risk of diseases such as heart disease, cancer (breast, colon, prostate) and rheumatism. Fish oil also helps reduce low-density level (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream.
Sources
Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include sardines, herrings, mackerel, trout, flounder and salmon. If you live in an area where you do not have access to fresh fish (desert, plains), you can get fish oil from supplements that are sold at most food stores.
Vitamin E can be found in vegetable oils, cabbage, sweet potatoes, any salad dressings, asparagus, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Animal sources of vitamin E, although in less concentrated amounts, include milk, eggs, and shrimp.
Vitamin E can be found in vegetable oils, cabbage, sweet potatoes, any salad dressings, asparagus, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Animal sources of vitamin E, although in less concentrated amounts, include milk, eggs, and shrimp.
