Fish Oil Benefits Blog

Omega-3 Effervescent

WATSONVILLE, Calif., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Nordic Naturals, the industry leader in omega-3 fish oil, introduces Omega-3 Effervescent, an innovative way to enjoy fish oil supplementation via a water-soluble drink mix containing EPA and DHA in a delicious orange flavor. This revolutionary delivery system is clean on the palate and offers all the amazing health benefits of omega-3s and vitamin D3, such as heart, brain, joint and bone support, without any hint of fish. Packaged in single-serving packets, the product is easy to use and lets you Drink Your Omegas-3s(TM) anytime and anywhere. Just add water! Each serving offers 500 mg of EPA and DHA as well as 1200 I.U. of vitamin D3.

According to Bradley West, ND, Nordic Naturals Research Advisor, “in traditional delivery systems like soft gels, the omega-3s in cod liver oil need to be gradually broken down by stomach acids in order to be absorbed in the small intestine. With the effervescent technology in place, the omega-3s can be absorbed and enter the blood stream faster – in as little as 15 minutes.” In addition to quicker absorption, the product is also easy on the stomach. The organic food acid combines with the carbonate, which buffers the effervescent solution to a normal pH. “Omega-3 Effervescent is the ultimate solution for individuals with digestive challenges, or those that find it hard to swallow soft gels, as well as the perfect way to ensure compliance when traveling,” adds Dr. West.

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Effervescent contains cod liver oil made from Arctic cod harvested in a sustainable manner from Norwegian waters. Arctic cod is a flourishing fish population that has the highest DHA content of any cod species, as well as naturally occurring vitamins A and D. The formula contains added natural vitamin D3 for enhanced bone, mood and immune support. Sweetened with stevia in creamy orange flavor, the product has no oily feel or texture and never smells or tastes fishy. Omega-3 Effervescent is available in 7 and 21 count packages and can be used by both children and adults. More information is available at www.drinkyouromegas.com.

Distributing products to over 20 countries on all major continents, Nordic Naturals is the international leader in omega-3 fish oils and EFA blends. For information, call 800.662.2544 or visit www.nordicnaturals.com.

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Dr. Bradley West

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=88399

 SOURCE Nordic Naturals

Omega-3 DHA Supplements

At the request of the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) backed up DHA-related brain and eye health claims for infants.

EFSA’s Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) said DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) levels of 100mg of per day were appropriate for 7-24 month-old infants along with 200mg per day for pregnant and lactating women.

The following are the DHA Claims supported by EFSA’s panel:

• “DHA intake can contribute to normal brain development of the foetus, infant and young children”
• “DHA intake can contribute to normal development of the eye of the foetus, infant and young children”
• “DHA intake can contribute to the visual development of the infant”

The NDA said any more specific brain and eye functions would need to be backed by further science.

“Please note that developmental steps are not directly related to cognitive functions as it may depend on brain domains and areas,” NDA head of unit, Dr Juliane Kleiner wrote in the advice. “Therefore to support a claim for DHA and cognitive function more studies using different parameters would be needed.”

Source: http://ec.europa.eu/food/efsa/comments/efsa_reply_Q-2009-548.pdf

WATSONVILLE, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ — Nordic Naturals is honored to be participating in the NFL/NFLPA Sports Nutrition Label Certification Program with its Ultimate Omega(TM) 120 soft gels. By participating in the program, Nordic Naturals’ fish oil product will be offered to NFL players. The certification program ensures that NFL athletes can enjoy Nordic Naturals fish oil without unknowingly consuming banned or prohibited substances or their metabolites. The certification program also verifies that participating products contain the actual quantity of ingredients listed on the label of the Certified Product.

“Through our vendor relationship with the NFL and NFLPA, we can provide an important service to these athletes by supplying them with the essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA,” notes Dr. Bradley West, Nordic Naturals Research Advisor. Ultimate Omega is the first fish oil worldwide to be included in the NFL/NFLPA Sports Nutrition Label Certification Program, which requires rigorous testing by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and provides certified products with an approval symbol on the packaging. It will be sold exclusively to NFL players through a special toll-free phone number. To learn more about the certification, please see www.nnathletes.com.

