Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases

November 10, 2008 – 8:52 am

The importance of omega-3 essential fatty acids in the diet is now evident, as well as the need to return to a more physiologic omega-6/omega-3 ratio of about 1-4/1 rather than the ratio of 20-16/1 provided by current Western diets. In order to improve the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids, it will be necessary to decrease the intake of omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils and to increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids by using oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids and increase the intake of fish to two to three times per week or take supplements.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been part of our diet since the beginning of time. It is only for the past 150 years that omega-3 fatty acids have been decreased in Western diets due to agribusiness and food processing. The need to return the omega-3 fatty acids into the food supply has been recognized by industry, which is already producing omega-3 enriched products.

There have been a number of clinical trials assessing the benefits of dietary supplementation with fish oils in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in humans, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis and migraine headaches. Many of the placebo-controlled trials of fish oil in chronic inflammatory diseases reveal significant benefit, including decreased disease activity and a lowered use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 21, No. 6, 495–505 (2002)

http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/full/21/6/495

PDF: omega-3-and-inflamation-and-autoimmune-diseases

Current Omega-3 Clinical Trials

Again, this information is provided for educational purposes only! No Omega-3 nutritional supplement, including USANA’s BiOmega, is approved for the treatment of any ailment.  Pharmaceutical manufacturers do manufacture FDA approved products containing Omega-3 for the treatment of ailments.  Please see your physician for information relating to these products. 

By admin | Posted in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Cognitive Function, Colorectal, Coronary Artery Disease, Immune Dysfunction, Infant Development, Preventive Medicine | Tagged docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, Fatty Acids, Interleukin-1, Interleukin-6, lupus erythematosus, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, Omega-3, Tumor Necrosis | Comments (0)

Decreased antioxidant levels increase risk of age-related macular degeneration with exposure to sunlight

October 29, 2008 – 6:51 am
Archives of Opthomology

The journal Archives of Ophthalmology recently reported that having reduced plasma antioxidant levels and increased exposure to sunlight increases the risk of neovascular, or advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

In a recent study (titled the European Eye Study), over 4,400 participants over age 65 were analyzed for the presence of macular degeneration. Their blood plasma was evaluated for vitamins C and E, the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, and the mineral zinc. Each individual also completed a questionnaire regarding their typical exposure to sunlight. This was used to estimate blue light exposure from visible light, which is known to contribute to the development of macular degeneration.

Early stage macular degeneration was detected in 2,182 participants, and 101 had the advanced form of the disease. The research found no association between blue light exposure and early macular degeneration.

However, among participants in the lowest quartile (25 percent) of serum vitamin C, zeaxanthin, vitamin E and zinc, exposure to blue light significantly increased the risk of advanced macular degeneration.

Arch Ophthalmol 2008 Oct;126(10):1396-403

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18852418

By admin | Posted in Age-Related Macular Degeneration | Tagged Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Antioxidents, archives of ophthalmology, degenerative eye disease, lutein, vision loss, zeaxanthin, zinc supplementation | Comments (0)

Lutein and zeaxanthin may improve visual performance and reduce the effects of glare

October 21, 2008 – 8:16 am

The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are most commonly linked to protection from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In a new study conducted at the University of Georgia, lutein and zeaxanthin were found to reduce the harmful effects of glare on a test group of people with normal eyesight.

Healthy subjects with an average age of 23.9 were assigned to receive daily supplements of lutein (10 mg) and zeaxanthin (2 mg) for six months. The subjects’ eyes were then tested for the effects of glare as experienced in everyday situations, including being outdoors on bright days, lengthy sessions of looking at a computer monitor, and nighttime exposure to oncoming headlights.

Following six months of supplementation, the participant’s average macular pigment optical density (MPOD) increased significantly from the average value at the beginning of the study. MPOD is a measure of the eye’s ability to filter short-wave light.

After testing the subjects for their performance in visual tasks following glare, researchers concluded that four to six months of supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin significantly reduced the detrimental effects of the exposure and improved visual performance.

