Individual and total omega-3 levels were associated with a lower incidence of congestive heart failure in older adults according to a recent study.
The link between long-chain omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA found in fish oil and incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) exposure was studied through a prospective cohort study with 4 U.S. communities and 2735 U.S. adults without prevalent heart disease who were enrolled in the Cardiovascular Health Study from 1992 to 2006. Their blood DHA/ EPA levels and other cardiovascular risk factors were measured in 1992 by using standardized methods. Relationships with incident cognitive heart failure were assessed. The results showed that the risk was approximately 50% lower in the people who had omega-3 levels in the top 25% compared to the bottom 25%. They concluded that circulating individual and total omega-3 fatty acid concentrations are associated with lower incidence of cognitive heart failure in older adults.
Source: Circulating Long-Chain {omega}-3 Fatty Acids and Incidence of Congestive Heart Failure in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study: A Cohort Study.Ann Intern Med. 2011 Aug 2;155(3):160-70.
Taking Fish oil supplements with at least 300 mg DHA during pregnancy may help lower the risk of developing postpartum depression in pregnant women.
In a small study, 52 pregnant women were given 300 milligrams of DHA containing omega-3 fish oil capsules or a placebo from the 24th through 40th weeks of pregnancy.
The study found that women who took the fish oil capsules had significantly fewer symptoms of postpartum depression than those who took the placebo, said Dr. Michelle Price Judge, of the University of Connecticut School of Nursing, and colleagues at the Experimental Biology meeting in Washington, DC.
“DHA consumption during pregnancy at levels that are reasonably attained from foods has the potential to decrease symptoms of postpartum depression,” they concluded in a news release from the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
The study was too small for any sweeping conclusions, but the preliminary results hint that Omega 3 fatty acids may help address some of the issues related to postpartum depression. Further larger scale studies are required before concluding that omega-3 fatty acid consumption lowers the risk of postpartum depression.
WATSONVILLE, Calif., March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — A research study conducted earlier this year on two Nordic Naturals® Arctic Cod Liver Oil™ products concluded that the effervescent formulation is more rapidly absorbed than gelatin soft gels, and suggested that the effervescent form is equally palatable, making it an acceptable alternative to the popular soft gel form. The study was conducted by Gerald Tramontano, Ph.D. at Exodon Clinical Research Unit in Mt. Arlington, New Jersey.
A total of 30 subjects between the ages of 21 and 60 completed the study. Blood samples were drawn hourly after the fish oil preparations were taken. The average time to maximum concentration of EPA and DHA was shorter for the effervescent preparation group (2.7 hours) than for the soft gel group (3.5 hours), a 23% reduction in absorption time. Significant change from EPA and DHA absorption was noted as early as 1.5 hours after intake of the effervescent, while the change in absorption for the soft gel occurred 4.5 hours after intake. Overall amounts or EPA and DHA absorbed were similar for both preparations.
Participants also rated the palatability of the delivery methods. More subjects rated the effervescent as “pleasant”, but the difference was not statistically significant suggesting that both formulations meet consumers expectations for taste.
The two products used in the study include:
- Omega-3 Effervescent™, a delicious orange-flavored water-soluble omega drink mix offering a revolutionary delivery system that is clean on the palate and easy to take
- Arctic Cod Liver Oil in soft gels, Nordic Naturals original high quality cod liver oil made from 100% Arctic Cod livers in lemon-flavored soft gels
According to Joar Opheim, CEO of Nordic Naturals, “This new convenient delivery system for omega-3 fish oil tastes great and provides an opportunity for increased compliance among consumers. Plus, the product offers faster absorption as a key benefit.”
Free single serving packets of Omega-3 Effervescent and product information are available by calling 800.787.7208.
