Hi elaine,
fish oil might impede progress, evidence points that fish oil raises T by an increase in LH (lutenizing hormone) which stimulates the testes to produce T. In women I believe that increase comes by way of DHEA, (they're major androgen). This is why some people may see an increase in acne, but it can also help in mood (depression) by the same process if your T slips below normal production. It looks like high dose DHA might also impede estradiol, (gonna dig deeper on that one lol).
Another side to this (as abi pointed out) is that " ethyl ester " (EE) can oxidize to a more damaging form of trygleceride (from fish oil),
Quote:EEs are far less stable and can more readily produce harmful oxidation products
this is a hotly contested debate in the science / manufacturing world of fish oil, is it cost saving?.......maybe fit the manufacturers, but I believe it can damage the pancreas and kidneys as the article pointed out.
Are all fish oil concentrates ethyl esters?
Quote:The vast majority of fish oil concentrates sold globally; including those sold in North America are EPA and DHA EE concentrates. A small percentage of fish oil concentrates on the market are natural TGs. In the manufacturing of EE concentrates it is possible to convert the fatty acids back to TGs using food grade enzymes. This process, called glycerolysis, removes the ethanol molecule and re-esterifies the EPA and DHA fatty acids to a glycerol backbone. These are commonly referred to as re-esterfied or concentrated triglycerides (rTGs). The process of converting EE to TG is uncommon due to cost constraints adding 30-40 % to the end bulk oil cost. Therefore, the only rationale for omitting the glycerolysis step is cost cutting.
http://pi-bill-articles.blogspot.com/201...s.html?m=1
Ethyl ester fish oils are less stable, and readily oxidize
Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of EEs are much less stable than those in the natural TG form and readily oxidize. The oxidation kinetics of DHA as an EE or as a TG was assessed by measuring the concentration of oxygen found in the head space of a reaction vessel with both TG and EE forms17. The EE form of DHA was more reactive, and quickly oxidized, demonstrating that EEs are far less stable and can more readily produce harmful oxidation products17. Furthermore, the stability of phospholipid, triglyceride and EEs containing DHA has been assessed18. After a ten-week oxidation period, the EE DHA oil decayed 33 % more rapidly18.
Phsolipids
How can I determine if my fish oil is a natural triglyceride or an ethyl ester?
There is a simple, inexpensive and rapid method to determine if a fish oil supplement is in the TG or EE form by using polystyrene (Styrofoam) cups.
Method
Measure and place 20 ml of fish oil in a polystyrene cup. Place the cup on a plate to avoid any mess. Observe the cup after 10 minutes. If the fish oil has leaked significantly through the cup it contains EE. Due to their chemical composition, EE will actually eat straight through the polystyrene cup. This effect will become evident after just a few minutes; however, significant leakage is seen after 10 minutes. Natural TG fish oils placed in the same cup will not show leakage after 10 minutes. Natural TG fish oils may show leakage through the cup in very small amounts after 2-3 hours.
Info on fish oil
http://www.breastnexus.com/showthread.php?tid=17436&page=346