Omega 3 Fats

by Anthony Kane, MD

Introduction

Bipolar disorder and unipolar depression are serious debilitating psychiatric conditions. Bipolar depression is particularly difficult to treat, since treatment often pushes the patient into a manic episode. Bipolar depression carries a 19% suicide rate and bipolar patients have only a 50% chance of returning to normal functioning.

In the past fifty years there has been about a 20 fold increase in a number of cases of depressive disorders. 5% of people in the United States will have at least one episode of serious depression this year. While most medical research focuses on pharmacological treatment, there is a growing body of evidence that nutrition in general, and omega-3 fatty acids in particular may be of great benefit to numerous people.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chain, polyunsaturated fatty acids, which must be obtained through the diet. Long chain omega-3 fatty acids, like eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can be ingested directly from foods such as fish or fish oil. Alternately they can be manufactured in the liver from alpha linolenic acid (ALA), a shorter omega-3 fatty acid. This conversion is limited. Only 5-15% of ALA is ultimately converted. Aging, illness and stress, as well as high amounts of omega-6 rich oils, such as corn, safflower, sunflower, or cottonseed oil interfere with the conversion.

Fish oil contains high levels of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Flax seed oil contains high amounts of ALA. The dietary intake of these oils has dramatically declined in Western countries over the last century. The ideal dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is approximately 2:1. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in the average American diet is about 20:1.

Given that approximately 20% of the dry weight of the brain is made up of fatty acids it would not be surprising if inadequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids would have some neuropsychiatric consequences. There is a lot of research linking low levels of omega-3 fatty acids to numerous psychiatric conditions and many indications that omega-3 fatty acids have therapeutic value.

Omega-3 Status in Psychiatric Patients

Numerous studies connect dietary consumption of omega-3 fatty acids with depression. Countries with high consumption of seafood, high in omega-3 fatty acids, have lower rates of bipolar and unipolar depression, post-partum depression, and seasonal affective disorder. These studies do not prove that low levels of dietary omega-3 fatty acids cause depression. There are other differences of life style that may also play a role. However, the evidence is strong enough to encourage researchers to investigate the role of omega-3 fatty acids in mental illness.

Studies of the fatty acid status in psychiatric patients have shown that depressed patients have lower levels of EPA and DHA. This connection has been demonstrated in mild depression, major depression, seasonal depression, post-partum depression, and in suicide.

Possible Mechanisms of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

We have limited knowledge of how omega-3 fatty acids function in the brain. There are three major areas in which omega-3 fatty acids seem to play a role.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential components in neuronal membranes and play a critical role in how they function. They allow the nerve cell to be more receptive to neurotransmitters, enhancing their effectiveness.

Omega-3 fatty acids also may chemically influence major depression. Certain chemicals in the brain, called cytokines, which play a role in the inflammation response, also cause feelings of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids, and EPA in particular, block the action of these cytokines. It is worth noting that many antidepressants also block these inflammatory cytokines.

In addition, there is a chemical in the brain called brain derived neurotrophic factor. This chemical supports the survival and growth of neurons. Levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor are low in patients with severe depression. Omega-3 fatty acids enhance the function of brain derived neurotrophic factor, as do antidepressant medication and exercise. Interestingly, diets high in saturated fat and sugar, as well as stress inhibit its production.

Clinical Evidence

People with depression have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids. A number of studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids to be helpful in treatment of depression.

Several case studies found that flaxseed oil, which is high in alpha linolenic acid (ALA) the parent compound for all the omega-3 fatty acids, improved the symptoms of bipolar depression. Another case showed that a combination of 4 g EPA/2 g DHA per day improved the depressed symptoms in pregnancy. These improvements took about four weeks.

In another case study, a patient with depression that didn't respond to medication was placed on 4 g pure EPA. After one month, the patient's depression improved and after nine months the patient was symptom free. Utilizing MRI technology, the researchers found that after EPA treatment, there were structural changes in the brain that showed a reversal of some of the brain abnormalities commonly found in depressed patients.

