Fish Oil Health Benefits
Benefits
of Fish Oil
Supplements
There are many health benefits of fish oil
when you use ultra pure ultra
refined fish oil
supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are some of the most
extensively researched natural nutritional ingredients in the
world. Clinical studies have produced substantial scientific
evidence to support the effectiveness of these essential fatty
acids in promoting health, especially when the Omega 3's are
derived from fish sources. The health benefits of omega-3's are
endorsed by:
Food & Drug Association
American Heart Association
World Health Organization
British Nutrition Foundation
British Department of Health
Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare
More Information on the benefits of fish oil:
Omega 3's and Heart Health
Omega 3’s Exhibit Cardioprotective Effects
In a pivotal study regarding the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids
derived from fish oil and heart health, Italian researchers
investigated the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on
survivors of myocardial infarction over a 3 ½ year period. Over
eleven thousand participants were randomly assigned either
supplements of Vitamin E, Omega-3’s or both, or no supplements
whatsoever.
The group receiving Omega-3’s alone experienced significantly
lower mortality rates within the first three months of the
study. Not only was the risk of sudden death notably reduced at
four months, the fish oil subset enjoyed significantly reduced
rates of all causes of death, as well as non-fatal myocardial
infarction and non-fatal stroke. Overall, treatment with fish
oil supplements yielded lower rates of sudden cardiac death (by
45%) and improved all-cause mortality (by 20%).
The researchers noted that the effects attributable to the fish
oil supplements support the postulation that Omega-3’s have an
anti-arrhythmic effect on the heart, consistent with prior
experimental studies. The study also noted that treatment with
Vitamin E alone had no statistically-valid beneficial effect.
“Early Protection Against Sudden Death by n-3 Polyunsaturated
Fatty Acids After Myocardial Infarction: Time-Course Analysis of
the Results of the Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della
Sopravvivenza nell’Infarto Miocardico (GISSI)-Prevenzione”.
Circulation; 2002; 105;1897-1903.
Fish Oil Part of Regimen to Protect Against
Heart Disease
In the first large-scale study of its kind, researchers from the
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan
investigated the health effects of daily Omega-3 supplements in
combination with a drug commonly prescribed for those at-risk
for heart attacks, angina and other coronary events.
Patients were all identified as having higher than average
levels of cholesterol. They were divided into two groups: a main
group that included nearly 15,000 participants with no prior
history of coronary artery disease, and a secondary group with
over 3,600 subjects with a prior history of coronary artery
disease. Some of each group were given highly-purified fish oil
supplements in addition to statins (enzyme blockers that lower
cholesterol levels in the blood by reducing the production of
cholesterol by the liver), while others were given only the
prescription drug.
Over the course of the nearly five-year study, there was a
significant difference between those receiving the fish oil
supplements and those who did not. While both therapies proved
effective in reducing levels of cholesterol, participants taking
the fish oil supplements and statins had a 19% reduction in risk
for heart illness. The research also noted that a similar,
preventative benefit from daily fish oil supplementation that
may convey to those not currently deemed at-risk for heart
problems.
“Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on cardiovascular events in
Japanese patients with hypercholesterolemia: rationale, design,
and baseline characteristics of the Japan EPA Lipid Intervention
Study (JELIS).” American Heart Journal. 2003 Oct;146(4):613-20.
Taking Fish Oil Supplements May Prevent Sudden Death by Cardiac
Arrest
In a recent study in the American Journal of
Preventative Medicine, fish oil supplements were found to be
effective in preventing sudden cardiac death.
The study measured the possible outcomes of using three
variables with live-saving potential in a simulated town of
100,000 subjects aged between 30 - 84: (1) portable
defibrillators (AED’s), devices used to shock the heart during
cardiac arrest, placed in every home and public area in a
medium-sized town, (2) the implantation of cardioverter
defibrillators (ICD’s) in candidates exhibiting symptoms
necessitating such a procedure (about half of those who die from
cardiac arrest have no symptoms prior to the event), and (3) the
preventative use of fish oil dietary supplements.
The use of fish oil supplements to boost levels of Omega-3 fatty
acids in the adult population resulted in a 6.4% reduction in
death – 58 lives per year. In fact, the preventative use of
supplements proved eight times more effective than distributing
AED’s and two times more effective than the surgically placed
ICD’s.
Although the study was computer-simulated (thereby avoiding the
prohibitive costs associated with providing and implanting the
two electronic devices used as variables), it utilized data from
two previously conducted, large-scale studies of actual
participants.
The study clearly suggests that by supplementing diets with
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, those who appear healthy, but
are at-risk for future cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac arrest,
have a better chance for survival than those who do not.
“Preventing Sudden Death with n-3 (Omega-3) Fatty Acids and
Defibrillators.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2006
Oct;31(4):316.
The Omega 3 Index and
Coronary Heart Disease
Low levels of Omega-3’s are implicated in
numerous illnesses and are considered a significant risk factor
for coronary heart disease. A study appearing in Preventive
Medicine builds upon the broad base of studies supporting the
benefit of dietary fish oil supplementation.
