Fish Oil News

Omega-3 Curbs Risk for Postpartum Depression Symptoms

2011-06-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

Study: Omega-3 consumed during pregnancy curbs risk for postpartum depression symptoms
From Medical Express April 12, 2011
(http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-04-omega-consumed-pregnancy-curbs-postpartum.html)

Women in the treatment group had significantly lower total Postpartum Depression Screening Scale scores, with significantly fewer symptoms common to postpartum depression.

Fish has long been considered in myriad cultures to be "brain food," but only recently has bona fide science begun to support this deep-rooted belief. Researchers now know that the omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish such as salmon and herring may play a critical role in both development and maintenance of the brain and nerves.

Although sufficient amounts of these long-chain fats can be synthesized endogenously by most adults, experts recommend that pregnant women and infants get additional amounts of these compounds from their diets.

This, combined with research suggesting that these fats play a critical role in cognitive and visual development during early life, has prompted much research and product development aimed at pregnant women and newborn infants. Studies have also suggested that higher consumption of certain omega-3 fatty acids may also benefit adult mental health as well – for instance, as it might relate to lower risk for depression.

Dr. Michelle Price Judge, a faculty member at the University of Connecticut School of Nursing, is keenly interested in how omega-3 fatty acids consumed during pregnancy impact both maternal and infant health. She has demonstrated previously that maternal consumption of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; a prominent omega-3 fatty acid) during pregnancy gives infants a developmental advantage even 9 months after they are born.

These findings prompted her to consider the benefits that DHA could holistically have on the maternal-infant dyad. Specifically, might greater omega-3 fatty acid intake during pregnancy lower risk for postpartum depression, a condition that leads to a multitude of problems including interruptions in maternal-infant attachment and subsequent impairments in later infant development? As part of the scientific program of the American Society for Nutrition, results from this study will be presented on April 12 at the Experimental Biology 2011 meeting in Washington, DC.

To answer this question, Dr. Judge oversaw a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dietary intervention trial in which 52 pregnant women took either a placebo (corn oil) or a fish oil capsule containing 300 milligrams of DHA 5 days each week from 24-40 weeks of pregnancy. This is the amount a woman would consume if she ate about ½ serving of salmon. It is noteworthy that dietary DHA intake during pregnancy has been estimated to be 50-70 milligrams of DHA daily: a mere fraction of the 200 milligrams daily that is considered optimal during pregnancy by most experts. Using the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale developed by her colleague and coauthor Dr. Cheryl Beck, Judge was able to categorize postpartum women as having negligible depressive symptoms, significant symptoms of postpartum depression, or being "positive" for this condition. The Postpartum Depression Screening Scale also assisted the research team in discerning between several symptoms specific to the disorder including sleeping/eating disturbances, anxiety, emotional liability, confusion, loss of self, guilt, and thoughts of suicide.

Although the study did not have enough women to investigate if fish oil consumption resulted in a lower incidence of diagnosable postpartum depression, women in the treatment group had significantly lower total Postpartum Depression Screening Scale scores, with significantly fewer symptoms common to postpartum depression. For example, compared to those in the control group, women in the fish oil group were less likely to report symptoms related to anxiety and loss of self.

Judge and coworkers concluded "DHA consumption during pregnancy – at levels that are reasonably attained from foods – has the potential to decrease symptoms of postpartum depression." Why is this important? For starters, some experts estimate that postpartum depression affects a whopping 25% of new mothers. And healthcare providers agree that this condition can have devastating consequences, not only for the women experiencing it but also for their children and family.

The bottom line? Although larger-scale intervention studies will be needed to better understand the mechanisms and magnitude by which fish oil consumption can improve postpartum mental health, women would be wise to eat at least a serving of high-omega-3 fish 2-3 days per week. Although fish oil supplements may be more acceptable to some women, the real thing is clearly the more nutritious option as a serving of fish is also protein- and mineral-rich. Clearly, fish as a "brain food" is gaining the nod from not only from the general public, but scientists as well.

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Could this Scenario Describe You?

2011-06-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Could this scenario describe you?

You are a middle-aged mom and wife that works full time in a job that you actually like. Your hubby works; he is a great dad and a good husband. You have a great life! And, you have a kid, just one, in her mid-teens. She's a good kid and always has been. You live in a nice home in a nice neighborhood. And, of course your family has a pet.