There was one double blind controlled study that found that 9.6 g of omega-3 fatty acids (6.2 g EPA/3.4 g DHA) helped bipolar disorder depression. Another study found that 2 g of pure EPA enhanced the effectiveness of antidepressant medication. There were no side effects.

Another study found that 1 g of EPA could reduce aggression and depression in borderline personality disorder patients, again with no negative side effects.

The antidepressant effect of omega-3 fatty acids seems to be the result of EPA. When DHA was given alone or in equal amounts with EPA, researchers did not see these antidepressant effects.

In summary, omega-3 fatty acids have been tested in numerous psychiatric conditions and found helpful in:

Bipolar depression
Unipolar depression
Depression during pregnancy
Insomnia
Anxiety
Anorexia nervosa
Depression associated with borderline personality disorder
Post-partum depression
Reduction of suicidal thoughts

In general, treatment took three to four weeks to be effective, with the exception of anxiety and insomnia, which took six weeks. Although doses of up to 9.6 g were used, there were no significant side effects noted.

Other Dietary Considerations

Certain nutrients are known to influence omega-3 status. Deficiencies in four of these nutrients, zinc, selenium, folic acid and dietary antioxidants, are common in patients with depression.

Zinc levels are lower among patients with depression. In a recent study, 25 mg zinc supplementation improved depressive symptoms. Elsewhere it was shown that two months of zinc supplementation, 25 mg/day significantly increased omega-3 levels.

Depressed patients have lower levels of folic acid. There is also growing clinical evidence that folic acid helps treat depression and can enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant medications.

At least five studies link low levels of selenium to negative mood. Selenium deficiency can interfere with the normal conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA, and results in an increase in the omega-6:omega-3 ratio. Selenium also plays a role in the human antioxidant defense system.

Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely vulnerable to oxidation reactions. Dietary antioxidants are known to influence the antioxidant defense system and can influence omega-3 status. Some evidence suggests that antidepressant medications may reverse the severity of oxidative damage in depressed patients.

Conclusion and Recommendations

There is plenty of research evidence that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, may alleviate depression in many people. Fish oil supplements are well tolerated, have almost no side effects, and are inexpensive. So far, we cannot recommend that you use fish oil to replace drug therapy, but it would be a good idea to add them to the therapy. You should see results in about 4 weeks, though the maximum benefit may not appear until nine months.

Researchers have yet to determine the optimum dosages. Studies have used between 1-6.4 g of EPA a day. EPA seems to be the omega-3 that is helping.

Although this is a guess, based upon the current research I would suggest the following regimen for depression:

 A fish oil supplement of 2 g of EPA daily. This can be taken at once or 1 g twice a day. Alternatively flaxseed oil, which is high in ALA, can be used. Normally, about 14 g of ALA converts to 2 g of EPA.

 A general multivitamin supplement containing high levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, and about 500 mcg of Folic acid.

 A general mineral supplement containing selenium. Alternatively, eating two Brazil nuts a day will provide all the selenium you need.

Again I want to stress, this regimen is not in place of medication. However, I suspect that many people who take these things will need much less medication. Some will be able to get off medication completely. Even if this regiment does not help in depression, it may help to prevent or alleviate a number of other conditions, not discussed here. Best of all there are no side effects.

Finally, I want to stress that if you or someone you care about is suffering from depression, this is something you must try. Though there is still very scanty research, the best run studies show the EPA is effective in almost 90% of depressed patients. Given that there are no real side effects to taking fish oil in contrast to the very serious side effects antidepressant drugs have, you do not want to wait around for twenty years until the AMA finally gets around to recommending this treatment.

Anthony Kane, MD ADD ADHD Advances http://addadhdadvances.com

Anthony Kane, MD is a physician and international lecturer. Get ADD ADHD Child Behavior and Treatment Help for your ADHD child, including child behavior advice, information on the latest ADHD treatment, and help with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Share your views at the ADD ADHD Blog. Sign up for the free ADD ADHD Advances online journal. Send an email to: journal

Since Dr Basant Puri, a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer at London's Imperial College MRI unit, released his findings on Omega 3 and its effect on brain function and depression, many studies have been performed regarding the beneficial effects of this fatty acid. Studies over the past two years have consistently confirmed that Omega 3, a substance lacking in today's "diet" is a key component in the brain's development and proper functioning.

