According to Science Daily here , the National Institue of Nutrition and Seafood Research in Norway (Nasjonalt institutt for ernærings- og sjømatforskning , NIFES in English and Norwegian/Norsk) is trying to find out the healthiest way to consume Omega-3 fatty acids, including via fresh fish, Omega-3-additive products, cod liver oil, capsules, and other supplements.
Omega-3 is a key word for the health foods market, and refers to the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids α-Linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are considered “essential” because they are not synthesized by the human body and thus must be consumed and absorbed through one’s diet. Common dietary sources of Omega-3-contained oil are cold-water oily fish, like salmon and mackerel, and flaxseeds. Omega-3s are also essential for health, forming healthy cell membranes, reducing triglycerides and atherosclerosis, and making up half of the fat content of the brain (which is approximately 2/3 fat).
NIFES is also studying the effects of consuming rancid fish oil, which is believed to cause oxidative stress to the cell membrane. One product used in the research was a nutriceutical juice from Smartfish containing antioxidants and Omega-3 from fresh salmon oil supplied by Marine Harvest, whose website provides information about sustainable marine harvesting, seafood and health, and a glossary of related terms in English.
For student of the Norwegian language, you might be interested in the free bilingual texts (Norsk and English) on the NIFES publications page. There are 1 page fact sheets on topics such as environmental pollutants in seafood and marine phospholipids for brain health.