You feel stressed out with the normal everyday stuff like shopping, cleaning, cooking, working, gardening, laundry, and well, the list goes on and on. You feel like you don’t have enough time to do it all.

Generally, you are a healthy individual. Your hypertension and cholesterol is the same as most middle-aged people. However your blood pressure does seem to be a slight challenge, but otherwise, you are good.

So, why are you a candidate for an Omega-3 Fatty Acid dietary supplement?

Actually there are 2 good reasons to take a Fish Oil Omega 3 Fatty Acid.

1- You have hypertension
2- Heart problems run in your family

And, those two reasons combined, might spell trouble.

There are no guarantees when it comes to health and prevention. We try to do the best we can to prevent any kind of health issue from erupting. But, taking Omega 3 Fatty Acids from a quality fish oil supplement is one simple way to start on your road to good heart health.

By the way, Dr. Oz recommends taking an Omega 3 for heart health, so check with your doctor to see if a fish oil supplement can help improve your heart health. (Always check with your health care professional before you take any new dietary supplement.)

In our opinion, the best omega-3s are derived from pure, pharmaceutical grade fish oils. The new generations of fish oils are not found in your local supermarket or health food stores. The cheap fish oils found in those stores are generally of less quality and are less pure. In addition, cheap fish oil brands do not contain the 2:1 EPA to DHA ratios that have been used in most clinical studies conducted on the health benefits of fish oil.

Don’t take me wrong! Taking some fish oil is better than no fish oil. However if you are taking a lot of fish oil, you NEED a quality fish oil and one that has been tested for purity and one that does not contain mercury or other chemicals that are not good for you.

Sealogix Omega-3 Ultra-refined Fish oil has been awarded a 5-Star International Fish Oil Standard (IFOS) rating for purity, quality and concentration.

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Learn more about how quality fish oils can improve your heart health: Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil; SeaLogix Fish Oil

Silent Inflammation and Fish Oil

2011-05-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

For years, Dr Barry Sears, creator of the Zone Diet, has been sharing with all of us the dangers of "silent inflammation". In fact, Dr. Sears has written several books about it and is considered one of the world's most leading authories about the benefits of superior grades of fish oil and Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids have proven researched health benefits. For example, Omega 3s have proven effective for healthy brain, healthy memory, healthy moods, and healthy hearts. Studies suggest than even arthritis and Alzheimer's Disease can be improved with Omega 3 Fatty Acids especially in the form of a pure, ultra-refined, pharmaceutical-grade fish oil.

So other than the above mentioned health benefits, why else would Omega 3 be recognized as a miracle for our century?

Omega-3s have been proven to reduce inflammation in the body and especially "Silent Inflammation". Silent inflammation is particularly insidious because it is inflammation that your body cannot feel.

It is called silent inflammation because there really are no symptoms until that time when something drastic happens like heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis and more.

Silent Inflammation is responsible for many of the major diseases we have today.

We know that Omega 3 Fatty Acids reduce silent inflammation and full-blown inflammation, therefore, we can conclude that it also fights the many diseases that are prevalent to today.

In our opinion, a pure ultra refined fish oil is a medical miracle of our time! And, everyone has access to it! Don't you think it's time to get your "Silent Inflammation" under control.

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Don't be fooled! A cheap fish oil found in super markets, big box stores, drug stores is not the type of fish oil that we are talking about here. You need the new generation of pure fish oils. Sealogix Fish Oil is an ultra-concentrated, ultra-refined fish oil, awarded an IFOS 5-Star Rating for purity, quality and concentration. Click the following to learn more: Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil and SealogiX Ultra Refined Fish Oil.

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Aren't All Fish Oils the Same?

2010-11-15T04:58:00.000-08:00

Aren't all Fish Oils the same? No, Fish Oils are not the same and it is important to learn some basic facts before you run out and purchase your next bottle of liquid or capsules. Quality of fish oils vary greatly!

Each grade of fish oil is distinguished from the other by its purity and concentration of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Crude fish oils are the least expensive and are the ones most likely to contain some levels of contaminants including PCBs, DDT and organic mercury.

When choosing a high dose fish oil remember that knowledge is power and not all fish oils are manufactured the same. Some fish oils may even be dangerous when taken in high doses.

