Tag: Omega-3

I’ve been writing about omega-3 fatty acids for some time now. Research continues to show how important these fatty acids really are to the human body, and how omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation are somehow related. A study a few years ago at the University of Pittsburgh confirms what subsequent studies have found, how important Omega-3 fatty acids really are.

“Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine went on a molecular fishing trip and netted a catch of new mediators that not only can explain how omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, but also hint at novel treatments for a host of diseases linked to inflammatory processes.” [1]

Before I continue with this study, let’s take a look at what omega-3 fatty acids are, and the health benefits behind them. To do so I’ve included a quote below from the University of Maryland Medical Center’s web site:

“Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids: They are necessary for human health but the body can’t make them — you have to get them through food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. They have also become popular because they may reduce the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon) at least 2 times a week.” [2]

All of the research I’ve found concurs that “omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function.” [2]

This information is not from a single study, rather from numerous studies over several years in which universities have been doing research. Runaway inflammation can lead to various serious health problems in the body involving the heart, arteries, lungs, joints and more. That’s probably why so much research is being done not only on inflammation but also on nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, that fight inflammation.

If you’re looking to incorporate more omega-3-fatty acids into your diet, fish is your best bet. The purest choice fish include canned sardines or mackerel, wild Alaskan salmon and sable fish, and small, troll-caught tuna. However, if you’re not a fish eater, Vital Choice’s Sockeye Salmon Supplements provides all of the fatty acids and abundant vitamin D3 found in salmon head oil.

There are also other Omega-3 supplements, and many contain a premier and unique blend of four different types of the most highly regarded Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) oils – Fish, Flaxseed, Evening Primrose and Perilla Seed. They may also use contaminant-free fish oil that has undergone an intense distilling process.

Just as research on omega-3 fatty acids will continue, I will continue to write about what researchers find regarding this highly important nutrient.

Jeffrey Sloe
Independent TriVita Business Owner – #12871028
440-725-3729
Visit My TriVita Product Site

Resources:
[1] www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100502173503.htm
[2] www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm

Healthy Choice Foods High in Fatty Acids

The above information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

I’ve been researching Omega-3 essential fatty acids for a few years now. It amazes me as to all the attention this all natural nutrient continues to receive. And, may I add that everything I’ve read, including the article posted below, is nothing short of good news.

From one of my previous article, I’ve reported that “most of us have heard about how fats are bad for us; however, this isn’t always the case. Some fats are very good for our ongoing well being. Two of these fats are Omega-3 and Omega-6. Not only are they good for us, they’re actually indispensable, which is why they are also called Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs).”

I’ve also mentioned that omega-3 fatty acids “are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body.” And, I’ve concluded that if you’re not a fish eater, the best source of EFAs, then you may need to be taking a daily omega-3 supplement, such as the one developed by TriVita®.

I’ve also written about inflammation. Omega-3 is “one of the best nutrients to reduce runaway inflammation. This may be new to you, but runaway inflammation can lead to various serious health problems in the body involving the heart, arteries, lungs, joints and more.”

Now in a recent study, by-products of omega-3 has been proven to reduce pain, caused by inflammation, in laboratory mice. In the article I’ve posted below, omega-3 is also safer than any NSAID on the market. If you’re still skeptical, please read the entire article entitled, Pain May be Relieved by Omega-3 Byproducts, which was written by Craig Weatherby of Vital Choice.

Pain May be Relieved by Omega-3 Byproducts – Study in mice suggests that omega-3s from fish could ease pain … and form the basis of a safer new class of potent analgesic drugs

by Craig Weatherby

Non-prescription analgesic drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen make life more bearable for millions of people suffering from all sorts of pain.

But these so-called “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs” – NSAIDs for short – come with serious side effects that kill or injure thousands of Americans every year.

Estimates of the annual deaths in the United States attributable to NSAIDs vary from 3,200 to higher than 16,500 (Cryer B 2005; Lanas A et al. 2005).

