![Omega-3: a different story](https://img.passeportsante.net/1000x526/2014-03-24/i35163-omega-3-un-son-de-cloche-different.jpg)
April 8, 2005 – A staunch advocate of the crucial role of omega-3s in brain development and function, Dr Jean-Marie Bourre1, a researcher at INSERM, vigorously denounces the media hype about omega-3 supplements. “It’s true that Westerners in general don’t get enough omega-3s, but it’s easy, inexpensive and much smarter to incorporate them into our diet,” he said in a commentary. conference presented on April 5 as part of the Belles Soirées de l’Université de Montréal.
The right choices
According to Dr Fluff, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the foundation of our omega-3 reserves, since it is the precursor of EPA and DHA. “ALA is the head of the family,” he explains, “and it can be found very cheaply in canola oil: a single tablespoon meets half of the daily requirement. Regular consumption of fatty fish complements requirements by providing EPA and DHA directly, sardines and mackerel being two inexpensive sources ”. According to him, omega-3 eggs are also an interesting source of these much sought after fats. “Spawned by hens whose feed is supplemented with flax seeds, they constitute a food enriched in a way that respects the natural cycle. Plus, they only cost a little more than regular eggs. ”
Questionable supplements and wacky claims
Dr Bourre sometimes becomes very virulent to denounce certain situations, but his words are not always adapted to the North American context.
For example, according to him, supplements are not an attractive solution to increase the intake of omega-3 and can even be harmful. “Cod liver oil supplements contain high amounts of vitamins D and A, which in high doses are toxic,” he explains. In addition, some omega-3 products are purified and enriched in EPA or DHA by a chemical process, which impairs their absorption. However, supplements of this type are not marketed in North America and cod liver oil capsules, which constitute only a small share of the market, are not usually consumed as a source of omega-3. .
Dr Bourre also denounces the far-fetched allegations that manufacturers and the media disseminate to the French public. “When you are told that these supplements will make you see life pink or improve your libido, that’s rubbish, he protests. And it is not because after the brain, it is the testicles that contain the most omega-3 that taking capsules will stimulate your sexual function! According to him, swallowing fish oil capsules does not make you in a better mood after an argument with your boss or spouse. “It is very effective, however, to line the pockets of unscrupulous manufacturers! “
Almost reluctantly, however, he recognizes that in terms of clinically diagnosed depression, omega-3s could have a role to play, but he emphasizes that the only data available are epidemiological, so much too preliminary to say anything. that is. “The data on the effects of omega-3s on mental health are at about the same stage as those on their cardiovascular effects 35 years ago. We must not go faster than the music! However, he forgets to mention that some preliminary clinical studies have given promising results (see in particular our sheet on fish oils on this subject).
A position that scrambles the cards
In his propensity to make shattering statements about the dangers of omega-3 supplements and the far-fetched claims from manufacturers and the media, Dr Bourre may well have confused the minds of the 350 or so people who applauded him warmly. For example, they might forget that he made it clear, almost inadvertently, that pure fish oil supplements do not have the downsides of chemically fortified ones and cod liver oil capsules. In addition, when he sharply criticizes other authors, including David Servan Schreiber, he forgets to specify that the approach advocated by the latter is far from based solely on omega-3 supplements.
It would have been desirable if it had better adapted its content to the North American reality by mentioning other sources of ALA such as oil and linseed and hemp seeds, which are offered here. By the way, in response to a question about flaxseeds, Dr Bourre went completely astray, claiming that these, like soybeans, must absolutely be heated before being consumed, as they would contain “anti-foods” that are harmful to thyroid function. “This information is completely wrong for humans, corrected Jean-Yves Dionne, pharmacist, contacted by phone. There are indeed potentially toxic molecules in soybeans and flaxseed, but only for ruminants, which have the enzymes necessary for their absorption. These toxins are absolutely not bioavailable to humans. To fully benefit from the ALA content of flax seeds, they should not be heated and their oil should be cold pressed and never used for cooking.
The mix of genres …
The other unease that one can feel about this author and speaker who projects a very scientific image is that he does not hesitate to join forces with French promotional organizations such as the Center for information on cold cuts by signing their “Scientific file”. He is also chairman of the Scientific and Medical Committee for Eggs, within the National Committee for the Promotion of Eggs and Egg Products. To end on a surprising note to say the least, he also presented, in 2002, on behalf of the National Interprofessional Office of Prunes, a conference entitled “Prune and cerebral functioning” at a medical congress in 2002!
Françoise Ruby – PasseportSanté.net
Version revised April 15, 2005
1. Dr Jean-Marie Bourre is a member of the National Academy of Medicine (France) and a researcher at the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM). He has published several books, including: Foods for intelligence and pleasure in 2001, Diet for the brain, the new deal, in 2003 and The truth about omega-3s in 2004 (Editions Odile Jacob).