With many choices of fish oil available, and with so many pro and con opinions written about each, it is easy to become confused. So when it comes time for you to choose a fish oil make sure you do your homework and choose wisely – your health depends on it.

When choosing a fish oil that you will be ingesting in high doses it is crucial that you choose one that is pure and free of contaminants, toxins, and mercury. How can you, the consumer, tell the difference?

Currently there are three grades of fish oil available on the market today:

Cod Liver Oil,
Health-food Grade Fish Oil, and
Pharmaceutical-Grade Fish Oil

Cod Liver Oil

Cod Liver Oil is the lowest quality fish oil and like the name implies it is manufactured from the livers of Cod fish. It has the lowest concentration of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and contains the highest levels of contaminants such as organic mercury, PCB's, and DDT. Cod Liver Oil may also contain a high level of Vitamin A.

Cod Liver Oil is not recommended for high dose consumption. A typical serving of Cod Liver Oil contains 500 mg. of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

Health-food Grade Fish Oils

Most health-food grade fish oils are manufactured from fish body oils. Fish oils can be manufactured from a single fish species or from several fish species.

Fish size and their relative rank in the food chain can help us understand the level of contaminants that may be found in health-food grade fish oils. Small fish, such as sardines and anchovies, don’t live long so are less prone to accumulate environmental pollutants. Larger fish, such as salmon and mackerel, live longer so they are more likely to contain higher levels of pollutants. If the label says it comes from a particular species of fish, such as salmon, then it is probably is health-food grade fish oil. This type of fish oil can be found in most health food and vitamin supplement stores.

A slightly more purified type of health-food grade fish oil is available which includes oils that have been subjected to a limited amount of molecular distillation to remove some of the cholesterol. These types of fish oils are usually labeled as "cholesterol-free".

"Fish Oil Concentrate" is yet another type of health-food grade fish oil. Fish oil concentrates consist of ethyl esters of the fish oil that have been subjected to fractional cooling. The solidified saturated fats are removed leaving behind a more concentrated solution of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. A typical one-gram capsule of thermally fractionated health-food grade fish oil contains up to 500 mg. of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

Typical health-food grade fish oils may contain varying amounts of contaminants. In addition, the fractional cooling method does not necessarily remove all the PCB’s or the long-chain monoene fatty acids that may give rise to gastric distress or upset. Due to the varying amounts of contaminants that could still be contained in health-food grade, it is questionable as to whether it is safe at high levels. A typical one-gram capsule of health-food grade fish oil contains approximately 300 mg. of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

The Newest Generation of Fish Oils -- Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil

Pharmaceutical-grade fish oils start with thermally fractionated health-food grade fish oils. These oils are then distilled, using a highly complex refining technology, into fractions rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. According to manufacturers, it typically takes about 100 gallons of health-food grade fish oil to make one gallon of pharmaceutical-grade fish oil.

Individual fractions are then combined to provide a 2:1 ratio of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) for the finished fish oil product.

Scientific studies conducted with pharmaceutical-grade fish oils that used a 2:1 ratio of EPA and DHA reported significant clinical benefits.

Pharmaceutical-grade fish oils are exceptionally low in long-chain monoenes, PCB's and other pollutants. Pharmaceutical-grade fish oils are believed to be the safest to take in high doses. A typical one-gram capsule of pharmaceutical-grade fish oil will have a minimum of 600 mg. of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

Pharmaceutical-grade fish oils are a fairly new product and a good-quality source may be difficult to find.

In addition, pharmaceutical-grade fish oils definitely cost more – sometimes twice as much. This increased cost is an outcome of the complex process used to remove impurities. Each step in the refining process adds additional production costs.

For instance, the pharmaceutical grade fish oils that Dr. Barry Sears discusses in his books, The OmegaRx Zone, The Anti-Inflammation Zone and Toxic Fat start with a health food grade fish oil which then goes through nine additional steps to make it pharmaceutical grade quality. Pharmaceutical-grade fish oils generally taste better and the amount of long-chain monoenes, which cause gastric distress, are dramatically reduced.

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For more information about where to purchase pharmaceutical grade fish oils, please call To Your Health at 1-888-887-4654 or visit http://www.omega3zone.biz/ or Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil or SeaLogix Fish Oil.