And among elderly Americans alone, there are an estimated 41,000 hospitalizations related to NSAIDs each year (Griffin MR 1998).

Current NSAIDs alleviate pain and inflammation by blocking the action of one or both of two cyclooxygenase (COX) type enzymes … either the COX-1 enzyme and/or the COX-2 enzyme, depending on the drug.

The COX-1 enzyme promotes inflammation, but drugs – such as aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g., Advil), and naproxen (e.g., Aleve) that block it can produce gastric bleeding, duodenal ulcers, kidney problems, and cardiovascular complications.

Scientists developed COX-2 drugs such as Celebrex and Vioxx to get around the adverse gastric effects of COX-1 drugs … but it turned out that they, too, can cause gastric injury.

And sharp increases in cardiovascular complications led to withdrawal of Vioxx from the market in 2004.

Clearly, it behooves the medical community to find alternative analgesics that do not work in the same way.

We’ve reported on the recent discovery that when we metabolize omega-3s from fish – especially DHA – they yield critical anti-inflammatory compounds called resolvins.

Now, the analgesic potential of omega-3-derived resolvins has gained significant support in a mouse study from the Pain Research Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital … a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Mouse study yields encouraging findings on an omega-3 fat’s analgesic potential

A research team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital reports that resolvins that the body produces from the two key omega-3s in fish fat and human cells – DHA and EPA – may serve as a new class of painkillers for treating inflammatory pain (Xu ZZ et al. 2010).

The Boston-based group believes that resolvins reduce pain both by damping inflammation and by acting in the spinal cord to prevent and reverse chronic pain.

Inflammatory pain, such as arthritic and post-operative pain, is triggered by tissue injury, leading to the release of compounds that increase inflammation and also act within the spinal cord to promote persistent pain.

The researchers found that two resolvins – RvE1 (derived from EPA) and RvD1 (derived from DHA) – reduced inflammatory pain symptoms in mice.

The results showed that RvE1 was 10,000 times more potent at alleviating pain than omega-3 EPA itself, which suggests that resolvins should be targets for drug development.

Confirming the mechanism by which omega-3s can relieve pain indirectly, an artificial compound called Chemerin – which binds to the same cell receptor as RvE1 and RvD1 – also significantly reduced pain symptoms.

Aside from its proven anti-inflammatory effects, they also found that RvE1 acts in the spinal cord to prevent the persistent activation of nerve cells that underlies chronic pain.

Importantly – and unlike powerful analgesic opiate-class drugs like codeine or oxycontin – the analgesic effects of the omega-3-derived resolvins did not alter the animals’ normal sensitivity to pain.

We hope that findings like these will lead to a new class of analgesic drugs that are much safer but just as effective as NSAIDs.

The study was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health.

Sources:

• Cryer B. NSAID-associated deaths: the rise and fall of NSAID-associated GI mortality. Am J Gastroenterol. 2005 Aug;100(8):1694-5.
• Griffin MR. Epidemiology of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated gastrointestinal injury. Am J Med. 1998 Mar 30;104(3A):23S-29S; discussion 41S-42S. Review.
• Lanas A, Perez-Aisa MA, Feu F, Ponce J, Saperas E, Santolaria S, Rodrigo L, Balanzo J, Bajador E, Almela P, Navarro JM, Carballo F, Castro M, Quintero E; Investigators of the Asociación Española de Gastroenterología (AEG). A nationwide study of mortality associated with hospital admission due to severe gastrointestinal events and those associated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug use. Am J Gastroenterol. 2005 Aug;100(8):1685-93.
• Singh G, Triadafilopoulos G. Epidemiology of NSAID induced gastrointestinal complications. J Rheumatol 1999;26(suppl):18–24.
• Tarone RE, Blot WJ, McLaughlin JK. Nonselective nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and gastrointestinal bleeding: Relative and absolute risk estimates from recent epidemiologic studies. Am J Ther 2004;11(1):17–25.
• Tenenbaum J. The epidemiology of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Can J Gastroenterol. 1999 Mar;13(2):119-22. Review.
• Xu ZZ, Zhang L, Liu T, Park JY, Berta T, Yang R, Serhan CN, Ji RR. Resolvins RvE1 and RvD1 attenuate inflammatory pain via central and peripheral actions. Nat Med. 2010 May;16(5):592-7, 1p following 597. Epub 2010 Apr 11.

