| Omega 3 Fatty Acids |
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Omega 3 Fatty Acids
New research published in the October issue of the American Journal
of Preventive Medicine indicates that consuming omega-3 fatty acids
may be more effective at preventing sudden cardiac deaths than
automated external defibrillators or implanted defibrillators.
Epidemiologic and clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acids
reduce CVD incidence. Large-scale epidemiologic studies suggest
that people at risk for coronary heart disease benefit from consuming
omega-3 fatty acids from plants and marine sources.
In the U.S. a Physicians' Health Study surveyed roughly 20,000 male
physicians and found no apparent association between fish
consumption or supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and risk for
myocardial infarction, nonsudden cardiac death, or total
cardiovascular mortality. However, men who consumed fish at least
once per week had a 50 percent reduction in the risk for sudden death
and a significant reduction in all-cause mortality
Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods is preferable.
However, coronary artery disease patients may not be able to get
enough omega-3 by diet alone. These people may want to talk to their
doctor about taking a supplement. Supplements also could help
people with high triglycerides, who need even larger doses.
There are three major types of omega 3 fatty acids that are ingested in
foods and used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA),
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once
eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of
omega-3 fatty acids more readily used by the body.
New research published in the October issue of the American Journal
of Preventive Medicine indicates that consuming omega-3 fatty acids
may be more effective at preventing sudden cardiac deaths than
automated external defibrillators or implanted defibrillators.
Epidemiologic and clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acids
reduce CVD incidence. Large-scale epidemiologic studies suggest
that people at risk for coronary heart disease benefit from consuming
omega-3 fatty acids from plants and marine sources.
In the U.S. a Physicians' Health Study surveyed roughly 20,000 male
physicians and found no apparent association between fish
consumption or supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and risk for
myocardial infarction, nonsudden cardiac death, or total
cardiovascular mortality. However, men who consumed fish at least
once per week had a 50 percent reduction in the risk for sudden death
and a significant reduction in all-cause mortality
Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods is preferable.
However, coronary artery disease patients may not be able to get
enough omega-3 by diet alone. These people may want to talk to their
doctor about taking a supplement. Supplements also could help
people with high triglycerides, who need even larger doses.
There are three major types of omega 3 fatty acids that are ingested in
foods and used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA),
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once
eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of
omega-3 fatty acids more readily used by the body.
Extensive research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent certain chronic diseases such as
heart disease and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly
important for cognitive and behavioral function. In fact, infants who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers
during pregnancy are at risk for developing vision and nerve problems.
I
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found naturally in fish, flaxseed, canola oil, nuts, and avocados. They are also available in some
fortified eggs and dairy products.
heart disease and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly
important for cognitive and behavioral function. In fact, infants who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers
during pregnancy are at risk for developing vision and nerve problems.
I
- Depression is 60 times higher in New Zealand, where the average consumption of seafood is 40 pounds a year
compared to Japan, where a person consumes nearly 150 pounds of seafood a year. - Postpartum depression is 50 times more common in countries with low levels of seafood consumption. During
pregnancy, a woman’s body becomes depleted of fatty acids, which are transferred to the fetus. - Omega-3 seems to be critical to the growth and maintenance of brain cells, especially cell membranes.
- Infant monkeys fed baby formula supplemented with omega-3 are stronger and more alert even at less than a week
than monkeys given standard baby formula. - When omega-3 is not available, the body uses omega-6, which produces cell membranes less able to cope with
neurotransmitter traffic. - Additional research also suggests that large doses of fish oil may be effective for conditions and maladies including
Parkinson's disease, depression, bipolar disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, alcoholism, postpartum
depression, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found naturally in fish, flaxseed, canola oil, nuts, and avocados. They are also available in some
fortified eggs and dairy products.