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Fish Oil and Breast Health

2010-10-05T04:35:00.000-07:00

Are you taking enough fish oil?
by Dr. Barry Sears, October 2010 ZoneLiving Newsletter

Breast cancer accounts for more than 25 percent of all female cancers.

Breast cancer is also strongly linked to obesity. This means as our obesity crisis accelerates, we can expect breast cancer rates to follow. The reason that breast cancer and obesity are linked is due to cellular inflammation caused by the diet. Simply stated, this means a diet rich in refined carbohydrates, low in fruits and vegetables, and high in vegetable oils rich in omega-6 fatty acids is a sure-fire prescription for increasing the likelihood of developing both obesity and ultimately breast cancer.

The biochemistry is complex, as I explain in my newest book, “Toxic Fat,” but simply stated, omega-6 fatty acids make you fat and increase the likelihood of breast cancer, whereas omega-3 fatty acids make you thin and decrease the likelihood of breast cancer.

I have always recommended an anti-inflammatory diet (like the Zone Diet), consisting primarily of low-glycemic carbohydrates (vegetables and fruits) balanced at every meal with adequate protein and dramatically limiting your intake of vegetable oils that are rich in omega-6 fatty acids.

Unfortunately, it is easier to change your religion than to change your diet. So if that is too hard to implement, then try this simpler change. Just take a supplement of purified fish oil every day. This dietary change only takes 15 seconds a day.

Of course, the question is how much? A research article in the May 2010 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition begins to answer that question. Subjects at high risk of developing breast cancer were given various doses of omega-3 fatty acids ranging from 1 gram to 7 grams per day for six months. Although the blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids stabilized after 30 days, the amount of the omega-3 fatty acids in the breast tissue continued to increase in a dose-dependent manner for the next six months. This means the highest omega-3 fatty acid dose has the greatest impact in changing the fatty acid composition in the breast.

Earlier research indicated that the importance of the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ratio in the breast tissue is pretty clear from animal studies: The higher the omega-3 content of the breast tissue, the lower the risk of developing breast cancer. From this new study, it appears that 5-7 grams per day of purified omega-3 fatty acids are required to really change the levels of the fatty acid composition in the breast tissue of high-risk women. Perhaps not too surprisingly these results are very close to my recommendations for omega-3 fatty acids that I made in 2002 in my book “The OmegaRx Zone.”

It should also be pointed out that the researchers in this study did not have a placebo group using omega-6 fatty acids because of the risk of increasing the likelihood of turning on inflammatory genes that might lead to the development of breast cancer in these high-risk subjects.

If these researchers were afraid of omega-6 fatty acids found in common vegetable oils, then so should you. Simply replace your vegetable oils with extra-virgin olive oil that is low in omega-6 fatty acids and take your fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids. That’s a dietary change everyone can easily make.

References:

Lee DY et al. “Omega-3 fatty acid supplements in women at high risk of breast cancer have dose-dependent effects on breast adipose tissue fatty acid composition.” Am J Clin Nutr 91: 1185-1194 (2010)

Sears B. Toxic Fat. Thomas Nelson. Nashville, TN (2008)

Bagga D et al. “Long-chain n-3-to-n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios in breast cancer adipose tissue from women with and without breast cancer.” Nutr Cancer 42: 180-185 (2002)

Sears B. The OmegaRx Zone. Regan Books. New York, NY (2002)

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The author of this blog recommends a pure, toxin free fish oil with a 5 Star IFOS rating such as
SeaLogix Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil

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Omega-3 May Improve Blood Pressure during Weight Loss

2010-08-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

Omega-3 may improve blood pressure during weight loss
By Stephen Daniells, 02-Jun-2009, NutraIngredients.com

Consumption of fatty fish like salmon, or fish oil supplements, may reduce blood pressure during an energy-restricted diet, suggests a pan-European study.

The blood pressure reducing benefits of salmon and fish oil were especially noticeable in people with initially low levels of docosahexanoic acid (DHA) in their cell membranes, according to findings published online ahead of print in Nutrition.

Over 300 young overweight individuals were followed for eight weeks by researchers from the University of Iceland, the University of Navarra, University College Cork, and the Portuguese National Research Institute on Agriculture and Fisheries Research in Lisbon.

Omega-3 has been identified as one of the super-nutrients taking the food and supplements industry by storm. Much of its healthy reputation that is seeping into consumer consciousness is based largely on evidence that it can aid cognitive function and may help protect the heart against cardiovascular disease.