*** End of Article ***

If you believe that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce pain caused by inflammation, taking a daily omega-3 supplement may be the right choice for you. Many omega-3 supplements contain a premier and unique blend of four different types of the most highly regarded Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) oils – Fish, Flaxseed, Evening Primrose and Perilla Seed. Some also use only contaminant-free fish oil that has undergone an intense distilling process.

Some omega-3 supplements meet the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, with only one daily dose. They provide the amount of Omega-3 recommended by the AHA for healthy individuals, as well as for those who have heart disease or the risk of it.

If you would like additional information on Omega-3 Supplements or many other nutritional product, you can Visit My TriVita Product Site to learn more. TriVita® ensures that you get the safest, freshest, and most effective products available on the market today. Each product is made under the strictest quality controls in the nutritional supplement industry.

Jeffrey Sloe
Independent TriVita Business Owner – #12871028
440-725-3729
Visit My TriVita Business Site

Nutritionists have known for a long time that seafood is a low-fat source of high-quality protein. Eating seafood is one of the best choices for children, adults, and the aging population, and the health benefits are simply amazing. In fact, many studies have shown that eating seafood can decrease your risk of heart attack, stroke, obesity, hypertension, and even decrease, or in some cases, total reduce inflammation.

Inflammation is a process in which the body’s white blood cells and chemicals help protect us from infection and foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses.

“When inflammation occurs, chemicals from the body are released into the blood or affected tissues. This release of chemicals increases the blood flow to the area of injury or infection and may result in redness and warmth. Some of the chemicals cause a leak of fluid into the tissues, resulting in swelling. This process may stimulate nerves and cause pain.” [2]

The immune system, a complex array of organs, tissues and specialized cells, protects us from outside invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, allergens and from harmful insiders, such as infected cells and toxins. However, the immune system is not segregated (immune) from disease that attacks the human body.

“Several chronic diseases involve the immune system. The most common are rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, psoriasis (an inflammatory skin condition), and some allergies. In these conditions the immune system overacts and the inflammation that results contributes to the disease symptoms – painful joints, itchy skin, swelling, redness, wheezing, etc. These overactive immune responses can be toned down by the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. For this reason, the oils in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, rainbow trout, and sardines, can be helpful in reducing the severity of the symptoms of these conditions. Omega-3s cannot prevent or cure these conditions, but they may make a noticeable improvement in the discomfort associated with them.”[1]

A diet that consists of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids can provide an added benefit one needs to ward off disease and illness. However, many people may not like fish. If that’s the case, there are plenty of omega-3 supplements.

One Omega-3 supplement that I’m thinking of, contains a premier and unique blend of four different types of the most highly regarded Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) oils – Fish, Flaxseed, Evening Primrose and Perilla Seed. It also uses only contaminant-free fish oil that has undergone a 10 stage distilling process.

Start taking control of your health by adding omega-3 to your diet. Take advantage of what the nutritionists have known for a very long time – fish, high in omega-3 fatty acids, is needed to maintain a health body.

You can find additional information on Omega-3 supplements and many other nutritional products by going to My TriVita Product Site.

Jeffrey Sloe
Independent TriVita Business Owner – #12871028
440-725-3729

The above information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources
[1] http://www.alaskaseafood.org/health/documents/staying_healthy.pdf
[2] [3] www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/arthritis-inflammation

Healthy Food Choices

Does taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements actually help? Well, just read the article below about a the results of a new study conducted by Professor Mark Hall of the University of Leeds in the UK.