According to Adolpho Birch, NFL Vice President of Law and Labor Policy, “We are pleased that Nordic Naturals has met the stringent criteria required to participate in the NFL/NFLPA Sports Nutrition Label Certification Program. They have demonstrated their commitment to the NFL and its players and shown leadership in the supplement industry.” Stacy Robinson, Director of Player Development, NFL Players Association, states, “Nordic Naturals’ participation is a true indication that they understand the importance of players having access to nutritional products that are safe and transparent.”

NFL/NFLPA Sports Nutrition Label Certification Program Certified Products meet the following criteria:

1.Formula Evaluation – NSF provides confidential review of Certified Product formulations to screen for Prohibited Substances.
2.Good Manufacturing Practices – Production facilities and packaging facilities, for Certified Products, are inspected to ensure controls are in place to avoid the introduction of, or cross contamination with, Prohibited Substances.
3.Clinical Testing for Metabolites – At the client’s request, NSF will oversee clinical testing to determine if any ingredients metabolize into Prohibited Substances.
4.Chain-of-Custody Procedures – Each Certified Product lot tested for Prohibited Substances must be collected by an NSF auditor. All Certified Products pending testing are held by the manufacturer under locked quarantine until NSF notifies the manufacturer of successful test results.

Nordic Naturals is the international leader in omega-3 fish oils and essential fatty acid blends. The company has built a strong reputation in the omega fatty acid category by delivering exceptional purity, freshness, taste and demonstrating environmental responsibility. For information, call 800.662.2544 or visit www.nordicnaturals.com.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Dr. Bradley West

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=88399

SOURCE Nordic Naturals

Macular degeneration and glaucoma among the top areas Americans have the most misunderstanding according to the American Optometric Association

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ — It’s a fact of life that eyes change with age, and baby boomers – Americans born between 1946 and 1964 – are at the stage when many are affected by vision problems. Despite the prevalence of Americans affected by these changes, a new survey from the American Optometric Association (AOA) shows a concerning lack of public knowledge and misunderstanding regarding age-related eye diseases and conditions.

According to the AOA’s American Eye-Q® survey, which assesses public knowledge and understanding of issues related to eye and visual health, only 18 percent of Americans know that macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in adults 65 years of age and older, and less than a quarter of all Americans understand the effects of glaucoma. Even more concerning, 89 percent of Americans incorrectly believe that glaucoma is preventable, when in fact it is only treatable if caught early.

Americans who are 40 years of age or older have probably noticed changes in vision. Difficulties seeing clearly for reading and close work are among the most common problems adults develop between the ages of 41 to 60. According to the Eye-Q® survey, top concerns about the effects of vision problems include not being able to live independently, cited by 45 percent; not being able to see loved ones, 21 percent; being unable to read, 20 percent and losing the ability to drive, 11 percent.

“When left undetected and untreated, many age-related eye diseases can damage your vision permanently,” said Mark Wilkinson, O.D., Chair of the AOA’s Vision Rehabilitation Section. “The good news is that most people can preserve their vision with proper treatment, so the key is early detection.”

Age-related vision disorders baby boomers and seniors should be aware of include:

•Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – an eye disease that causes loss of central vision. Activities like reading, driving, watching TV and recognizing faces all require clear central vision.
•Diabetic retinopathy – a condition occurring in people with diabetes, which causes progressive damage to the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. If left untreated, it can cause blindness.
•Cataracts – a cloudy or opaque area in the clear lens of the eye. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other. Cataracts can cause a decrease in contrast sensitivity, a dulling of colors and increased sensitivity to glare.
•Glaucoma – a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve resulting in peripheral vision loss. People at higher risk of developing glaucoma include those with a family history of the disease, older adults, African-Americans and Hispanics.
•Dry eye – a condition where there is an insufficient amount of tears or a poor quality of tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears contribute to clear vision and the health of the front surface of the eye.
•Retinal detachment – tearing or separation of the retina from the underlying tissue. This can be caused by trauma to the eye or head, health problems due to advanced diabetes, and inflammatory disorders of the eye.

The good news is the majority of the American Eye-Q® survey respondents (92 percent) understand that visiting an eye doctor on a regular basis for comprehensive eye exams can help reduce the risk of developing age-related vision problems. The bad news is that respondents were less aware that avoiding smoking (40 percent) and eating a low-fat, low-salt diet (30 percent) can also reduce age-related vision problems.