Several intervention trials have reported positive benefits on blood pressure and cardiovascular disease using omega-3 fatty acids. Indeed, a meta-analysis of randomised, controlled trials showed significant decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with omega-3 doses in the region of two to three grams per day.

The new study, led by Prof. Inga Thorsdottir, from the University of Iceland, adds to this body of science, and reported that increasing fish oil or fatty fish intakes in people with low DHA levels in cell membranes may lead to greater blood pressure improvements.

High blood pressure (hypertension),defined as having a systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) greater than 140 and 90 mmHg, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) - a disease that causes almost 50 per cent of deaths in Europe, and reported to cost the EU economy an estimated €169bn ($202bn) per year.

Study Details

Prof Thorsdottir and her co-workers recruited 324 people aged between 20 and 40 with body mass indexes ranging from 27.5–32.5 kg/m2. The recruits, from Iceland, Spain, and Ireland, were subsequently randomly assigned to one of four energy-restricted diets: salmon, cod, fish oil capsules, or control (sunflower oil capsules and no seafood).

Both fish diets provided 150 grams if fish three times per week. Loders Crocklaan provided the fish oil supplements (1.3 g of omega-3 LC-PUFAs per day), which were composed of 22.7 per cent EPA and 15.4 per cent DHA.

Corresponding author, Alsons Ramel, PhD, told NutraIngredients.com that the specific fatty acid composition of the salmon (150 grams three times per week, 2.1 g of omega-3 LC-PUFAs per day) was measured to be 1,200 mg of EPA per 100 grams of salmon, 2,100 mg of DHA per 100 grams of salmon, and about 470 milligrams of DPA per 100 grams of salmon. The cod diet provided 150 grams of fish three times per week, and equated to a daily dose of 0.3 g of omega-3 LC-PUFAs per day.

At the end of the intervention period, Prof Thorsdottir and her co-workers noted that all participants experienced an average weight loss of 5.2 kilograms. The general study population also experienced reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 4.4 and 4.1 ± 7.4 mmHg, respectively.

Similar blood pressure reductions were observed in the salmon and fish oil groups, and significantly greater than those observed in the cod group. However, no significant difference was observed between the fish oil and salmon groups, and the control.

“This finding was unexpected, because we expected the endpoint DBP of the control group to be closer to that of the cod group, because both diets provided no or only small amounts of u-3 LC-PUFAs,” wrote the researchers. “According to the food records, dietary intake of relevant nutrients (calcium, potassium, sodium) was not significantly different among groups, and, because the control group received capsules daily, a certain placebo effect cannot be excluded.”

“A lower DHA content in erythrocyte membrane at baseline, which might identify infrequent fish eaters, is associated with a greater DBP reduction in the course of an eight-week dietary intervention providing fatty seafood,” they concluded.

Source: Nutrition
Published online ahead of print, 31 May 2009, doi:
“Moderate consumption of fatty fish reduces diastolic blood pressure in overweight and obese European young adults during energy restriction”
Authors: A. Ramel, J.A. Martinez, M. Kiely, N.M. Bandarra, I. Thorsdottir

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Please visit the following website to learn more about Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil and whether or not purity is important when choosing a fish oil:
Fish Oil Purity.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

2010-08-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

Omega 3 Fatty Acids May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
from August 2010, ZoneLiving Email Newsletter

The list just keeps growing for the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and overall health. The newest to the list is breast cancer. A study just published in the journal of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention surveyed approximately 35,000 postmenopausal women, ages 50 to 76, for their use of various specialty supplements(1). The 24-page summary took into account past and present use of supplements as well as frequency (days/week) and duration (year).

Individuals taking fish oil had a 32 percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer, whereas other supplements typically taken to reduce menopausal symptoms (e.g., black cohosh, dong quai, soy, or St. John's wort) had no association.

Although further research needs to be conducted, this again adds to the growing body of evidence on the benefits of omega-3s for disease prevention.

This survey didn’t answer the question: If they had taken more, would they have seen even better results? This is because cancer, like all chronic diseases, is driven by silent inflammation coming from increasing levels of Toxic Fat (i.e., arachidonic acid). Fish oil dilutes Toxic Fat, but only a strict Zone Diet can actually reduce Toxic Fat. Follow an anti-inflammatory program consisting of a strict Zone Diet, ultra-refined fish oil concentrates and anti-inflammatory polyphenols to reduce the driving force for virtually all chronic disease.