Read the article by clicking on this link: New omega-3 preparation protects against bowel polyps.

According to the study, there’s new hope for patients diagnosed with a “rare inherited condition called FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis), thought to be responsible for about one in every 100 bowel cancers.”[1] There were several notables from the case study;

1. Omega-3 EPA found as effective as drugs prescribed to prevent pre-cancerous bowel polyps;
2. It’s plausible to presume that omega-3s could help prevent all bowel polyps;
3. Researchers observed a significant reduction in the number and size of polyps in a group of patients that were given 2 grams daily of a new highly purified formulation of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid EPA.

Omega-3 fatty acids have also been known to help fight heart disease. Since omega-3s are safe and good for cardiovascular health, the UK team noted that EPA could be especially suitable for older patients at risk of both bowel cancer and heart disease. It’s been noted that “around 85 per cent of people diagnosed with bowel cancer are over the age of 60.”[1]

Extensive research has been done on omega-3 fatty acids, which indicates that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function.

So to answer the original question; Does taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements actually help? I guess you have to be the judge. However, form my research, I have yet to find an article or case study that says, omega-3 fatty acids do nothing. That’s why I promote a supplement like omega-3 fatty acids.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) support our wellness in so many ways, and it all starts with helping to reduce runaway inflammation. Many of us don’t realize this, but it’s that runaway inflammation that can lead to various serious health problems in the body involving the heart, arteries, lungs, joints and more.

If you’re not doing something to prevent inflammation and/or heart disease, maybe it’s time to start. We are all getting older, and it’s the aging process that increases our chances of getting cancer or heart disease.

You can find additional information on Omega-3 Fatty Acids and many other nutritional products by going to My TriVita Business Site. TriVita® ensures that you get the safest, freshest, and most effective products available on the market today. Each product is made under the strictest quality controls in the nutritional supplement industry.

Shop for Omega-3 Supplements

Jeffrey Sloe
Independent TriVita Business Owner – #12871028
440-725-3729
Visit My TriVita Business Site

The above information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resurces:

[1] www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article/764/new_omega-3_preparation_protects_against_bowel_polyps

Just about every one of us has heard about the healthful benefits of adding fish oil to your diet. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which has been linked to positive effects in the human body. These benefits include lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides and overall cholesterol levels, and even the possibility of reducing the effects of certain types of cancers. The cancers in question include colon, breast, and prostate cancer.

Omega 3 fatty acids have been included in a multitude of medical studies as being very helpful in lowering the risk of heart disease. However, it only includes those individuals that have taken significant amounts of omega-3 over a long period of time. So, what quantity of omega-3 fatty acids are needed to provide an individual with exceptional results?

Perhaps there is no exact answer, however, we need to take a look at some variables before deciding on how much you need to ingest into your diet for them to become effective.

First of all, there’s the age factor. According to experts, “younger people need a higher dose of fish oil than older people.” Why? More than likely, it’s due to the fact that younger people have higher metabolisms and are more active. The fact that they are more active, leads to their bodies burning higher amounts of calories and fats. On the other hand, older people are typically less active, in turn, they don’t need quite as much fish oil to achieve the same benefits.

The second factor that plays a role in deciding on how much omega-3 fatty acids you need is the source, or quality, in which you are taking. Fish oil from its true source, like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon, may not be as effective as, say, a supplement. And if your source of the natural fish is not reliable, it may even cause more harm than good, especially if it’s contaminated with mercury. The source and quality of omega-3 fatty acids is very important.

Fish oil is readily available in capsule and liquid form, but then again, not all are created equal. It’s been scientifically proven that the quality and concentration of fish oil over the counter can vary greatly. When choosing a quality fish oil supplement, one should make sure that it’s at least health food store grade, and preferably pharmaceutical grade. The higher the quality, the less you should have to ingest to experience the real health benefits.