The notion that Omega 3 was linked to depression and other mental illnesses came about based on studies conducted at Harvard University in 1999 on people with bipolar and a 1996 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association studying the prevalence of depression across ten countries. The Harvard study found that fish oil was an effective treatment for bipolar. The study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association was expanded upon in 1998 when it was discovered that depression was lower in countries that consumed higher levels of fish.

Omega 3 As Part Of A Healthy Diet

Omega 3 is a substance found most commonly in fatty fish such as fresh salmon, tuna, mackerel, pilchards and sardines. Over the last 100 years the western diet has shifted radically to include far less fish and thus the Omega 3 fatty acid. During the same time depression is estimated to have increased up to 100 fold.

To maintain ideal health, the average person should consume five grams daily of essential fatty acids (divided between Omega 3 and Omega 6). As this is not likely to change at any point in the near future some recommendations have been laid out for those who choose to take Omega 3 supplements. These recommendations will be listed further below in the section titled, "Omega 3 Supplements".

Omega 3 And The Brain

While the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids can be noticed on many levels, the biggest breakthroughs documented have occurred in improved mental functions and health. Omega 3 has been reported to be effective in the treatment of depression. Numerous studies have indicated that during double-blind tests, patients suffering from depression who take Omega 3 over a placebo report significant benefits.

Similar results have been reported in the treatment of bipolar and schizophrenia. There are theories that Omega 3 could be used to treat other mental conditions such as attention deficit disorder, borderline personality disorder, dyslexia and cognitive impairment however at the time of this writing these beliefs are unsubstantiated by anything more than preliminary data.

Omega 3 And The Body

The main reported benefits of Omega 3 for the body occur in the heart. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish at least twice per week in order to reduce the likelihood of heart disease.

While research is still ongoing into the effects of these fatty acids on the heart, research to date has shown that they:

� decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death
� decrease triglyceride levels
� decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
� lower blood pressure (slightly)

Additionally, Omega 3 has been reported effective as an anti- inflammatory. And according to an article by Judith Horstman for Arthritis Today, "There's strong evidence that fish oil supplements with omega-3 fatty acids can ease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms, help prevent Raynaud's syndrome spasms and possibly relieve some lupus symptoms.

There is some limited evidence that the reduction in Omega 3 in the average western diet can be a contributing factor to the rise in:

� asthma
� chronic fatigue syndrome
� cystic fibrosis
� osteoporosis
� prostate cancer

Omega 3 Supplements

Any good doctor or nutritionist will tell you that the best way to get any nutrient is to go right to the source and eat it through the foods they originate. In the case of Omega 3 this would most likely be in the form of fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil. That said, this is not always possible given the average westerner's diet and lifestyle.

Additionally, for those suffering from sever depression or using Omega 3 to combat an existing condition, the amount contained in the foods we eat may not provide enough of this fatty acid. If this is the case then it is important to know what you are looking for.

The supplement should be high in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). EPA, along with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the two active ingredients in Omega 3. EPA is considered to be the therapeutic element. It is thus important to purchase a supplement higher in EPA than DHA.

Additional Notes

Due to the recent developments and study of Omega 3 and all of its potential health benefits, the majority of studies and information on it are preliminary and based on smaller test groups. Additional research is underway and should provide additional insight into how it works and exactly what its role is in the brain's functioning and development.

Currently additional studies are ongoing into the roll of Omega 3 in brain and nerve regeneration, depression, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, neck and back pain, stress and an assortment of other mental and physical conditions.

About The Author david mcevoy

Information on Omega 3 and its properties provided by http://www.mind1st.co.uk. Mind1st in the sole distributor of PuraEPA with 90% pure EPA. Visit their website for more information on Omega 3 fish oil and how it works.