Optom Vis Sci 2008 Feb;85(2):82-8

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18296924

By admin | Posted in Age-Related Macular Degeneration | Tagged Age-Related Macular Degeneration, antioxidant properties, Antioxidents, degenerative eye disease, lutein, vision loss, zeaxanthin | Comments (0)

Academy of Pediatrics increases vitamin D recommendations

October 14, 2008 – 4:25 pm
On Monday, October 13th, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a press release regarding a new clinical report titled “Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents.” In this new report, the AAP has updated the amount of vitamin D they formally recommend for children from 200 IU per day to 400 IU per day.

The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a press release regarding a new clinical report titled “Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents.” In this new report, the AAP has updated the amount of vitamin D they formally recommend for children from 200 IU per day to 400 IU per day.

“We are doubling the recommended amount of vitamin D children need each day because evidence has shown this could have life-long health benefits,” said Frank Greer, MD, FAAP, chair of the AAP Committee on Nutrition and co-author of the report. “Supplementation is important because most children will not get enough vitamin D through diet alone.”
This updated recommendation is largely based on data from clinical trials performed since 2003 (when the original recommendation of 200 IU per day was given). This new data has demonstrated not only a wide safety margin for vitamin D supplementation, but also a surprising occurrence of vitamin D deficiency, particularly in exclusively breastfed infants who are not supplemented with vitamin D.

“Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants. However, because of vitamin D deficiencies in the maternal diet, which affect the vitamin D in a mother’s milk, it is important that breastfed infants receive supplements of vitamin D,” said Carol Wagner, MD, FAAP, member of the AAP Section on Breastfeeding Executive Committee and co-author of the report. “Until it is determined what the vitamin D requirements of the lactating mother-infant dyad are, we must ensure that the breastfeeding infant receives an adequate supply of vitamin D through a supplement of 400 IU per day.”

Quotations taken from the formal AAP press release available at

http://www.aap.org/pressroom/nce/nce08vitamind.htm

To review the new clinical report in its entirety, please visit http://www.aap.org/new/VitaminDreport.pdf
By admin | Posted in Infant Development | Tagged 25-hydroxyvitamin D, American Academy of Pediatrics, Children, Rickets, Vitamin D, Vitamin D deficiency, vitamin d3 | Comments (0)

Oily fish intake and dietary omega-3s may improve eye health

October 8, 2008 – 8:21 am

According to new research, eating one portion per week of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by over 50 percent.

Fish intake, the major source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There are two types of AMD: wet and dry. Of these two types, wet AMD is the primary cause of vision loss.

In a study recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers recruited 105 people (age 65 and over) with wet AMD and 2170 healthy people to act as controls, then compared their dietary habits using questionnaires. The scientists then investigated the association of oily fish and dietary DHA and EPA with wet AMD.

Compared to people who consumed less than one portion of fish per week, participants who consumed at least one serving of oily fish per week had a 50 percent reduction in risk of developing wet AMD. In addition, people who got at least 300 mg per day of DHA and EPA were 68 and 71 percent less likely to have wet AMD than those with lower consumptions.

The results of this study support previous research indicating a protective benefit of omega-3s against the onset of AMD. The benefit may be due in part to their important role in the layer of nerve cells in the retina.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 88, No. 2, 398-406, August

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/88/2/398

By admin | Posted in Age-Related Macular Degeneration | Tagged Age-Related Macular Degeneration, american journal of clinical nutrition, degenerative eye disease, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, eicosapentanoic acid, fish oil capsules, fish oil omega 3, Oily Fish, omega 3 fats, omega 3 fats fish, Omega-3, vision loss | Comments (0)

Low vitamin D levels lead to poor physical performance in the elderly

October 1, 2008 – 12:37 pm

In a recent study, researchers examined the association between vitamin D status and physical performance. Among subjects with low vitamin D levels, physical performance and grip strength were significantly lower than that of participants who did not have reduced levels.