Your medical condition is the final factor to consider when deciding what dosage of fish oil you need. For example, if you have high cholesterol, are a high risk of heart disease or have high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe a higher than normal dose for you. Remember, it’s up to your doctor to decide. As with any supplement, you should consult your physician, or medical professional first. It’s not advised to self prescribe more than is recommended on the label of any over-the-counter supplement.

So, what’s the general rule of thumb? The American Heart Association recommends consuming 1–3 grams per day of EPA and DHA. For certain medical conditions, however, higher doses of omega-3 products, up to 4 grams per day, can be used safely, and with good effect. Included the right amount of omega 3 fatty acids can be one of the smartest and most healthy things you ever do for yourself and your body.

TriVita’s Omega-3 supplement helps meet the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for omega-3 fatty acids. One daily dose of this supplement provides the amount of Omega-3 recommended by the AHA for healthy individuals, as well as for those who have heart disease or the risk of it.

You can find additional information on Omega Prime and all of the TriVita® nutritional products by going to my TriVita product site.

Jeffrey Sloe
Independent TriVita Business Owner – #12871028
440-725-3729
Visit My TriVita Business Site

The above information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Information from a new research study, which was published in the European Heart Journal, reveals that eating oily fish, such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel and trout at least once per week can contribute to a reduction in the risk of heart failure in men.

The study was conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). In the study, they analyzed 39,367 Swedish men between the ages of 45 and 79 from 1998 to 2004. “The researchers recorded details of the men’s diet and tracked the men’s outcome through Swedish inpatient hospital registers and cause-of-death registers. During this period, 597 men in the study (with no previous history of heart disease or diabetes) developed heart failure. Thirty-four men died.” [1]

The study produced solid evidence that the men who ate fatty fish once a week had a 12 percent lower risk of developing heart failure.

“Analysis of their numbers showed that the men who ate fatty fish (herring, mackerel, salmon, whitefish and char) once a week were 12 percent less likely to develop heart failure, compared with men who ate no fatty fish. Although this association did not reach statistical significance, notes Levitan, the researchers also found a statistically significant association with the intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in cod liver and other fish oils: The men who consumed approximately 0.36 grams a day were 33 percent less likely to develop heart failure than the men who consumed little or no marine omega-3 fatty acids.” [1]

“Our study reinforces the current recommendations for moderate consumption of fatty fish,&quot notes first author Emily Levitan, PhD, a research fellow in the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Center at BIDMC. “Current guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend eating fatty fish twice a week.”

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. For this reason, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food, and or supplements. However, there has been some concerns regarding mercury contamination of omega-3 fatty acids supplements. If mercury is a concern, I suggest taking certified mercury-free omega-3 supplements.

Omega-3 supplements meet the American Heart Association guidelines. One daily dose of a good omega-3 supplement provides the amount of essential fatty acids recommended by the AHA for healthy individuals, as well as for those who have heart disease or the risk of it.

Further research suggests that essential fatty acids (EFAs) support our wellness in so many ways, starting with helping to reduce runaway inflammation. Many of us don’t realize this, but runaway inflammation can lead to various serious health problems in the body, not only with the heart, but also with the arteries, lungs, and joints.

Many of us are not a fish eaters; if that’s you, Omega Prime can be a great addition to your diet. And since omega-3 fatty acids are recommended by doctors and health professionals, it’s important to get your recommended daily requirement.

You can find additional information on Omega-3 fatty Acids and many other nutritional products by visiting My TriVita Business Site . TriVita® ensures that you get the safest, freshest, and most effective products available on the market today. Each product is made under the strictest quality controls in the nutritional supplement industry.