Copyright 2005 David McEvoy

Since Dr Malcolm Peet, a consultant psychiatrist at Sheffield swallow court hospital released his findings about the effects of Ethyl Epa and its effects on people suffering from depression and low moods, many other studies have been performed using Ethyl Epa to help treat depression and related disorders. The vast majority of the studies that have been performed consistently confirmed that Ethyl Epa, a natural substance found in omega 3 fish oil, helps relieve depression and low moods.

The idea that high grade omega 3 EPA could be used to help combat depression and other related disorders came from the late Dr Horribin, who as early as the 1970s was a pioneer in lipid research involving the brain and central nervous system. Since the findings at Sheffield, studies have been conducted round the world, Harvard university 1999, London Hammersmith hospital 2001 and Israel Ben Gurion University 2002 to name but a few.

EPA As Part Of A Healthy Diet

EPA is part of the Omega 3 chain of ecosanoids and is most commonly found in fatty fish such as fresh salmon, mackerel, pilchards and sardines. Over the past 100 years the diet patterns of most people in the west has shifted dramatically to include far more hydrogenated oils and Trans fatty acids (bad fats) this is largely due to the increased consumption of fast food and ready made meals. Even people who think they eat a healthy diet consume way too much omega 6 and not enough omega 3.

Researchers have recently found that a diet high in Tran's fatty acids could affect the mood stabilizing hormones within the brain, this is thought to be due to the saturated fats slowing down the messaging system within the brain, should this happen then the onset of depression could occur.

How Does EPA Work?

While the benefits of high grade EPA have been well documented, the scientific community still don't know exactly how EPA works on the brain, one theory released by Dr Basant Puri is that it eases the passage of the signals over the tiny gaps in the brain called synapses. Another theory was that the high Grade Epa actually worked similar to lithium and had anti depressant properties of its own.

Until recently it was widely accepted in the medical community that once a human reached maturity that the adult brain could not grow anymore, in a recent paper just released by Dr Puri his findings show other wise. Dr Puri scanned a 21 year patient before treating him with high grade Pure Epa, after the course of treatment he rescanned the young man only to find that the grey matter of the brain had increased in size.

Omega 3 EPA And The Body

As well as EPA being very good for helping to balance mood it has other well documented effects on the body, these included:-

. Blood thinning properties
. Decrease risk of heart attack
. Decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
. Slightly lower blood pressure

There is also some limited scientific evidence to show that high grade EPA has helped people suffering from:-

. Bipolar disorder
. PMS
. Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME
. Huntington's disease
. Fibromyalgia
. Obsessive compulsive disorder
. Schizophrenia
. ADHD
. ADD

Although more research needs to be done in these areas, the current evidence looks very promising.

EPA Versus DHA

Omega 3 fish oil contains another omega 3 nutrient called DHA, there is a currently a controversial argument as to which omega 3 nutrient is the more beneficial in dealing with depression and related disorders. This Argument is born from doctors who have used high grade Epa , Horribin, Puri and Peet They claim that the higher the ratio of Epa to Dha the more effective the results have been, just recently Dr Andrew Stoll has also come out in support of this theory.

EPA From Food

Any good doctor or nutritionist will tell you that the best way to get any nutrient is to eat a very balanced diet of the correct amount of carbohydrates , protein and omega essential fatty acids. In the case of Omega 3 epa this would be in the form of fish, unfortunately due to the high concentration levels of epa needed to obtain a therapeutic dose you would have to consume a large amount of oily fish daily and sadly due to the pollution levels found in our oceans today this is not advisable.

Omega 3 Epa can also be found in high doses in certain fish oil supplements, when choosing a fish oil supplement you should choose only the fish oil of the highest quality it should also have as high an EPA to DHA ratio as possible,for maximum therapeutic effect.

Conclusion

The large majority of scientific trails using high grade Omega 3 Ethyl Epa point towards this natural oil being very beneficial for many conditions. The argument about the DHA rages on and probably will until some solid scientific evidence is presented to us .In the mean time a product with a high EPA to DHA ratio is considered more beneficial by some leading UK doctors.