1. Brasky TM, Lampe JW, Potter JD, Patterson RE, White E. Specialty supplements and breast cancer risk in the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) Cohort. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2010 Jul;19(7):1696-708.

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Note from blog author: Need a good fish oil? Try a Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil

Not all fish oils are created the same. Get educated about fish oils before you buy.

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Omega 3 May Help Fish Depression According to a Montreal Study

2010-07-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

Omega-3 may fight depression: Montreal Study
By Katherine Wilton, Montreal Gazette June 21, 2010

MONTREAL - Omega-3 supplements have proven effective in treating depressed patients who do not also suffer from an anxiety disorder, a study involving Montreal researchers has found.

The study explored the effectiveness of fighting depression with Omega-3 supplements rather than anti-depressant drugs such as Prozac or Paxil.

"Many of these (alternative) treatments have not been adequately evaluated," said Francois Lesperance, director of the study and head of psychiatry at the Universite de Montreal hospital centre.

A total of 432 participants in Quebec and Ontario took part in the four-year study. For eight weeks, half of the participants took three capsules a day of Omega-3 Emotional Balance, a fish oil supplement with high concentrations of EPA, the fats found in fish. The other half took three capsules of a placebo consisting of sunflower oil flavoured with fish oil.

At several stages during the eight weeks, participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire that evaluated their symptoms of depression.

"Overall, we found there was a small trend favouring Omega-3 over placebo, but it was not statistically significant," said Nancy Frasure-Smith, a McGill University psychiatry professor involved in the study,

However, a subgroup of depressed patients who didn't also suffer from an anxiety disorder saw their depression symptoms decrease after taking the Omega-3 supplements compared with those who took the placebo.

Other, smaller, studies have suggested that a deficit in polyunsaturated fatty acids of the Omega-3 group may predispose individuals to disorders such as depression.

The results of the Canadian study do not mean that depressed people will feel better if they eat large quantities of fish, which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, researchers noted. The fish oil supplement used in the study had higher concentrations of Omega-3 than is available from an average diet.

Lesperance said it is difficult to study whether dietary intervention can prevent depression or other diseases, because these types of studies are complicated to carry out in a controlled setting.

He said a depressed patient who wants to try the supplements should first consult with their doctor.

This is the first large study examining the impact of Omega-3 supplements on depression. It was conducted by researchers at the Universite de Montreal, McGill, Queen's and the Universite Laval.

The study was published this month in the online Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. About 70 per cent of the cost of the study was covered by the French firm isodisnatura, which manufactures the Omega-3 supplements.

In Canada, about 11 per cent of men and 16 per cent of women will suffer from depression at some point in their lives.

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Source: Montreal Gazette

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We recommend SeaLogix Fish Oil for a pure, pharmaceutical grade fish oil.

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Fish Oil for the Military? It's Under Consideration.

2010-07-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

US Military may ‘Shock and Awe’ Omega-3 Market
By Mike Stones, 02-Feb-2010

A multi-million dollar omega-3 market could open up within two-to-three years if the US Department of Defense (DOD) orders its troops to take EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids.

The department is considering either supplementing or fortifying the rations of all active service personnel in order to enhance stress resilience and general wellness leading to improved military performance, to cut hospital bills and to speed recovery from traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

A spokesperson for the department told NutraIngredientsUSA.com that: “There are discussions at many levels about the addition of the omega-3, especially in combat-feeding and/or clinical setting (eg TBI) but they are discussions at this point in time.”

Although the department has no official view about the benefits of omega-3s, its Dietary Supplements Committee is working with Samueli Institute based in Alexandria, Virginia, to explore the military benefits of their use.

Nutritional Armor

Of particular concern for military planners are the high rates of depression and suicide together with physical/mental stress associated with combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The military application of omega-3s was the subject of a conference, entitled ‘Nutritional armor for the warfighter: can omega-3 fatty acids enhance stress resilience, wellness, and military performance?’ staged last December.

Adam Ismail, executive director of the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega 3s (GOED), who attended the conference told NutraIngredients.com: “I think omega-3s have a vital role to play for the US military. Fortification would be a cheap way of achieving big health care savings, improving military performance and saving lives through helping TBIs.”

