WorldofOmega.com Blog

Nordic Naturals at WorldofOmega.com

March 7, 2010: Joar Opheim

In an effort to address recent media announcements, Nordic Naturals would like to assure all of our loyal supporters that we have and will continue to ensure safety and purity for our products.

We would like to reiterate that all Nordic Naturals products surpass all PCB standards set by California’s Proposition 65, the GOED voluntary monograph, and all international standards. Nordic Naturals products were not listed in the lawsuit filed in California alleging that eight fish oil companies did not properly label products regarding PCB levels under the state’s Proposition 65. In fact, we believe our fish oils are the purest in the world.

Since 1995, Nordic Naturals has been setting the standards for fish oil excellence while delivering third-party test results that reveal industry-leading purity and freshness. We believe that consumers should have access to accurate information about environmental contaminants and that complete transparency around freshness and purity is essential.

We have always taken a proactive approach to provide individuals with information regarding the purity, safety, and efficacy of our products. Using the most advanced testing methods to detect PCBs, third-party tests show that all our fish oils have no detectable levels at one part per trillion of Non-Ortho and Mono-Ortho PCBs the most harmful PCBs, which are not covered by Prop 65 and total PCBs are well below the Prop. 65 limit of 0.09 µg/kg 90 nanograms, 0.09 ppm, or 90 ppb.Nordic Naturals starts with the best raw material available — fish low on the food chain, which naturally contain low levels of impurities and high levels of omega-3 fats. Our multi-patented manufacturing processes, accompanied by leading-edge processing technologies, deliver fish oil with exceptional freshness and purity levels. Nordic Naturals fish oils are documented to be completely pure, with no detected heavy metals or environmental contaminants when third-party tested at levels 10 times below the stringent European Pharmacopeia, CRN, GOED, and IFOS standards.

As a pioneer and innovator, Nordic Naturals has created a new definition of fish oil quality as it relates to freshness, taste, dosage, and, most importantly, purity, reinforcing our commitment to conduct business truthfully and authentically in the fish oil industry.

We greatly appreciate your continued trust and support.

Joar Opheim is the chief executive officer of Nordic Naturals.

International Omega-3 Awareness Day

Scientific evidence of the health benefits of omega-3’s are now so firmly established that a team of world-renowned doctors have formed the first ever International Omega-3 Awareness Day on March 3rd, 2010.

As Carol A. Locke, MD who is leading this effort puts it, “What’s so amazing is that people can obtain huge benefits right now from increasing their intake of Omega-3. The only possible side effect is greater health and a longer life. Nothing else in medicine comes close to this.”

William E. Butler, MD, of Harvard Medical School, one of the world’s top pediatric neurosurgeons and another founding member of the Omega-3 Awareness Day team, adds, “There is substantial evidence to suggest that our levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids may be the most potent cardioprotective factors in the human diet. Optimal omega-3 intakes will have a profound effect in safely reducing the risk of cardiac disease and promoting cardiac health.”

William S. Harris, PhD, Professor of Basic Bio-Medical Science and co-founder of the omega-3 index, joined the Omega-3 Awareness Day team, stating, “Americans eat too much bad fat (saturated and trans fat) and too little good fat (omega-3’s from fish oil). Correcting our omega-3 deficiency could be the single most important dietary change we can make.”

John Ratey, MD, neuroscience expert at Harvard and another founding member of this respected team, quotes, “I tell every patient when I first meet them that they should be doing two things to help them whatever their problems are and that is: exercise daily and take omega-3’s. The scientific evidence for both is without question.”

The Omega-3 Day team invites people all over the world both within the healthcare profession and in the public to join in this international effort to save and change lives.

Source: www.Omega3Day.com

Periodontal Disease

In a recent study published in the Journal Nutrition, Japanese researchers (Niigata, Japan) found that high DHA Omega-3 levels inversely correlated with progression of periodontal disease in older people.