“Some common warning signs of age-related vision problems include fluctuating vision, seeing floaters or flashes of light, loss of side vision and seeing distorted images,” said Dr. Wilkinson. “However, often patients with eye diseases do not have recognizable symptoms until the conditions are quite advanced, so regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for baby boomers and seniors.”

Addressing Age-Related Vision Problems

The American Eye-Q® survey also revealed that respondents age 55 and older are taking steps to address their age-related vision problems. Thirty three percent said they limit their night driving; 27 percent use brighter lights; 24 percent use wetting eye drops or artificial tears and 18 percent purchase or request items in large print.

Adding certain nutrients to one’s diet every day – either through foods or supplements – can help preserve vision and prevent age-related eye diseases.

The AOA recommends the following eye-healthy nutrients and foods:

•Lutein and zeaxanthin: Colorful fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, green beans, peas, oranges and tangerines
•Essential fatty acids: Fatty fish like tuna, salmon, or herring; whole-grain foods; chicken and eggs
•Vitamin C: Fruits and vegetables, including oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, green peppers and tomatoes
•Vitamin E: Vegetable oils, such as safflower or corn oil; almonds and pecans; sweet potatoes and sunflower seeds
•Zinc: Extra-lean red meat, poultry, liver, shellfish, milk, baked beans and whole grains

Dealing with Vision Loss

Comprehensive eye exams are important for Americans of all ages, but become especially important later in life when more Americans develop age-related conditions and begin taking medications more frequently. The AOA recommends that adults over age 60 have a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist once a year or more frequently if a doctor recommends it.

For patients with age-related vision loss, a specialized examination by an optometrist who treats vision impairment is a critical first step in the care process that focuses on maintaining and/or regaining independence and maximizing useful remaining vision. Prescribed treatment options commonly include specialized reading spectacles, spectacle-mounted telescopes, hand-held magnifiers and telescopes, therapeutic filters, specialized contact lenses, field enhancement treatments, and video magnification technology that both enlarge and enhance the contrast of reading materials.

There also are numerous other assistive products that can help with daily activities for people who have vision impairment, such as large-type books, magazines, and newspapers, books-on-tape, talking wristwatches, self-threading needles, and more. To learn more about vision rehabilitation and available treatment options, talk to an optometrist.

For additional information about aging eyes or to find a doctor of optometry in your area, please visit www.aoa.org.

About the survey:

The fourth annual American Eye-Q® survey was created and commissioned in conjunction with Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates (PSB). From May 21 – 24, 2009, using an online methodology, PSB interviewed 1,000 Americans 18 years and older who embodied a nationally representative sample of U.S. general population. (Margin of error at 95 percent confidence level.)

About the American Optometric Association (AOA):

The American Optometric Association represents approximately 36,000 doctors of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric assistants and technicians. Optometrists serve patients in nearly 6,500 communities across the country, and in 3,500 of those communities are the only eye doctors. Doctors of optometry provide two-thirds of all primary eye care in the United States.

American Optometric Association doctors of optometry are highly qualified, trained doctors on the frontline of eye and vision care who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, optometrists play a major role in a patient’s overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Prior to optometry school, optometrists typically complete four years of undergraduate study, culminating in a bachelor’s degree. Required undergraduate coursework for pre-optometry students is extensive and covers a wide variety of advanced health, science and mathematics. Optometry school consists of four years of post-graduate, doctoral study concentrating on both the eye and systemic health. In addition to their formal training, doctors of optometry must undergo annual continuing education to stay current on the latest standards of care. For more information, visit www.aoa.org.

Media Contact: Emily Banas
312-255-3090
emily.banas@hillandknowlton.com

SOURCE American Optometric Association

DENVER, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ — Researchers are seeing more benefits of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s), such as their ability to help prevent and slow age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye disease that is the leading cause of severe vision loss in older people. Fish consumption also seems to benefit seniors by thwarting dementia and the omega-3s in fish may improve cognition in adolescents and children. New research in these areas is described in the September 2009 PUFA Newsletter and Fats of Life e-newsletters.