Researchers used clinical and laboratory experiments to measure
of the composition of fatty acids in red blood cells to
determine the Omega-3 Index, an associated risk factor index for
illnesses associated with coronary heart disease. An index
measure of 8% or greater is associated with better heart
outcomes, while a risk index of 4% or less seems to indicate
susceptibility to heart illnesses. Those who consume fish and
fish oil supplements are able to raise their index, decreasing
the likelihood of negative cardiac events.
This new risk index appears to be a useful predictor of future
heart problems – especially for sudden cardiac death – and one
that could be used easily by medical practitioners with
significant usefulness.
“The Omega-3 Index: a new risk factor for death from coronary
heart disease?“ Preventative Medicine. 2004 Jul;39(1):212-20.
Omega 3's and Brain Health
Omega 3’s Help to Preserve
Cognitive Functioning
In a study featured in Neurology, 1,613
subjects were examined between the ages of 45 and 70, testing
the correlation between Omega-3 consumption and the preservation
of cognitive abilities. Mental functioning was gauged on
multiple measures by researchers (memory, psychomotor speed,
higher-level information processing and overall cognition), and
participants completed a food consumption questionnaire to
record their eating patterns, especially as their diets related
to intake of fatty fish.
Consumption of long-chain polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids
derived from fish was positively associated with a reduced risk
of mental impairment, both on measures of overall cognitive
function and psychomotor speed. Researchers also noted a
significant correlation between higher consumption rates of
cholesterol (saturated fats) and an increased risk of impaired
memory and cognitive flexibility.
The researchers concluded that Omega-3’s may benefit cognitive
performance due to their anti-inflammatory properties. The
researchers further speculate that the diminished cognitive
performance associated with lower intake of Omega-3’s may be a
predictor of Alzheimer’s Disease later in life.
“Dietary intake of fatty acids and fish in relation to cognitive
performance at middle age.” Neurology. 2004 Jan 27;62(2):275-80.
Eating Fish Lowers the Risk
of Dementia
French researchers conducted an extensive,
seven-year study to investigate correlations between consumption
of fish (high in polyunsaturated fatty acids) or meat (high in
saturated fatty acids) and the risk of developing dementia,
including Alzheimer’s Disease. Subjects, who were aged at least
68 with no symptoms of dementia, recorded their consumption
rates of these items. Researchers collected data at two, five
and seven years following the start of the study.
Over the entire period in question, subjects who ate fish once
per week or more had dramatically lower incidences of cognitive
decline. Researchers speculated that in addition to providing
vascular protection, the essential fatty acids (Omega-3’s) found
in fish might be responsible for diminishing inflammation of
brain tissue. They further hypothesized that Omega-3’s may play
an important part in the development of the brain and the
regeneration of nerve cells.
“Fish, meat, and risk of dementia: cohort study.” British
Medical Journal, 2002; 325; 932-933.
Omega 3’s and Mood &
Mental Health
Omega-3 Fatty Acids May
Positively Impact Mental Health
Research conducted at the University of
Pittsburgh School of Medicine suggests a significant correlation
between levels of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and
positive mental health.
The study included 106 healthy participants determined to be
free of major depression or any other diagnosed mood disorders.
Those who had the lowest levels of Omega-3’s were found to score
higher on psychological evaluations for negative outlooks,
symptoms of mild or moderate depression, and impulsivity.
Impulsivity, in its more extreme form, is commonly known as
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Conversely,
those with higher levels of Omega-3’s were found to have a more
positive outlook and to be more agreeable, based upon the
results of standardized tests.
While evidence from numerous prior studies has suggested a link
between deficiencies in Omega-3’s and a number of serious
psychological conditions (including, but not limited to, major
depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD and substance
abuse), the results of this study seem to indicate that
increasing intake of these fatty acids could prove beneficial to
everyone’s mental health.
Plasma fatty acids are associated with normative variation in
mood, personality and behavior. Abstract #1411. Presented at the
64th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Psychosomatic
Society, Denver, CO, March 1-4, 2006.
Fish
Consumption and Depression
Dr. Joseph Hibbeln of the National Institutes
of Health was quoted in a New York Times article as saying, “In
the last century, [Western] diets have radically changed and we
eat grossly fewer omega-3 fatty acids now. We also know that
rates of depression have radically increased by perhaps a
hundred-fold." Links between fish consumption and neurological
health may be supported by the results of global studies, which
suggest "rates of major depression are markedly different across
countries, depending upon how much fish is consumed in those
countries."
Hibbeln, J.R.. "Fish consumption and major depression." The
Lancet, 1998; 351: 1213.
Hibbeln, J.R.. "Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in
depression and related conditions, in Phospholipid Spectrum
Disorder." (Lancashire, England: Marius Press, 1999), pp.