Since 1995, Nordic Naturals has been the industry leader in fish oil supplementation, setting standards of excellence in the areas of purity, freshness, taste, and sustainability. With their reputation for efficacy and potency, Nordic Naturals fish oils and EFA blends are regularly chosen by independent research institutions and universities. Fourteen published scientific studies have been completed and more than 30 currently are underway. Distributing to over 30 countries on six continents, Nordic Naturals offers over 150 products in a variety of flavors, concentrations, and delivery forms. 800.662.2544 or www.nordicnaturals.com
SOURCE Nordic Naturals
WATSONVILLE, Calif., March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Nordic Naturals®, the industry leader in omega-3 fish oil, introduces Kenai Wild™ Alaskan Salmon Oil to address the growing demand for salmon oil supplementation and to ens
ure that consumers have a choice that has been third-party tested for heavy metals including, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, and other contaminants such as PCBs.
According to Joar Opheim, CEO of Nordic Naturals, “Salmon naturally contains elevated levels of arsenic, which makes purification of this fish oil very important. We test for both organic and inorganic arsenic as well as many other toxins. After evaluating other salmon oils in the marketplace, we found the need for a wild salmon oil that meets all international standards of purity and freshness.”
Kenai Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil is the first salmon oil surpassing all international standards for purity including industry standards set by the Global Organization for EPA and DHA (GOED) and the Council For Responsible Nutrition (CRN) as well as ingestion limits set by California Proposition 65 (Prop 65). Nordic Naturals uses the highest quality raw material available, Kenai Wild Alaskan salmon, that is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the world’s most recognized certifier of sustainable wild fisheries. The Kenai Wild program ensures premium quality wild salmon from the Cook Inlet of Alaska—involving comprehensive standards for harvesting and processing—and supports fair compensation for fishermen and processors. In addition, the program oversees the long-term sustainability of the wild Alaskan salmon.
Kenai Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil is available in 90 count, citrus flavored soft gels and in 8 oz. liquid. As in all non-concentrated fish oil, the product contains up to 23 different omega fatty acids including omegas 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 11. Unlike many salmon oils, Nordic Naturals Kenai Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil provides more than 500 mg EPA+DHA in each serving, and contains the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin which is naturally abundant in wild salmon and gives the oil its rich orange color.
Recent studies in adults have suggested that the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood stream may be associated with helping their obesity level. A new study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity examined the relationship between Omega-3s in particular DHA and EPA that is typically found in fish oil, weight status and insulin resistance in school-age children between 5-12 years.
The children were classified as non-obese or obese on the basis of body mass index (BMI) z-scores, were examined. Their fat intake was assessed using a parent reported 135-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.
The results indicated that Omega-3 was associated with obesity resistance & insulin resistance in children, highlighting its importance in preventing obesity and perhaps preventing obesity-related chronic diseases in later life. The results presented merits confirmation in a larger sample of obese children.
Source: Burrows T, Collins CE, Garg ML. Omega-3 index, obesity and insulin resistance in children, in Int J Pediatr. Obes. Jan 2011
DARTMOUTH, NS, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ – Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago completed a review of previously published research on antidepressant benefits of Omega-3 essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The review comprised a meta-analysis of 15 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in patients with depression and results were presented at the recent annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology.
The analysis indicated that DHA alone did not appear to offer any antidepressant benefits, where as patients taking EPA or a combination of EPA and DHA experienced clear antidepressant benefits.
John M. Davis, M.D., research professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago was quoted, “Our analysis clarifies the precise type of Omega-3 fatty acid that is effective for people with depression and explains why previous findings have been contradictory.” Davis continued, “The EPA predominant formulation is necessary for the therapeutic action to occur. The DHA predominant formulation does not have antidepressant efficacy.”
Jon Getzinger, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) said, “Many consumers still do not fully understand the role of EPA and DHA and the importance of having both EPA and DHA as part of a healthy diet. It is believed that EPA plays a functional role in the brain, while DHA plays a structural role.” Getzinger continued, “Consuming DHA alone which retrogrades poorly to EPA appears to be insufficient to provide the benefits associated with the combination of EPA and DHA that is found in fish oil. This analysis reinforces our understanding of the complementary roles that both EPA and DHA have in the maintenance of healthy brain function, in addition to the substantial scientific evidence supporting the benefits of heart health.”
