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Fatty Acids from Fish Oils Protect Against Cardiovascular Disease Research Finds Fish Oils Beneficial for Arthritis, Psoriasis and Other Conditions "If the fish oils were causing excitement a few years ago, they're inciting something akin to a revolution today."(1) Originally touted for their cardiovascular protective effects,(2) these oils have more recently been the subject of research which shows they may also be helpful in: These oils contain two long-chain fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that affect the synthesis of prostaglandins, a complex family of hormone-like substances that have far-reaching regulatory effects in the body. The two fatty acids have similar and distinct functions. EPA is a precursor of DHA, and some believe that the latter can "convert back" to EPA when needed.(1) Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Cardiovascular Health People began getting excited about fish oils when epidemiologic studies of Eskimos and Japanese, found that these groups with their marine diet high in EPA and DHA are at far lower risk than most other populations of suffering from various heart and circulatory disorders, which are among the major killers of our time.(1,2) It is a striking fact that, despite a diet high in protein, fat and cholesterol and very low in carbohydrate, fiber and vitamin C, many Eskimos have a remarkably low incidence of blood clots, narrowing of the arteries, heart attacks and other manifestations of cardiovascular disease. Greenland Eskimos, whose diet consists primarily of fish, seal and whale meat, have low blood levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol, high levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is known to have a cardiovascular protective effect, and decreased platelet aggregation, which makes them resistant to clotting disorders.(1) EPA and DHA have two protective roles. First, as essential fatty acids, they lessen the synthesis and enhance the clearance of cholesterol and triglycerides. Also, as fatty acids, they competitively inhibit the uptake of another essential fatty acid which is substrate for the pro-aggregatory, pro-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive prostaglandin 2 series. Secondly, EPA and DHA are themselves substrates for anti-aggregatory, anti-inflammatory and vasodilating prostaglandin 3 series. By altering the ratio of the 2 series to the 3 series prostaglandins in favor of the 3 series, EPA and DHA reduce many of the risk factors which are related to heart disease and stroke. Significant scientific research indicates that EPA and DHA: While the Omega 6 fatty acids found in vegetable oils were also shown to lower total cholesterol and LDL, only the omega-3 rich fish oils decreased plasma levels of triglycerides and VLDL. Triglyceride reduction was more dramatic in patients with moderate to severely high triglycerides than in normal subjects.(6) Linolenic acid found in soybean oil, flax oil and in varying quantities in other plant oils is another omega-3 oil which can be converted by the body into both EPA and DHA. However, the conversion process is slow, especially in the presence of large amounts of omega-6 fatty acids.(5)The fish oils also inhibit blood platelet "stickiness" of the sort that contributes to clots. In a two year study, fish oil supplements reduced angina pain and diminished the need, among these patients, for nitroglycerin.(1)Hypertension—high blood pressure—is the leading cause of stroke. By increasing the prostaglandin 3 series which promotes vasodilation, so that blood can flow through with less constriction, the fish oils can lower blood pressure in some patients.(1) Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Conditions EPA and DHA have an anti-inflammatory effect, as demonstrated in both animal and human experiments. Arachidonic acid, a fatty acid derived almost entirely from animal sources (meat, dairy products, etc.), contributes greatly to the inflammatory process through its conversion to inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Since EPA and DHA compete with arachidonic acid for prostaglandin and leukotriene production, consumption of these fish oils significantly reduces inflammatory/allergic response.(3) Fish oils can reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and even slow its progression in some cases. In one study, rheumatoid arthritis patients were given fish oil supplements containing 1.8 grams of EPA daily. This seemed to stop further progression of the disease while progression continued in controls who received placebos.(1,3) In another study, patients with active, painful rheumatoid arthritis had less pain, fewer swollen joints, decreased morning stiffness and improved strength in their hands after taking daily "fish oil" supplements for nearly six months. Daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids also appeared to halt and even reverse the invasion of other joints. Another group taking olive oil supplements got no significant pain relief. (4) In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 1.8 grams daily of EPA was shown to confer significant improvement in patients with psoriasis at both eight week and twelve week evaluation periods.(1) Several other clinical studies have confirmed these findings.(3) There has also been one report, involving a single patient, that the fish oils can help control the rarer, even more severe pustular form of psoriasis and there has been a well controlled study reporting benefit from fish oils in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.(1)Again, the improvement is largely due to inhibition of the production of inflammatory prostaglandins. Production of inflammatory leukotrienes from arachidonic acid is many times greater than normal in the skin of individuals with psoriasis.(3) NOTE: Since vitamin E acts as an antioxidant for these oils, vitamin E intake should be increased when supplementing with EPA-DHA.(1,3) Since fish oils inhibit clotting and increase bleeding time, those with a tendency to hemorrhage or bleed very easily should use fish oil supplements only under a doctor's supervision.(1) Several research groups have reported that fish oil supplements produce notable increases in blood sugar and sharp declines in insulin secretion in both type I and type II diabetics. Diabetics should take fish oil supplements only under the supervision of a doctor.(1) WARNING: This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only. REFERENCES 1. Hendler, Sheldon S., The Doctors' Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia, New York, Simon & Schuster, 1990. 2. Bang, J.O., Dyerberg, J., In Advanced Nutrition Research, H.H. Draper (ed), vol. 3 New York Plenum Press, 1980. 3. Murray, M, Pizzorno, J., Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1991. 4. Beverly, Cal (Ed.), Natural Health Secrets Encyclopedia, FC&A Publishing, Peachtree City, GA, 1992; Arthritis and Rheumatism (33,6:810). 5. Tinoco, J., Babcock, R., Hincenbergs, I., et al, Lipids, 14:166, 1979. 6. Phillipson, B.E., Rothrock, D.W., Connor, W.E., Harris, W.S., Illingsworth, D.R., "Reduction of Plasma Lipids, Lipoproteins and Apoproteins by Dietary Fish Oils in Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia", New England Journal of Medicine, May 9, 1985. EPA-DHA 300 1000 mg. Marine Lipid Concentrate Product No. 497 Fill Size: 90 Softgels Each softgel capsule contains 1000 mg. of cholesterol-free marine lipid concentrate, rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids. Amount per Serving % Daily Value Calories: 9.0 Calories from Fat: 9.0 Total Fat: 1 g. 1.5% Saturated Fat: 0.3 g. 1.5% Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2 g. * Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 g. * EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid): 180 mg. * DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): 120 mg. * Sodium: 0 g 0% Total Carbohydrate: 0 g 0% *Daily value not established. % Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Recommended Use: Therapeutic: 2-4 capsules three times daily with meals Maintenance: 1-2 capsules three times daily with meals Price: $18.00 Copyright 2004 Alternative Medicine Shop, LLC |
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