About the Author:

Dave McEvoy: A great resource for high grade omega 3 Ethly EPA , with a 90% concentrate of EPA and Zero DHA visit http://www.mind1st.co.uk

Copyright 2005 Jane Oelke

Essential fatty acids are the number one recommendation for anyone who has, or wants to prevent common chronic diseases today, such diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. And they are very helpful in improving immune system function to increase energy and reverse some of the damage seen in diseases such as lupus, fibromyalgia, and MS. What types of fat are in your diet?

If you have dry skin, stiffness, concentration problems, or hormonal imbalances you may be lacking in a type of fat that is essential to health. Essential fatty acids are those fats that the body needs; yet cannot synthesize itself. Many types of fat are unhealthy fats, yet some are beneficial and necessary. In fact, cutting all fat from the diet is actually harmful to health.

Essential fatty acids are needed to metabolize other types of fats that are not good for us. Saturated fat is a harmful fat that is found in many types of red meat and dairy foods.

Yet, the worse types of fats are the partially hydrogenated oils found in snack foods. These types of fats, found in most processed foods, are converted to trans-fatty acids when heated, or oxidized.

So when you make boxed cakes or brownies you create trans fats when you bake these partially hydrogenated oils that are included in the mix so that the box can sit on your shelf indefinitely. These are the types of fat that increase cholesterol in the arteries.

The good fats, called essential fatty acids, are important in many metabolic processes, including energy production. Since the body cannot produce them, they must be consumed in the diet to optimize health. The essential fatty acids are the omega-3 (linoleic) and omega-6 (linolenic) polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Every cell in the body is like a tiny factory, taking in raw materials from the surrounding fluid and sending out various chemicals. Everything going into or coming out of the cell has to pass through the cell's membrane. The membrane depends on essential fatty acids to remain fluid and flexible. Without them, the membrane becomes stiff and unable to do its job.

Essential fatty acids are also important to bring vital oxygen to muscle cells and they enable the cells to more easily absorb nutrients needed for recuperation. In one study of 63 patients with fibromyalgia, essential fatty acid supplementation resulted in a 74% reduction in pain in patients after 1 month, and 85% after 3 months.

This is a list of the benefits realized by regular use of essential fatty acids:
� Improved cholesterol levels
� Lower blood pressure
� Improved memory
� Increased circulation
� Reduced joint stiffness
� Reduced dryness of the skin
� Improved immune system function
� Less inflammation
� Balanced hormones
� Depression reduced.

As you can see, fatty acids are essential for metabolism and health. Flax oil is the richest vegetarian source of omega-3 fats. It is commonly used in salads in place of other salad dressings. Flax oil shouldn't be used for cooking, as high heat damages the fatty acids. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish oils from salmon, tuna, cod, and mackerel.

Omega-6 fatty acids are found in many vegetable oils such as borage, flaxseed, walnut, soy, corn, sunflower, and are especially abundant in evening primrose oil. These omega-6 acids help to soften dry skin and relax tense muscles.

Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids need to be supplemented in the diet. The ideal ratio of these fats is 2 parts omega-3 to 1 part omega-6 to reduce inflammation and pain, and to improve energy metabolism. Increasing the amount of fish oils and flax oil will help especially get the omega-3 fatty acids into the metabolism. 2000 mg. of flax oil is usually equivalent to 2 capsules or 1 tablespoon, and is the recommended minimum per day.

The omega-3 and omega-6 need catalysts to be absorbed in the body. These catalysts are vitamins B3 (niacin) and B6, vitamin C, and the minerals magnesium and zinc. When there is a deficiency of these nutrients then the essential fatty acids will not be absorbed well. Also when too many saturated or trans fats are part of the normal diet then supplementation of essential fatty acids is less effective.

A combination of essential fatty acids, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants, are all needed in your daily diet, or on whole food supplement form, to make the metabolic changes that reverse many chronic disease symptoms. Supplementing with sufficient amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in balance will help you absorb the other nutrients you take in from your foods, and can make a great improvement in your overall health and vitality.