In 10 years of follow-up, the Blue Mountains Eye Study in Australia reported that older adults who ate fish weekly and those with the highest intakes of omega-3s from all sources were significantly less likely to develop early AMD. In U.S. research, late stage AMD was delayed in people who had the highest intakes of seafood omega-3s plus a diet with a low glycemic index (minimal impact on blood sugar levels after consumption).

Eating fish regularly also seems to help prevent dementia. A large study in several low- and middle-income countries found that fish consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of dementia in adults aged 65 or older.

“Fish consumption appears to be protective in most, if not all, populations,” said Joyce Nettleton, D.Sc., editor of the PUFA Newsletter and Fats of Life. “This has clear implications for reducing the burden of mental illness in aging populations worldwide.”

Seafood omega-3s may benefit mental health and brain function in younger people, too, according to other research. In toddlers, those whose mothers had higher intakes of the omega-3 DHA had greater attention and were less easily distracted compared with toddlers of low DHA mothers. Older children who consumed a spread enriched with seafood omega-3s for six months had significantly improved verbal learning ability and memory. In Sweden, adolescent males who ate fish more than once a week scored significantly higher on intelligence assessments than males who ate fish less than once a week.

“These studies are among the first to document cognitive improvements with greater fish or omega-3 consumption in childhood and adolescence,” Nettleton noted. “It appears that omega-3s may benefit people of all ages.”

The quarterly PUFA Newsletter and Fats of Life, sponsored by DSM Nutritional Products, are accessible at www.fatsoflife.com.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Joyce A. Nettleton, D.Sc.

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=76830

SOURCE Fats of Life

WATSONVILLE, Calif., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Nordic Naturals Professional Exclusive Division announces Prenatal DHA, a product developed especially for pregnant women to ensure adequate DHA, an important omega-3 essential fatty acid and a vital nutrient for the new mother and developing baby. Prenatal DHA carries the approval seal of the American Pregnancy Association, the leading non-profit organization in the United States that is committed to promoting reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education, research, advocacy and community awareness.

Though studies consistently report that pregnant women in the US and Canada consume far too little of this essential nutrient, scientific research confirms the importance of essential fatty acids for prenatal, maternal and neonatal health. See www.omega-research.com. DHA comprises about 30% of the fatty tissue in the brain and is critical for proper development of the brain, eyes, nerves and immune system.

According to Dr. Tori Hudson, Advisory Board Member to Nordic Naturals, “Health care providers need to educate women about the importance of optimizing omega-3 fatty acid stores before, during, and after pregnancy. Research shows that mothers who supplement with fish oils are more likely to give birth to full term babies and have healthier birth weights. Quantity and quality are critical, however, to obtain maximum results.” Suggested dosage by international nutritional organizations suggest that pregnant and nursing women need a minimum of 300 mg DHA each day to ensure healthy development of the fetus, as well as to support mom’s physical and mental health pre and post-delivery.

“In working with women, I have found it almost impossible for my patients to get what they need in omega-3 fatty acids by eating fish not to mention that many species of fish contain undesirable amounts of environmental toxins,” adds Dr. Hudson.

Two easy-to-swallow soft gels of Prenatal DHA offer 450 mg DHA. This meets the recommended dosage for pregnant and lactating women agreed upon by respected international organizations and published by ISSFAL in the United Kingdom. The fatty acids are delivered in their natural and highly absorbable triglyceride form. In response to concerns in medical and scientific literature about the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the U.S. and to recommendations that higher intakes of this vitamin are necessary, the company has added 400 I.U. vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), the natural form of vitamin D, to Prenatal DHA. The product is third-party tested and surpasses all international standards for purity and freshness.

Distributing products to over 20 countries on all major continents, Nordic Naturals is the international leader in omega-3 fish oils and EFA blends. The company has built a strong reputation in the omega fatty acid category by delivering exceptional purity, freshness, taste and demonstrating environmental responsibility. Nordic Naturals has over 150 different fish oil products, including liquids, soft gels, and children’s chewables – all in natural triglyceride form. For information, call 800.662.2544 or visit www.nordicnaturals.com.

