Fish Oil and Soybean Oil
In May, an interesting study was published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, looking at the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids – specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), as a preventative for migraine.
Omega-3 trials for migraine have had mixed results, but generally it’s recommended to fight migraine and promote general health. This particular trial certainly improved the profile of fish oils and other omega-3 oils for migraine. The results?
- Fewer “migraine days” per month
- Fewer days taking “painkillers”
- Attacks which were less severe and disabling
- Improved general quality of life
- Less depression and anxiety
Before you rush out for more fish oil, there are a few things you need to know about this study.
First, this was specifically a high dose of EPA. 2 grams of fish oil were taken daily, which included 1.8g of EPA. The trial period was 12 weeks.
Now here’s an interesting side note. The control group took 2 grams of soybean oil a day as a placebo.
Soybean oil, a highly refined omega-6 oil, has been the source of quite a bit of controversy. Although many are now downplaying possible bad affects on the heart, some neurological concerns are now emerging. Is it possible that soybean oil could contribute to obesity, depression, and diabetes, at least in the high quantities people often consume? Some researchers think so (see America’s most widely consumed oil causes genetic changes in the brain).
So one might wonder if some of the benefits of the omega-3 oil in this study were more of a comparison with bad effects from the soybean oil!
The body needs both omega-3 oils and omega-6 oils. Some of the concerns come from the question of how much omega-6 we should be consuming. But in the study just mentioned, even soybean oil low in linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) still seemed to cause changes to the brain.
I’ll let you do your own research on all that. However, from the information we have so far, many migraine specialists would still recommend fish oil – again, both for migraine and for overall health.
Carlson Labs has an excellent omega-3 supplement with a good mix of EPA and DPA. For the brave, try their cod liver oil. Better yet, how about a couple helpings of fish per week?
For a benefit vs cost winner, Dr. Mauskop at the New York Headache Center recommends Vascepa, but you do need a doctor’s prescription to get it.
From what I’ve seen in the research so far, I’m happy with more fish oil and less soybean oil.