In addition to its role in bone health, vitamin D is thought to play a role in musculoskeletal function. In a recent study, researchers examined the association between vitamin D status and physical performance in a sample of 976 persons over the age of 65. The physical performance of the subjects was analyzed using a short physical performance battery (SPPB) and handgrip strength. The SPPB tests included walking speed, ability to stand from a seated position, and ability to maintain balance in progressively more challenging positions.

Over 28% of the women and 13% of the men had vitamin D levels low enough to be considered a deficiency. Nearly three-fourths of the women and over half of the men had vitamin D levels that were considered insufficient. Among subjects with low vitamin D levels, physical performance and grip strength were significantly lower than that of participants who did not have reduced levels. The finding remained valid after taking into consideration other factors (such as season of the year and physical activity levels).

Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in older populations, additional studies examining the association between vitamin D status and physical function are needed. Current vitamin D recommendations are based on its role in bone health, although emerging research indicates vitamin D may also play important roles in preservation of muscle strength and physical function, as well as potential preventative roles in conditions such as cancer.

The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 62:440-446 (2007)

http://biomed.gerontologyjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/62/4/440

By admin | Posted in Muscle Weakness | Tagged 25-hydroxyvitamin D, elderly populations, Muscle Weakness, Vitamin D, Vitamin D deficiency | Comments (0)

Flaxseed oil and fish oil raise omega-3 fatty acid levels in human blood cells

September 24, 2008 – 8:49 am

Fish oil supplementation is known to result in an increase in plasma omega-3 fatty acid content, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Alpha linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in plants, is the direct precursor of EPA and DHA and should show effects similar to fish oil. Until now, however, this has been challenged because of reported low conversion of ALA into DHA. A recent study provides evidence that the ALA supplemented from flaxseed oil is effectively converted to EPA and DHA and accumulated in human blood cells.

Recently reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers designed a clinical trial in which flax oil, fish oil, and sunflower oil (placebo group) capsules were given to 62 firefighters. The firefighters were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups receiving 1.2, 2.4, or 3.6 grams of flax oil/day; 0.6 or 1.2 grams of fish oil/day; or 1 gram of sunflower oil/day for 12 weeks. Blood was drawn every 2 weeks, and the total phospholipid fatty acid composition of red blood cells was determined.

As anticipated, fish oil produced a rapid increase in DHA and total omega-3 fatty acids. The consumption of either 2.4 or 3.6 grams of flax oil/day was sufficient to significantly increase blood levels of ALA, EPA, and DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) fatty acid content.

The consumption of ALA-enriched supplements for 12 weeks was sufficient to elevate blood levels of EPA and docosapentaeoic acid content, which shows the effectiveness of ALA conversion and accumulation into red blood cells. The amounts of ALA required to obtain these effects are amounts that are easily achieved in the general population by dietary modification or by modest dosages of omega-3 rich foods such as flax oil.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 88, No. 3, 801-809, September 2008

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/88/3/801

By admin | Posted in Preventive Medicine | Tagged american journal of clinical nutrition, eicosapentaenoic acid, eicosapentanoic acid, fish oil omega 3, Flax Oil, Flaxseed oildocosahexaenoic acid, Omega-3, phospholipid fatty acid | Comments (0)

Fish oil lowers heart rate

September 17, 2008 – 12:19 pm

There is significant evidence that omega-3 fatty acids have a beneficial effect on heart arrhythmias (irregular heart beat), which can lead to a decreased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. New analyses indicate that regular fish oil intake could correspond to as much as a 5% reduction in population-wide sudden deaths.

A meta-analysis published in the journal Circulation further confirms the association between omega-3 fatty acids and heart health. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health compiled statistical data from thirty studies published from 1996 to 2005. These studies involved nearly 1,700 individuals treated with fish oil or placebo for up to one year. The average combined dose of EPA and DHA was 3.5 grams/day for an average of 8 weeks.

The overall estimated change in heart rate of those treated with fish oil was 1.6 beats per minute. The reduction in heart rate was even greater in trials where the participants had higher baseline heart rates. In those studies, treatment with fish oil resulted in a decreased heart rate of 2.5 beats per minutes. There was no evidence of a dose-response effect, and heart rate was not significantly different between higher and lower doses compared with placebo.