Periodontal Disease – Gingivits

Periodontal diseases are those diseases that affect one or more of the periodontal tissues – which are tissues that both surround and support the teeth. While many different diseases affect the tooth-supporting structures and tissues, plaque-induced inflammatory lesions make up the vast majority of periodontal diseases. Bacteria in plaque around the teeth slowly damage and erode the gum tissues. The infected gums undergo inflammation and can eventually lead to tooth loss. A common periodontal disease is Gingivitis.

The study also revealed that omega-3 fatty acids were strongly effective against a wide range of oral bacteria while perhaps preventing inflammation.

The study involved participants for 5 years with groups getting low dose of DHA vs high dose of DHA and over this course of 5 years the progression of periodontal diseases were monitored. The group that consumed the lowest amount of DHA showed 1.5 times more disease progression than the group that consumed highest amount of DHA.

Possible Mechanism

“In periodontal diseases, bacteria trigger inflammatory host responses that cause destruction of the alveolar bone and periodontal connective tissue,” quoting the researchers.

“According to previous reports, DHA and EPA inhibit arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism to inflammatory eicosanoids. They also give rise to mediators that are less inflammatory than those produced from AA or that are anti-inflammatory” according to the researchers.

Source: Nutrition

Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2009.09.010
“Longitudinal relationship between dietary ?-3 fatty acids and periodontal disease”

Authors: M. Iwasaki, A. Yoshihara, P. Moynihan, R. Watanabe, G.W. Taylor, H. Miyazaki

Ultimate Omega

WATSONVILLE, Calif., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ — Nordic Naturals announced today that the company has a plan for Haiti disaster relief through an immediate donation to the American Red Cross and a promotional effort that will deliver funds for the community-focused, long-term sustainable reconstruction initiative of the capital city, Port-Au-Prince. Working with the nonprofit organization, Architecture for Humanity www.architectureforhumanity.org, Nordic Naturals plans to launch a special campaign “Open Your Heart to Haiti” whereby consumers purchasing product will be contributing to the fund.

During the month of February, Nordic Naturals will contribute 1% of sales to Architecture for Humanity from their best selling products, Ultimate Omega™ through the Retail division and ProOmega™ through the Professional division, in all sizes of liquid and soft gels. The company will be providing information to retailers and professionals on how to best merchandise for this campaign to make it highly successful. Ultimate Omega, according to independent SPINs data, is the largest selling supplement in the natural products industry. According to Corinna Bellizzi, National Sales Manager, “We are confident that we can contribute significantly through this promotion to an outstanding organization that can make a long-term difference in the lives of Haitians.”

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega and ProOmega provide exceptionally high levels of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in one delicious serving. These products support cardiovascular heath and exceed the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 1,000 mg/day in individuals with heart conditions.

“Architecture for Humanity has significant experience in leading the reconstruction of transitional and permanent infrastructure in post-disaster contexts. Already working in Haiti prior to the earthquake, Architecture for Humanity has also been involved in rebuilding efforts post-Tsunami in India and Sri Lanka and in the Gulf Coast after hurricane Katrina,” said Cameron Sinclair, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the organization.

Architecture for Humanity is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit design services firm founded in 1999 to promote architectural and design solutions to global, social and humanitarian crises. The organization creates opportunities for architects and designers from around the world to help communities in need, by designing and building permanent structures that are safe and sustainable. The organization believes that where resources and expertise are scarce, innovative, sustainable and collaborative design can make a difference.

Distributing products to over 20 countries on all major continents, Nordic Naturals is the international leader in omega-3 fish oils and EFA blends. The company has built a strong reputation in the omega fatty acid category by delivering exceptional purity, freshness, taste and demonstrating environmental responsibility. Nordic Naturals has over 150 different fish oil products, including liquids, soft gels, powder, and children’s chewables – all in natural triglyceride form. For information, call 800.662.2544 or visit www.nordicnaturals.com.