Jeffrey Sloe
Independent TriVita Business Owner – #12871028
440-725-3729
Visit My TriVita Business Site

Sources:
[1] www.bidmc.org/News/InResearch/2009/April/BenefitsofFattyFish.aspx

Did you know that your brain is made up of 60% fat? And did you know that the neurons that communicate messages to your brain need high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids to get the job done? If you answered no to one of both of these questions, chances are, you’re not getting enough omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs).

If you’re not getting enough omega-3’s—your brain is one of the first organs to feel the effects. And that means…

• Sluggish thinking and mental fog
• “Senior moments” and forgetfulness
• Poor concentration and memory recall
• Inability to learn new things
• Mood swings and sadness

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that mood problems will become the second leading cause of disability worldwide by 2020. [1]

And researchers say this increase may be due to the fact that we’re eating fewer amounts of essential omega-3’s. It’s suggested that we should not take a chance with our brain health. We need to make sure we boost our levels of healthy omega-3’s.

“Regular fish consumption (1-2 servings per week) is protective against coronary heart disease and ischaemic stroke and is recommended. The serving should provide an equivalent of 200-500 mg of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid. People who are vegetarians are recommended to ensure adequate intake of plant sources of a-linolenic acid.” [2]

If you’re not a fish eater, like many people, it’s never been easier to get your regular dose of omega-3 because there is an omega-3 supplement that contains healthy omega-3’s, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are both found only in cold water fish like salmon and herring.

With a healthy dose of 400 mg of omega-3—you get powerful omega-3 supplementation to help boost your brain and body health.

Other ingredients in this supplement are organic flaxseed oil, which contains “alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that appears to be beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and other health conditions”[3], and evening primrose oil, which “contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is believed to be the active ingredient.”[4]

This supplement not only protects the brain, but also meets the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for omega-3 intake. One daily dose provides the amount of Omega-3 recommended by the AHA for healthy individuals, as well as for those who have heart disease or the risk of it.

Now, you can protect your brain and heart at the same time by taking an omega-3 fatty acids supplement daily.

To learn more about this supplement, please contact me.

Shop for Omega-3 Supplements

Sources:

[1] http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/definition/en/

[2] http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/5_population_nutrient/en/index13.html

[3] http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/flaxseed-oil-000304.htm

[4] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/evening-primrose-oil/NS_patient-Primrose

I continue to do research on nutritional products provided by many companies. In a effort to solidify the information provided by these companies, along with the claims made on their products, I always feel a need to go that extra mile, and do my own research. With that said, here is what I’ve found experts, backed by case studies, have said about the importance of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs).

“Dr Emanuel Severus of the Berlin University finds that major depression is characterized by a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids and that these acids possess powerful anti-arrhythmic properties. He suggests that the missing link in the recently established association between major depression and sudden cardiac death may be the omega-3 fatty acid deficiency which characterizes both conditions.” [1]

The American Heart Association (AHA) has been claiming that omega-3 is important to keeping the heart healthy. I’ve also written about that in my past articles. As a matter of fact, the AHA recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon) at least 2 times a week. Your can learn more by going to their web site.

“DHA, a major component of fish oils, is the most important fatty acid in the brain and retina and makes up more than 30% of the structural lipid (fat) in neurons. There is ample evidence that a deficiency of DHA is associated with depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and dementia. Clinical studies have shown that an increased intake of DHA may benefit patients with dyslexia and Alzheimer’s disease.” [2]

“Researchers at Boston University and Tufts University School of Medicine now report that they have found a clear association between low blood levels of DHA and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease…The researchers suggest that maintaining adequate levels of DHA through the consumption of fish or dietary supplements rich in DHA may be particularly important for the elderly.” [2]

I’ve written articles about Alzheimer’s Disease, and the importance of omega-3 fatty acids as a preventative natural product. In the previous study, it’s a proven fact that “increased intake of DHA may benefit patients with dyslexia and Alzheimer’s disease.” Supplements high in omega-3 fatty acid, are great sources of DHA to help prevent this terrible disease.

“Manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder) is a common, severe mental illness involving repeated episodes of depression, mania (rapid mood changes, hyperactivity, and excessive cheerfulness) or both. It is usually treated with drugs such as lithium carbonate or valproate. Unfortunately, these drugs are not very effective and recurrence rates are high. It is generally believed that bipolar disorder involves an overactivity in the neuronal signal pathways. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to dampen this overactivity and medical researchers at the Harvard Medical School have confirmed that omega-3 oils may be useful in the treatment of bipolar disorder.” [3]

This is the first information I’ve seen regarding omega-3 being used to treat bipolar disorders. However, it must be working because the Harvard researchers urge that further trials of fish oils in the treatment of depression and manic-depressive illness be completed.

Those are just a few findings on the importance of incorporating omega-3 into your daily diet. I know a lot of people do not like fish, that’s why finding an omega-3 supplement with a premier blend of essential fatty acids from 4 sources — Fish, Flaxseed, Evening Primrose and Perilla Seed, may be right for you.

If you need additional information, please contact me.

Shop for Omega-3 Supplements

Sources
[1] Severus, W. Emanuel, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids: the missing link? Archives of General Psychiatry, Vol.56, April 1999, pp. 380-81 (letter to the editor)
[2] Kyle, D. J., et al. Low serum docosahexaenoic acid is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s dementia. Lipids, Vol.34 (suppl), 1999, p.S245.
[3] Stoll, Andrew L. et al. Omega 3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, Vol.56, May 1999, pp.407-12 and pp.415-16 (commentary)

To many, it’s a known fact that long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have plenty of positive affects on the human body. Nutritionists and medical professionals would probably all agree that eating foods, like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are more healthy than eating any type of meat. Unfortunately, a lot of people do not like fish.

According to experts, and a new study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there are three primary reasons for a high ranking of omega-3 deficiency as a risk factor for preventable death:

1. Omega-3s are proven to prevent stroke, second heart attacks, and sudden cardiac death, which is responsible for half of all heart-related deaths.
2. Omega-3s appear to reduce depression, which is linked to heart disease and suicide.
3. Omega-3s are critical to proper immune function.

The study revealed “that a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet causes up to 96,000 preventable deaths annually in the United States.” The researchers also went on to say that “low omega-3 intake ranked as the sixth greatest killer, responsible for about 84,000 preventable deaths in 2005.”

Causing 84,000 preventable deaths, low omega-3 intake was found a greater risk factor than high intake of trans fatty acids (82,000 preventable deaths), found in hydrogenated vegetable oils (Danaei G et al. 2009).

What is the recommended daily requirement of omega-3 fatty acids?

Most world health authorities recommend taking 500mg or more per day, and the American Heart Association recommends that heart patients take 1,000mg per day under medical supervision.

If fish is your best source of EPA and DHA’s, and your not a fish eater, how else can you get this all important polyunsaturated fat?

Many brands of omega-3 oils and supplements are available in grocery stores and vitamin shops. If you choose fish oil, be sure the brand you select is mercury free. I suggest taking an omega-3 supplement, one gives you the needed fatty acid to maintain a healthy omega-3 balance.

Many omega-3 supplements meet the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, and many don’t. So always use only the best of the best. One daily dose usually provides the amount of Omega-3 recommended by the AHA for healthy individuals, as well as for those who have heart disease or the risk of it.

Before taking any supplements, first and foremost, ask your health professional then read as much as you can about the additional fish oil benefits. You’ll find that they provide an amazing array of health benefits.

Contact me for additional information on omega-3 supplements.

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Sources:

Danaei G, Ding EL, Mozaffarian D, Taylor B, Rehm J, Murray CJ, Ezzati M. The preventable causes of death in the United States: comparative risk assessment of dietary, lifestyle, and metabolic risk factors. PLoS Med. 2009 Apr 28;6(4):e1000058. Epub 2009 Apr 28.