Although the overall effect of fish oil on heart rate appears small, researchers estimate that on a population-wide basis this could correspond to as much as a 5% reduction in sudden death.

Mozaffarian D, Geelen A, Brouwer IA, Geleijnse JM, Zock PL, Katan MB. Effect of fish oil on heart rate in humans. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Circulation 2005;112:1945-1952.

http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/112/13/1945

By admin | Posted in Coronary Artery Disease | Tagged cancer prevention study, cardiovascular disease, cause of heart disease, causes of mortality, Circulation, Coronary Artery Disease, Coronary Heart Disease, fish oil capsules, fish oil omega 3, fish oil supplements, Heart Attack, heart disease risk factors, Oily Fish, omega 3 fats, omega 3 fats fish, omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids | Comments (0)

Lower asthma incidence during childhood may be linked with fish oil intake during mom’s pregnancy

September 5, 2008 – 10:01 am

New research has shown a significant analogue between fish oil intake during pregnancy and asthma incidence during childhood. Children whose mothers supplemented with fish oil during pregnancy were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with childhood asthma than children from non-supplementing mothers.

Current evidence suggests that asthma development may be associated with maternal intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy. A recent study was conducted to examine whether an increase in omega-3 fatty acid intake during pregnancy could affect risk of asthma in their offspring.

A population-based sample of 533 women with normal pregnancies were randomly assigned 2:1:1 to receive either four one-gram fish oil capsules/day providing 2.7 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, four similar looking one-gram capsules/day with just olive oil, or no capsules at all.

During the 16 years that passed since childbirth, the rate of asthma incidence was reduced by 63% and the rate of allergic asthma was reduced by 87% in the fish oil group as compared to the olive oil group.

Assuming that the intake of olive oil had no significant affect one way or another, these results proport that increased fish oil omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in late pregnancy may provide important preventive potential in relation to childhood asthma development.

Additional studies on this research are currently in progress, which should shed more light on the mechanism behind this promising discovery.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 88, No. 1, 167-175, July 2008

By admin | Posted in Asthma, Respiratory | Tagged allergic asthma, american journal of clinical nutrition, Asthma, asthma incidence, fish oil capsules, fish oil omega 3, olive oil, omega 3 fatty acids, Omega-3 | Comments (0)

Higher vitamin E intake associated with lower lung cancer risk

September 5, 2008 – 9:43 am

New research indicates that higher intakes of vitamin E in the forms of alpha, beta and gamma-tocopherol may be associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer. In this study population, Vitamin E as alpha-tocopherol reduced the risk of lung cancer by as much as 61 percent.

A study published in the September 1, 2008, issue of the International Journal of Cancer evaluated the effect of alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols on lung cancer risk. Until recently, studies of vitamin E and cancer have focused on the alpha-tocopherol form of the vitamin. However, the lesser known fractions (in particular gamma-tocopherol) have increasingly been the subject of scientific research.

In an ongoing study of 1,088 incident lung cancer cases and 1,414 healthy controls, researchers studied the associations between four tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol) in the diet and lung cancer risk. Higher intakes of alpha, beta and gamma-tocopherols were found to be associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer. When groups with the highest and lowest alpha-tocopherol levels were compared, those with intakes in the highest 25 percent showed a 61 percent reduction in lung cancer risk. For both beta-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol , subjects whose intake was highest experienced a 44 percent lower risk compared to the lowest intake groups. No significant association was observed between delta-tocopherol and lung cancer risk.

Since this is the first report of the independent associations of the four forms of dietary tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol) on lung cancer risk, the researchers suggest further research concerning the various forms of vitamin E and cancer risk.

Int J Cancer 2008 Sep 1;123(5):1173-80.

By admin | Posted in Cancer, Lung Cancer | Tagged alpha tocopherol, delta tocopherol, gamma tocopherol, international journal of cancer, Journal of Cancer, Lung Cancer, lung cancer risk, tocopherols, Vitamin E | Comments (0)