SOURCE: Nordic Naturals

Heart Disease Awareness

We are proud to be joining the AHA and concerned companies and organizations across America in the fight against the #1 killer of women – as well as of men. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women age 20 and over, but only 1 in 5 women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat.  Cardiovascular disease kills approximately 460,000 women each year, which is about one every minute.  Heart disease is not just a man’s disease, which is why Go Red For Women is dedicated to building awareness of heart disease among women.  Choosing to take care of our hearts can help us beat the No. 1 killer of women.

Learn more about the national cause to increase awareness and help women reduce their risk of heart disease at www.GoRedForWomen.org.

For more Information about Go Red for Women, visit: http://www.goredforwomen.org/

For information on a Wide Range of Cardiovascular Conditions, visit: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3004349

Ready to donate now?

Use your cell phone and text RED to 90999 to donate $5 to help Go Red For Women in the fight against women and heart disease.

Marianne Joseph drinks fresh water from a tank set up by the French Red Cross in Camp Dihaushtu, Port-au-Prince. January 26, 2010. Photo: Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross.

WorldofOmega.com is making an immediate donation to the American Red Cross and Save the Children for a total of 3% of January 2010 sales. WorldofOmega will also donate an additional 3% of sales in February 2010 to Save the Children as an ongoing effort to not forget the severe impact of the earthquake on Haiti. This is just a small contribution and as we see the news everyday, every small contribution counts in a global effort for disaster relief and helping to rebuild Haiti and its people.

One of the easiest ways to donate is through your cell phone texting. You can text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief for Haiti, charged to your cell phone bill.

Additional ways to donate are:

American Red Cross

CARE

International Committee of the Red Cross

Save the Children

UNICEF

World Food Programme

We encourage everyone to help in any possible small way you can.

Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease

New Study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association

The news about omega-3 benefits keeps coming! The evidence continues to grow stronger. Patients with coronary heart disease showed relatively longer “telomeres” when taking omega-3. As we age, our cells continue to divide and the “telomeres” shrink in size and thus is a marker of biological age. Shorter telomeres have been correlated with death and heart failure in several studies.

In a study published in this week’s JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), researchers measured telomere length in over 600 patients over 5 years. The study found that people with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their system had significantly less shrinkage in telomeres over five years, as compared with patients with lower omega-3 levels.

“What we’re demonstrating is a potentially new link between omega-3 fatty acids and the aging process,” said Ramin Farzaneh-Far, a clinical cardiologist and assistant medical professor at UCSF and San Francisco General Hospital who is the lead author of the research.

This comes just after other recent studies showing the benefits of omega-3 to heart patients. Just in August of 2009 a study was published in the August 11, 2009, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, which reviewed data on four trials involving almost 40,000 participants and overwhelmingly confirmed the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, in treatment after heart attack and, most recently, in heart failure patients.

The researchers conclude that the current recommendations on omega-3 fatty acids don’t change and the following guide from American Heart Association (AHA) on appropriate dosage levels is very much valid:

The AHA notes that patients taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from capsules should only do so under a physician’s care.  High intakes could cause excessive bleeding in some people.

Sources: Journal of American Medical Association. American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, and The Wall Street Journal

Rising Healthcare Costs

Rising healthcare costs remains the talk of the nation. It is interesting to note that research commissioned by the Dietary Supplement Education Alliance (DSEA) couple of years ago shows that  appropriate use of select dietary supplements would improve the health of key populations and save the nation more than $24 billion in healthcare costs over 5 years. The study updated research conducted by The Lewin Group in 2004 and 2005 that included a systematic literature review of the most rigorous scientific research available.
 
“Rapidly escalating healthcare costs in the U.S. have severe implications for our society as a whole,” said Jon Benninger, president of DSEA. “This study provides valuable data that may lead to preventative healthcare solutions and address the budgetary problems facing federal and state health insurance programs, corporate healthcost managers and individual families.”