195-210.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Mood
Balance
According to a landmark study at Harvard
Medical School conducted by Andrew L. Stoll, M.D. and other
researchers on "Omega-3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder...",
omega-3 fatty acids improved the short-term course of illness in
a preliminary, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of
patients with bipolar disorder. This study was scheduled to last
for nine months; however it was stopped after four months
because of the outstanding results. Dr. Stolls studies of
omega-3 fatty acids suggest that natural sources of omega-3’s
(especially fish oil) may help bring mood into balance.
Stoll, Andrew L., et al. “Omega 3 fatty acids in bipolar
disorder.” Archives of General Psychiatry 56:407-12 (1999).
Omega 3’s and Joint
Health & Inflammation
Effects Of High-Dose Fish Oil
On Rheumatoid Arthritis
A study conducted at the Albany Medical
College on 66 rheumatoid arthritis patients concluded that the
dietary supplementation of fish oil improved the symptoms of
this disease. In addition, this study found that some patients
were able to discontinue their NSAID’s (non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs) without experiencing an increase in
symptom flare-ups.
Kremer JM, Lawrence DA, et al. Effects of
high-dose fish oil on rheumatoid arthritis after stopping NSAIDs:
Clinical and immune correlates. Arthritis Rheum. 1995
Aug;38(8):1107–14
Omega-3’s from Fish Oil May Ease Rheumatoid
Arthritis Symptoms
According to an article in “Arthritis Today,”
a magazine offered by the Arthritis Foundation, there is strong
evidence that fish oil supplements with omega-3 fatty acids may
ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, help prevent Raynaud’s
syndrome spasms and possibly may relieve some lupus symptoms.
The article suggests that the American diet is overwhelmed by
omega-6 fatty acids found in vegetable and cooking oils used in
processed food and we are likely getting too little omega-3
fatty acids and others that help reduce inflammation and improve
circulation.
Horstman, J. "Medical Oils." July-August 1999. Arthritis
Foundation, P.O. Box 7669, Atlanta, GA 30357-0669.
www.arthritis.org.
Omega-3’s and Cancer
Fish, Veggies & Fruit Protect Against Breast
Cancer
According to a study conducted at the Division of Epidemiology
and Prevention, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute in
Nagoya, Japan, the traditional dietary habits of the women in
this country may be responsible for their relatively low breast
cancer rates. Researchers noted that in particular, “The
protective effects of the Japanese diet were more prominent
among postmenopausal than premenopausal women.”
Hirose K, Takezaki T, Hamajima N, Miura S, Tajima K. Dietary
factors protective against breast cancer in Japanese
premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Int J Cancer. 2003 Nov
1;107(2):276-82.
Other Benefits of fish oil
Some experts believe that
taking fish oil (in any form) can help regulate
cholesterol in the body. This is because of the
high levels of
Omega 3, specifically the effects of the EPA
and DHA constituents on Peroxisome proliferator-activated
receptor alpha (PPARα), whose benefits
include not only reduction of cholesterol, but
also anti-inflammatory properties and positive
effects on body composition. However, the
preferred source of Omega 3 should be from the
fish's body, not the liver. The liver of fish
and many animals, such as seals and whales,
contains, besides Omega-3, the active form of
Vitamin A, such as in cod liver oil. At high
levels, this form of the vitamin can be
dangerous. This proved fatal to early explorers
to the land of the Inuit. They were given raw
liver by the natives, which contained a toxic
overdose of Vitamin A for the white explorers;
however, the same amount was harmless to the
Inuit, who had no other source of Vitamin A
except animal livers.
Some studies were conducted
on prisoners in England where the inmates were
fed seafood which contains Omega Three Fatty
acids. It was observed that the high consumption
of these fatty acids led to a drop in the
homicide rates. Another study was conducted in
Finland where they found that prisoners who were
convicted of violence had lower levels of Omega
Three Fatty Acids than normal. It was suggested
that these kinds of fatty acids are responsible
for the neuronal growth of the frontal cortex of
the brain which in turn is responsible for the
personal behavior.
The US National Institute of
Health lists three conditions for which fish oil
and other omega-3 sources are most highly
recommended (Grade A scientific evidence):
Hypertriglyceridemia, Secondary cardiovascular
disease prevention and High blood pressure. It
then lists 27 other conditions for which there
is B or C grade evidence. It also lists possible
safety concerns: "Intake of 3 grams per day or
greater of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the
risk of bleeding, although there is little
evidence of significant bleeding risk at lower
doses (245-247). Very large intakes of fish
oil/omega-3 fatty acids ("Eskimo" amounts) may
increase the risk of hemorrhagic (bleeding)
stroke." (NIH Medline Plus)
According to a study from
Louisiana State University in September 2005,
fish oil may help protect the brain from
cognitive problems associated with Alzheimer's
disease.
A study from the University
of Adelaide indicated that fish oil may be as or
more effective than Ritalin for treating
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
For purchasing fish oil
dietary supplements, it is often recommended to
seek a label certifying the product to be
distilled, pharmaceutical grade fish oil, and
free of mercury and other toxins.
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These statements have
not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. This product is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
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