#161 | Omega 3: Science vs. Hype | Bill Harris PhD

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About the guest:

Bill Harris, PhD in Human Nutrition

Dr. William (Bill) S. Harris is an internationally recognized expert in omega-3 fatty acid research, particularly concerning cardiovascular health. He earned his Ph.D. in Human Nutrition from the University of Minnesota and completed post-doctoral fellowships in Clinical Nutrition and Lipid Metabolism at the Oregon Health Sciences University. In 2009, Dr. Harris founded OmegaQuant, a company specializing in omega-3 blood testing, notably the Omega-3 Index test, which he co-invented in 2004. This test measures the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells and has been widely used in research and clinical settings. ​

Over his 40-year career, Dr. Harris has authored more than 300 scientific papers on fatty acids and health. His significant contributions have earned him recognition as one of the top 2% of scientists worldwide based on research impact. ​ In late 2020, Dr. Harris transitioned from his role at OmegaQuant to establish the Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI), where he serves as President and focuses on conducting and publishing research on fatty acids and health. ​

Dr. Harris is also a Fellow of the American Society for Nutrition and has co-authored multiple American Heart Association scientific statements on fatty acids and cardiovascular disease.

Episode summary:

Omega 3. EPA/DHA. Our talk today is mostly about how can the older athlete get the most out of the omega 3 nutrient…sources, forms of supplements, how to dose, what to take it with for better bioavailability, and anything else we should know. We also explore three other areas:

1. what does our body do with omega 3’s? Is more better?
2. should we take only EPA or only DHA?
3. what’s the real story behind the recent negative headlines on omega 3’s (failed pharma studies, Afib risks, DHA is detrimental)?
4. what’s the deal with the new stuff being marketed to us now such as SPMs (specialized pro resolving mediators) and Fatty 15 (they sure are good at marketing…is this a replacement for EPA/DHA?)

EPA & DHA are not "essential fatty acids" but if you are interested in any of the many available benefits, eat more fish....or take fish oil or algae oil. Don't let your body be short of these vital nutrients.

• Lower resting HR (resulting in better oxygen to heart)
• Anticoagulation like aspirin but without stomach issues
• Reduced homocysteine
• Lower triglycerides
• Improved mitochondrial energy production
• Lower chronic inflammation
• Speeds resolution of acute inflammation (from injury or training)

Related episodes & links:

• Nature article: Blood n-3 fatty acid levels and total can cause specific mortality from 17 prospective studies
• OmegaQuant website

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*This content is never meant to serve as medical advice.