Key study findings include:
 
•    Calcium with Vitamin D: Appropriate use of calcium with Vitamin D for the Medicare population shows potential avoidance of approximately 776,000 hospitalizations for hip fractures over five years, as well as avoidance of stays in skilled nursing facilities for some proportion of patients. The five-year (2008-2012) estimated net cost associated with avoidable hospitalization for hip fracture is approximately $16.1 billion.

•    Folic Acid: If just 11.3 million of the 44 million American women who are of childbearing age and not taking folic acid began taking 400 mcg. of folic acid on a daily basis neural tube defects could be prevented in 600 babies, saving as much as $344,700,000 in the first year. Over five years, taking into account the cost of the supplement, $1.4 billion could potentially be saved.

•    Omega 3 Fatty Acids: The estimate of the potential five-year savings in health care expenditures resulting from a reduction in the occurrence of coronary heart disease (CHD) among the population over age 65 through daily intake of approximately 1800 mg of omega 3 is $3.2 billion. Approximately 374,301 hospitalizations and associated physician fees due to CHD could be avoided.

•    Lutein with Zeaxanthin: Through daily intake of 6-10 mg of lutein with zeaxanthin, it is estimated that $3.6 billion could be saved over 5 years by helping people with age-related macular degeneration avoid dependency. Across the five-year period, approximately 190,927 individuals could avoid the transition to dependence either in the community or a nursing facility that would accompany a loss of central vision resulting from advanced AMD.

“The impressive results of the study provide clear evidence of the benefit of dietary supplements,” said Mr. Benninger. “As an industry, it is important that we fund studies like this and publicize results, so that consumers and legislators realize the value of supplements.”

Source: http://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view/214

According to Bradley West, ND, Nordic Naturals Research Advisor, “in traditional delivery systems like soft gels, the omega-3s in cod liver oil need to be gradually broken down by stomach acids in order to be absorbed in the small intestine. With the effervescent technology in place, the omega-3s can be absorbed and enter the blood stream faster – in as little as 15 minutes.” In addition to quicker absorption, the product is also easy on the stomach. The organic food acid combines with the carbonate, which buffers the effervescent solution to a normal pH. “Omega-3 Effervescent is the ultimate solution for individuals with digestive challenges, or those that find it hard to swallow soft gels, as well as the perfect way to ensure compliance when traveling,” adds Dr. West.

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Effervescent contains cod liver oil made from Arctic cod harvested in a sustainable manner from Norwegian waters. Arctic cod is a flourishing fish population that has the highest DHA content of any cod species, as well as naturally occurring vitamins A and D. The formula contains added natural vitamin D3 for enhanced bone, mood and immune support. Sweetened with stevia in creamy orange flavor, the product has no oily feel or texture and never smells or tastes fishy. Omega-3 Effervescent is available in 7 and 21 count packages and can be used by both children and adults. More information is available at www.drinkyouromegas.com.

Omega-3 DHA Supplement

At the request of the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) backed up DHA-related brain and eye health claims for infants.

EFSA’s Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) said DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) levels of 100mg of per day were appropriate for 7-24 month-old infants along with 200mg per day for pregnant and lactating women.

The following are the DHA Claims supported by EFSA’s panel:

“DHA intake can contribute to normal brain development of the foetus, infant and young children”
“DHA intake can contribute to normal development of the eye of the foetus, infant and young children”
“DHA intake can contribute to the visual development of the infant”
The NDA said any more specific brain and eye functions would need to be backed by further science.

“Please note that developmental steps are not directly related to cognitive functions as it may depend on brain domains and areas,” NDA head of unit, Dr Juliane Kleiner wrote in the advice. “Therefore to support a claim for DHA and cognitive function more studies using different parameters would be needed.”

Source: http://ec.europa.eu/food/efsa/comments/efsa_reply_Q-2009-548.pdf