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 20.9 million American adults suffer from various mood disorders, or about 9.5 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. NIMH also reports that data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s 2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey indicates that close to sixty billion dollars was spent on mental healthcare just in the United States during that year.
Omega-3 EPA and DHA continue to be among the most researched ingredients, with over 14,000 published studies. As the amount of research demonstrating the wide-ranging benefits of Omega-3 EPA and DHA increases, studies like this and the recent recognition by European health authorities of a daily reference intake of 250 mg/day of EPA and DHA, emphasize the fact that both EPA and DHA from fish oil are important for overall well-being.
About Omega-3:
Omega-3 is a family of essential fatty acids (EFA), including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Oily fish (such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and salmon) are the major known natural sources of Omega-3 EPA/DHA. ALA is found in plants, such as flax and chia. It is important to note that EPA and DHA are the primary contributors of the many health benefits associated with Omega-3. While the body can convert ALA into EPA/DHA, it does so very inefficiently (typically less than one percent), making it difficult to derive Omega-3-related health benefits from plant sourced ALA. Recent analysis also supports the long held belief that DHA alone is also insufficient to provide many of the benefits attributed to fish oils that typically contain both EPA & DHA. Furthermore, although Omega-3 EPA/DHA is important to overall good health, the human body is not able to produce sufficient quantities on its own, so supplementation is required, either by eating oily fish or foods fortified with Omega-3 EPA/DHA, or by taking fish oil supplements. Learn more about the health benefits of Omega-3 EPA/DHA at www.meg-3.com.
About Ocean Nutrition Canada Limited (ONC):
Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) is a privately held company, whose major shareholder is Clearwater Fine Foods Incorporated. Clearwater Fine Foods Incorporated is a diversified holding/investment company whose significant holdings include a controlling interest in Clearwater Seafood’s Limited Partnership, the world’s largest integrated shellfish harvester and processor.
ONC is the world’s largest supplier of Omega-3 EPA and DHA ingredients from fish oil, marketed into the dietary supplement and food manufacturing markets. To date MEG-3® ingredients have been included in over 90 billion servings of food and supplement products worldwide. For more information about ONC visit www.ocean-nutrition.com, and for information on the health benefits of MEG-3® ingredients please visit www.meg-3.com.
SOURCE OCEAN NUTRITION CANADA LTD.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil can help prevent brain damage from a stroke and it seems like a powerful therapeutic agent which can aid patients recover better and faster from a stroke, if taken within 5 hours of the stroke according to researchers at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. The NIH-funded research is published in the journal, Translational Stroke Research.
Ischemic strokes result from loss of blood flow to an area of the brain due to a blockage such as a clot or atherosclerosis. The damage includes an irreversibly injured core of tissue at the site of the blockage. DHA seems to shield the brain against damage from blood clots or atherosclerosis. “We are just now beginning to understand the significant impact of omega-3 essential fatty acids on stroke,” explained Dr. Nicolas Bazan, Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, and author of the study. “[E]ach new discovery brings us closer to defeating stroke and other debilitating neurodegenerative diseases.”
According to the researchers, DHA can reduce the swelling and restore neurological function and speed up the recovery process and perhaps even prevent permanent brain damage. The sooner the oil is given, the better it acts at reducing permanent tissue damage. “We are in an unprecedented time, from a public health point of view, in regards to tackling stroke and other neurodegenerative disorders,” concludes Dr. Bazan.
“Stroke is an outright attack on the nervous system, and each year stroke kills over 150,000 Americans. Truly for the first time, translational research and the clinics are poised to converge in their public health efforts to combat stroke. From a therapeutic point of view, we can now see a light at the end of the tunnel. This would be a major step forward in fighting this disease.”
Source: Docosahexaenoic Acid Therapy of Experimental Ischemic Stroke, Translational Stroke Research, 11/2010
DARTMOUTH, NS, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ – Several media outlets published articles last week suggesting that Omega-3 fish oil supplements fail to show positive results for Alzheimer’s patients. This reporting by media outlets came after the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published the study “Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation and Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer Disease: A Randomized Trial”, where researchers reported that “Supplementation with DHA compared with placebo did not slow the rate of cognitive and functional decline in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease.”