About the Author:

Jane Oelke, N.D., Ph.D. is a Traditional Naturopath and Doctor of Homeopathy. She is the author of "Natural Choices for Fibromyalgia" and "Natural Choices for Attention Deficit Disorder." She can be contacted at DoctorOelke@aol.com or through her website at http://www.NaturalChoicesForYou.com

At the moment we are in the grip of an omega 3 fish oil revolution, just this week in the uk another scientific trial using high grade fish oil has been completed and the results have been published. The scientific trail in question was performed in the south east of England on a group of random school children.

When the scientific data was published the daily papers in the UK all carried the amazing story of how school children between 6 and 12 were given 6 high grade fish oil capsules per day for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Some of the stories that were published showed some remarkable behavioural changes in the children, some papers reported stories of out going sport loving children turning to books and library's to find inner peace.

A large number of the parents were also interviewed to document their findings to, and the stories all came back the same, the children's behaviour was far better than it had ever been!

Types of omega 3 fish oil

Omega 3 Fish oil comes in two different formulations, triglyceride and ethyl ester. The main difference between the two is that omega 3 oil in the form of a triglyceride is rapidly absorbed into the body and oil in the form of an ethyl ester is absorbed more slowly.

Both of these different types of fish oils are currently sold on the world market and can be bought in either liquid form or capsule form. Most leading UK doctors who are experts in the field of lipid research state that for people taking fish oil for blood thinning properties or to avoid the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) should purchase the oil in the form of ethyl ester due to its slower uptake.

Omega 3 that will and omega 3 that won't

Omega 3 Fish oil like alcohol has a concentration strength, this has nothing to do with the amount of milligrams the capsules contain, this is the strength of the milligrams. For example, a fish oil manufacture could make an oil of 90% strength and then inject 500mg of the oil into a capsule. Another manufacture may make a fish oil of 50% strength and then inject 500mg of this oil into his capsule; the results would appear like this.

� Oil 1 500mg of fish oil 90% strength

� Oil 2 500mg of fish oil 50% strength

As you can see from above both the oils are the same in quantity, however, oil number 1 is a fully 40% stronger than oil 2.

How strong is your omega 3 fish oil?

The information that was delivered in these news paper articles would have lead you to believe that this oil would have cured anything from ME to depression, on the face of things this seems very unlikely as the large majority of scientific trials that have been performed using omega 3 fish oil, have been carried out using fish oils of at least 65% concentrate or above, and on the trials where oils of this strength have not been used, then the daily doses given were very high, in some cases up to 12 grams per day.

The oil that was used with the school children in the trial was about 25% concentrate and they were given fairly large doses daily.

Fish oil

One of the easiest ways of ensuring you will feel the full therapeutic effect from a fish oil is to ensure that fish oil has a high concentration strength this should be checked at the point of purchase to ensure any disappointment later on.

Conclusion

Omega 3 fish oil in any strength or form is better than none at all. Will a weak fish oil give any therapeutic effects in small doses? Probably not. Make sure when you are choosing your fish oil to select one that is both pure and strong.

The Author

Dave mcevoy: A great resource for high grade omega 3 Ethly EPA fish oil , with a 90% concentrate of EPA and Zero DHA visit http://www.mind1st.co.uk

Copyright 2005 David McEvoy

We are in the grip of an omega 3 fish oil wave, every day more studies are published to show just how important this nutrient is to us. Last week it was children with concentration problems this week it is children with autism. Here are some very good reasons why you should consider supplementing your diet with a high quality EPA fish oil supplement.

1. Most of the modern western diets contain way too much omega 6 in the form of breads and pasta, by supplementing your diet with an omega 3 fish oil supplement it will help to correct this imbalance of omega 6 to omega 3.

2. High grade omega 3 EPA fish oil has been shown to be very beneficial in the fight against depression. If your brain becomes clogged up with Tran's fatty acids (bad fats) it is possible that the whole messaging system within your brain could become sluggish, should this happen then onset of depression may occur

3 .In one recent study performed, people who supplemented there diet with EPA fish oil lost more weight than a placebo controlled group. This is thought to be due the cells releasing the bad fats, and the body then burning them as fuel.