Omega-3s have been shown to have an impact in four of the five top areas for which soldiers receive hospital treatment: Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, pregnancy and surgical complications, he added.

The most logical delivery form would be fortification not supplementation, said Ismail. But a US military directive prohibiting the military from providing any pharmaceutical or supplement pill via the food supply chain would have to be rescinded.

Ismail said he believed the military could fortify the rations of all active service personnel within two-to-three years but first military nutritionists want to see more scientific research to identify the contribution EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) could make.

Personal Decision

Meanwhile, change would be led by increasing numbers of individual soldiers making the personal decision to take omega-3 supplements.

Douglas MacKay, vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, Council for Responsible Nutrition said: “Increasing omega-3 consumption amongst US troops has incredible potential to improve health and reduce health care costs for US troops. There is evidence that higher levels of omega-3 fats have multiple health benefits, some of which are particularly important for soldiers.”

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Resource: Click Here

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If you are looking for a pure, quality fish oil, we suggest SeaLogix Omega 3 Fish Oil: Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil

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Combine Glucosamine and Fish Oil for Improved Joint Health

2010-07-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

Omega-3 plus glucosamine ‘superior’ for joint health: Study
By Stephen Daniells, 30-Nov-2009

Combining omega-3 fatty acids with glucosamine achieves better improvements in joint health than glucosamine alone, says a new study from Germany.

The study, published in the journal Advances in Therapy, is said to be the first clinical trial to employ the combination of glucosamine omega-3 fatty acids in people suffering from osteoarthritis. UK-based Seven Seas funded the study.

Approximately seven million people in the UK alone are reported to have long-term health problems associated with arthritis. Around 206 million working days were lost in the UK in 1999-2000, equal to £18 billion (€26 billion) of lost productivity.

Talking to NutraIngredients, lead author and president of the CRO which performed the trial, Analyze & Realize, Dr Joerg Gruenwald said: “In a randomized controlled clinical trial with 177 patients with osteoarthritis, we could prove that the combination of glucosamine sulfate and omega-3-fatty acid is superior to glucosamine alone.

“Using the classical WOMAC pain score we could show 27 per cent more responders (80 per cent reduction of WOMAC pain score) in the combination group compared to glucosamine alone, this difference was statistically significant,” he added.

The joint health market is dominated by glucosamine, which is extracted from the shell of crabs, lobster and shrimps. Cargill also markets a non-animal, non-shellfish derived product. The ingredient is often used in combination with chondroitin sulphate, extracted from animal cartilage, such as sharks.

According to the Nutrition Business Journal, US sales for these combined supplements were $810 million (€563 million) in 2005.

Study Details

Dr Gruenwald and his co-workers recruited 177 people with moderate-to-severe hip or knee osteoarthritis and randomly assigned them to receive either a glucosamine sulfate supplement (1500 milligrams per day) or glucosamine plus omega-3 fatty acids (providing 444 mg of fish oil, of which 200 mg were omega-3-fatty acids).

“Because the patients studied had moderate-to-severe knee or hip osteoarthritis pain, a placebo group was not used for ethical reasons,” explained the researchers.

After 26 weeks of supplementation, the researchers tested pain levels using the established Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthrosis index (WOMAC) score.

While there was no significant difference between the number of responders in each group when a minimal pain reduction of at least 20 per cent was used, significant differences were observed when a higher responder criterion of at least 80 pain reduction was used.

Indeed, the combination product reduced morning stiffness and pain in the hips and knees by between 48.5 and 55.6 per cent, compared to 41.7 to 55.3 per cent in the glucosamine only group.

Commenting on the potential mechanism, Dr Gruenwald and his co-workers note that the ingredient probably acted synergistically. “Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the inflammation process in OA, whereas glucosamine sulfate further supports the rebuilding of lost cartilage substance,” they stated.

Source: Advances in Therapy
Volume 26, Issue 9, Pages 858-871
"Effect of glucosamine sulfate with or without omega-3 fatty acids in patients with osteoarthritis"
Authors: J. Gruenwald, E. Petzold, R. Busch, H.-P. Petzold, H.-J. Graubaum

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For our recommended choice for an Omega 3 Fatty Acid in the form of fish oil, visit: Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil

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