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Dr. Tori Hudson | https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=86642

SOURCE Nordic Naturals

A new study published in the Oct. 21 (2009) issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, find that fish oil does not enhance the results of the antidepressant, sertraline (Zoloft) when taken with Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish.

“Unfortunately, it’s not where we wanted to be. We were kind of disappointed, to say the least,” said study author Robert M. Carney, a professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

The study included 122 patients with major depression and coronary heart disease who took 50 milligrams of Zoloft a day, then were randomized to receive either 2 grams a day of omega-3 acid ethyl esters or a corn-oil placebo capsule.

There was no difference in depression scores before and after 10 weeks of treatment. However the study notes redesigning the study to change amount of Zoloft, dose of fish oil, form of fish oil or duration of treatment may change the outcome of this study.

“The problem, from our point of view, is that that’s just not good enough,” he added. “It’s definitely better than placebo, better than doing nothing. We’re trying to find a treatment or combination of treatments that’s going to significantly improve the depression outcome.”

“We’re still exploring other possibilities,” Carney said.

That includes an increased dose of omega-3, increasing the duration of the study and identifying perhaps subsets of patients who may respond to this combination treatment better than prescription antidepressants alone.

But it’s not time to stop taking fish oil capsules yet, one expert said.

“The American Heart Association still does have recommendations based on the data we do have,” said Dr. John Erwin III, professor of internal medicine at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, and senior staff cardiologist with Scott & White Hospital in Temple.

“We also use fish oil to reduce triglyceride levels and it’s very effective in that use. I wouldn’t encourage people who are taking fish oil caplets to stop it now because of this study. It just means we have a little bit more work to do on the depression side of things,” he said.

The study was funded by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. GlaxoSmithKline Inc. provided both omega-3 and placebo capsules, while Pfizer supplied the Zoloft.

SOURCES: Robert M. Carney, Ph.D., professor, psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis; John Erwin III, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, and senior staff cardiologist, Scott & White Hospital, Temple; Oct. 21, 2009, Journal of the American Medical Association

Most scientists now agree that fish oil benefits various inflammatory conditions like arthritis, heart disease etc. However, the mechanism of how fish oil benefits these conditions has been a mystery. Now, in a joint study between British and American scientists that recently was published in the journal Nature, there are clues to how fish oil helps arthritis patients in particular.

The answer seems to lie in that the body converts DHA, a key omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oils into Resolvin D2, a chemical which has been show to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Professor Mauro Perretti, from Queen Mary, University of London, who led the UK team, said: “We have known for some time that fish oils can help with conditions like arthritis which are linked to inflammation. What we’ve shown here is how the body processes a particular ingredient of fish oils into resolvin D2.”

“We’ve also looked in detail at this chemical, determining at least some of the ways it relieves inflammation. It seems to be a very powerful chemical and a small amount can have a large effect.”

Quoting the authors, “This research is important because it explains at least one way in which fish oils can help in different types of arthritis. We can also work on this chemical and see if it can be used not only to treat or even prevent arthritis, but also as a possible treatment for a variety of other diseases associated with inflammation.”

Source: Nature 461, 1287-1291 (29 October 2009) | doi:10.1038/nature08541; Received 18 August 2009; Accepted 21 September 2009

Research led by Hernan A. Bazan, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Section of Vascular Surgery, at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine, has found that unstable carotid artery plaques – those in danger of rupturing and leading to a stroke – contain more inflammation and significantly less omega-3 fatty acids than asymptomatic plaques. This suggests that increasing the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in carotid artery plaques could either prevent strokes or improve the safety of treatment. This may be accomplished by increasing dietary intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The study is an Article in Press in the journal, Vascular Pharmacology, currently online.

Our bodies produce only a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids, so most of what we need has to come from eating omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods like fish (salmon, tuna, trout, herring, etc.) or from supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease, particularly heart attack and sudden cardiac death. Dr. Bazan’s team wanted to determine what the association might be with plaques in the carotid arteries, a common cause of strokes. Vulnerable plaques which can rupture in the carotid arteries may lead to transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), strokes, or vision loss by affecting the artery to the retina. The mechanisms leading to plaque rupture are still not fully understood but inflammation within the plaque is beginning to be recognized as an important cause of plaque rupture.

Read Full Article at: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/166049.php