Fish oil was not used in the study and, in fact, the study clearly states that the research was performed using algal oil (which contains only DHA, whereas fish oil contains both EPA and DHA). The findings of the study are being inaccurately reported in the media, with ambiguous, misleading headlines and incorrect content.
“It is disappointing to see inaccurate misrepresentation of the facts by the media. As an example, many media outlets are leading with pictures of fish oil capsules, and using inaccurate and attention-grabbing headlines such as “Fish oil ingredient doesn’t slow Alzheimer’s” when it is very clear that the product used in the study was algal oil.” stated Robert Orr, Chairman of Ocean Nutrition Canada.
It has long been postulated that both Omega-3 EPA and DHA are required to influence cognitive performance. This new study suggests that DHA alone does not appear to be the solution. It should be noted that, to date, most research studies on Alzheimer’s and Omega-3 fatty acids with favorable outcomes have involved fish oil or fish consumption. A well designed study should have included fish oil products with both high EPA levels and balanced EPA and DHA content. Although DHA is a major component of the brain, it should not be automatically concluded that other fatty acids have no potential role in cognitive performance.
It should also be noted that the new study was conducted in patients with pre-existing Alzheimer’s; therefore improvements would be difficult or impossible to measure. Unfortunately there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. There is, however, a large body of research investigating fatty fish consumption and supplementation with fish oil, which supports possible benefits of EPA and DHA in maintaining a healthy cognitive state. Most research to date suggests that intervention is most effective at the earliest stages of cognitive decline or even before impairment is observed.
Of course the real loser in all this is the consumer, who now must attempt to compare this inaccurate, selectively reported information with the previous positive research papers published on Omega-3 EPA and DHA from fish oil.
What we do know is that Omega-3 EPA and DHA is perhaps the biggest dietary deficiency in the western diet. So much so that the EU Health Authorities recently established a Dietary Reference Value (DRV) of 250mg per day of EPA and DHA. They have also recently issued positive assessments on several health claims for EPA and DHA. In addition, it is also expected that updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans scheduled to be issued in December will include recommendations for the daily intake of fatty fish equivalent to 250mg EPA plus DHA per day. There is a health care crisis in North America and we look forward to continued future findings from credible studies looking at the potential benefits of combined Omega-3 EPA and DHA in improving health and well being.
Fish oil can have significant benefits for those that suffer from early heart failure according to a new study presented at the annual meeting of the Heart Failure Society of America.
The study was led by Dr. Mihai Gheorghiade of Northwestern University in Chicago examined 93 patients experiencing early heart failure. These patients were given between 850 and 882mg of fish oil everyday for one year.
The patients were monitored through monthly checkups. It was found that patients who took fish oil showed improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction, exercise capacity and hospitalization for heart failure.
“Whether this intervention will have similar effects for patients with other etiologies, more advanced stages of heart failure, or for patients who are not on evidenced-based therapy remains unknown,” Gheorghiade explained in his presentation.
“I am hoping that further studies will be conducted to assess the effects of this potentially important therapy on left ventricular function and clinical outcomes in other patients.”
Source(s):
1. Heart Failure Society of America
2. Nodari S, et al “Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on left ventricular function and functional capacity inpatients with dilated cardiomyopathy” HFSA 2010; Late-breaking abstract.
Would a combination of fish oil and aspirin help prevent bowel cancer? This is the subject of a study at University of Leeds, UK that is recruiting about 1000 people for the NHS bower cancer screening program.
The third most common cancer that affects people all through the world is bowel cancer, with over a million sufferers diagnosed with it every year.
Prior researches show that EPA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil along with aspirin can on their own offer protection against the bowel trouble.
“A major advantage of EPA and aspirin is that they are both safe, have few side effects and they are already used widely by people who have heart disease or who have had a stroke”, said Prof Hull.
The trial is anticipated to start in early 2011 and around 30 hospices will be involved in the study.