4. High grade EPA fish oil helps with concentration and the ability to think clearly by aiding the passage of signals within the tiny gaps of the brain called synapses.

5. Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid and cannot be produced by the body. It is called an essential fatty acid because it is Essential for correct body balance and function of most vital organs and hormones.

6 Omega 3 high grade EPA fish oil has blood thinning properties similar to aspirin, this is very beneficial for people who are at risk from a heart attack. And other similar cardiac problems. Those with arrhythmia problems and those taking blood thinning medication should consult their GP.

7. The quality of your skin, hair and nails depends on your diet being rich in all the correct essential fatty acids, especially omega 3. The body needs these essential nutrients for optimal grow and rejuvenation.

8. The omega 3 we used to obtain from milk and meat has now been reduced drastically because the cows are mainly grain fed instead of grass fed, this has reduced the omega content in meat and milk to a very low level.

9. During pregnancy the unborn baby takes all the nutrients from the mother, this includes the omega 3 nutrient DHA. If after the birth of the child these correct nutrients are not replaced then the onset of post natal depression could occur.

10.Western diets can be lazy and full of the wrong kind of fats i.e. trans fats. Therefore we are not giving our bodies the correct balance of omega 3 essential fatty acids. The body will then start to show signs of this imbalance:

Dry eyes
Dry skin
Chicken skin on the back of upper arms
Brittle nails
Frequent infections
Poor wound healing
Low moods
Mood swings

About the Author:

The Author Dave mcevoy: A great resource for high grade omega 3 Ethly EPA , with a 90% concentrate of EPA and Zero DHA visit http://www.mind1st.co.uk

People who eat a lot of tuna and fish that's been broiled or baked may get more omega-3 fatty acids, which research shows can be good for the blood vessels, blood pressure and inflammation. Improving these factors can decrease stroke risk, reports Reuters Heath.

In contrast, fish that is fried or put into fish sandwiches is typically white fish, which is low in fish oil and, therefore, low in omega-3 fatty acids

Emerging research looks set to position omega-3 fatty acids as a new ingredient for weight loss foods and supplements, says an article at NutraIngredients.com

New studies carried out by one of the top three omega-3 suppliers, Pronova Biocare, have identified a potential mechanism for the weight reduction effect of fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids in mice.

They showed that a 60 per cent omega-3 concentrate, containing 50 per cent docosahexaenoic acid and 10 per cent EPA (known as EPAX 1050 TG) increasedoxidation of fat by activating genes that break down fat in the mitochondriae and peroxisomes.

The fish oil concentrates not only caused weight reduction in the mice but they also appeared to stop the animals from gaining weight when given free access to food. Additionally, the omega-3 concentrate reduced the number of fat cells, especially in the abdominal region.

These effects were increased in animals that were put on a 10 per cent calorie reduction regime. The findings support yet another benefit from omega-3 fatty acids, already being added to foods designed to improve heart health.

Omega-3 fatty acids could be at an advantage over some other weight loss ingredients because of their long, safe history of therapeutic use.

Pronova Biocare Continues to Emphasize the Importance of Omega-3s

LYSAKER, Norway, January 24, 2005 -- A recent article published in Lipids 2004 reviewed effects of omega-3s and weight control. The study reaffirms Pronova Biocare's (the world leading supplier of Omega-3 fatty acids and makers of EPAX® Omega-3 EPA/DHA concentrates) research concluding the importance of omega-3s for general health and weight control.

"It is well established that a diet rich in seafood prevents weight gain but the mechanisms responsible for this effect has not been known," stated Morten Bryhn, M.D., Ph.D., director of research and development for Pronova Biocare, makers of EPAX® Omega-3 EPA/DHA.

"This article presents effects on weight reduction in obesity prone animals using different omega-3 concentrates containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) or DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These animals behave very much like humans in the way that overfeeding leads to severe obesity."

Data from the study clearly demonstrated that the omega-3 concentrate rich in DHA (EPAX 1050 TG) increased oxidation of fat by activating genes that breaks down fat in the mitochondriae and peroxisomes. These effects not only showed weight reduction but they also showed weight gain prevention in animals given free access to food.

Additionally, the omega-3 concentrate not only intensified breakdown of fat but also reduced the number of fat cells, especially in the abdominal region. The effects were augmented in animals on a concomitant 10% calorie reduction regimen.

This regimen has also been tested in a pilot study, presented at the North American Association for Study of Obesity (NAASO) Annual Meeting, November 2004, including 20 women with severe obesity (Body Mass Index, BMI, more that 40).

The women were already on a very low calorie diet. The group given the omega-3 concentrate reduced their weight by 20% more than the group given placebo after only three weeks of treatment. BMI was reduced by as much as 15%. The effects were highly impressive because of the short treatment period. A new, larger study in obese women is ongoing testing EPAX 1050 TG against placebo.

"Being overweight is not only a problem of too much food and too little exercise but also a problem of bombarding genes with signals leading to fat accumulation. A diet rich in red meat and vegetable oils increases accumulation of fat in fat tissue because of a chronic disarray of genes responsible for handling fatty acids and carbohydrates," stated Dr. Bryhn.

"The number of fat cells increases and turnover of carbohydrates into fat is facilitated. The net result is being overweight which leads to obesity that is difficult to curb by calorie reduction and exercise only. Genes are constantly programmed to a situation of starvation and they need to be reprogrammed. Omega-3 fatty acids from seafood seem to do exactly that."

According to Dr. Bryhn, the process of reprogramming genes is slow so no drastic effect is to be expected by taking EPAX 1050 TG. Weight control should be a combination of: reduced intake of red meat, saturated fat and foods containing vegetable oils and carbohydrates, regular exercise and increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids high in DHA, like EPAX 1050 TG.

The health benefits of marine omega-3 fatty acids are increasingly being accepted worldwide. The scientific evidence continues to mount, representing an opportunity for the treatment and prevention of common diseases. The American Heart Association and the World Health Organization both support the addition of omega-3 fatty acids to diets citing their importance in maintaining good health.

At Pronova Biocare, each and every production run of omega-3 carries full quality control documentation to ensure that the highest purity and quality standards are maintained. Chemical analyses take place at every crucial stage and the most stringent, hygienic conditions are applied throughout Pronova Biocare operations. EPAX products are produced in Pronova's GMP state-of-the-art facilities to meet the highest possible quality standards.The products also comply with the CRN voluntary monograph.

Pronova Biocare, headquartered in Lysaker, Norway, has two GMP approved production facilities: one located in Sandefjord that is qualified by the US Food and Drug Agency for producing omega-3 pharmaceuticals and the second located in Alesund.

Pronova Biocare offers Omega-3 EPA/DHA oils in the B2B segment under the brand name EPAX. EPAX is available in a wide range of top quality formulas with different EPA/DHA ratios.
For further information on Pronova Biocare, EPAX products and clinical studies visit www.epax.biz or contact Gunilla Traberg at Gunilla.Traberg@pronova.com.

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References:
NAASO's 2004 Annual Meeting, Volume 12, October 2004, Supplement, Program Abstracts. No 249-P. Weight Reduction with VLDC and N-3 PUFA Leads to Higher Decrease of Weight and BMI in Severely Obese Women.

Ruzickova J, et al. Omega-3 PUFA of marin origin limit diet-induced obesity in mice by reducing cellularity of adipose tissue. Lipids 2004; 39:1177-1185.

CONTACT: Tiia Sumera801.538.0777 ext. 112tiias@imgbranding.com

Many physicians are still unaware that the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for those who have high levels of blood fats, known as triglycerides.

People with diabetes often have high triglyceride levels and should be aware of these recommendations. The 2002 AHA guidelines recommend that individuals with high level of triglycerides be prescribed 2-4 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily.