WorldofOmega.com Blog » Fish Oil

Fish Oil Boosts Muscle Strength when Combined with Training

WorldofOmega — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:58:06 +0000

A new study shows that fish oil combined with strength training boosted muscle strength beyond the benefits of exercise alone. Researchers found strength training increased muscle strength in elderly women, but adding fish oils supplements caused even greater improvements in muscle strength and functional capacity.

The researchers believe that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil plays a role in the plasma membrane and cell function of muscles, which may enhance the benefits of training.

In this study, 45 women (aged 64 ± 1.4 y) were randomly assigned to three groups. One group performed strength training only for three months, whereas the others performed the same strength-training program and received 2 grams per day of fish oil supplementation for three months or for five months.

The peak torque and rate of torque development for all muscles (knee flexor and extensor, plantar and dorsiflexor) increased from pre- to post training in all groups. However, the researchers found that the effect was greater in the groups that supplemented with the fish oil.

As always, scientists are cautiously optimistic with the findings. “Other studies involving a larger sample and other combinations of training and supplementation period are required,” they write in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Published Jan 4, 2012).

Low DHA Omega-3 Levels May Contribute to Learning Disorders

WorldofOmega — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 14:57:36 +0000

Suboptimal omega-3 levels may contribute to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related developmental problems. Associations between omega-3 and learning and behaviour were investigated in 75 children aged 7-12 with ADHD. Children provided blood samples and underwent cognitive assessments. 36% of the children with learning difficulties had lower DHA than those without.

In Australia, a group of 75 children, ages 7 to12, underwent cognitive assessments. Students with higher levels of omega 3EPA/DHA (marine sourced fatty acids) reported less anxiety and better word recall compared to children with high omega-6 levels (the type of fats found in fast food and processed foods) who had measurable attention deficits that correlated to lower reading and spelling levels.

The study from Australia is just one of several reports indicating that omega-3 with EPA and DHA found in fatty fish and fish oil are important for good cognitive functioning. The long and uniquely flexible omega 3 EPA /DHA chains are indispensable for the proper nutrient exchange across the cell membrane and help with the transmission of signals in the brain.

This study is the first to compare blood level of Omega-3 in children who have ADHD with and without learning difficulties, and supports emerging indications that the former may be more likely responders to omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA.

Source:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21828168
J Child Health Care. 2011 Aug 9. [Epub ahead of print]
Polyunsaturated fatty acids, cognition and literacy in children with ADHD with and without learning difficulties.

Milte CM, Sinn N, Buckley JD, Coates AM, Young RM, Howe PR.

Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, University of South Australia, Australia.

J Child Health Care. 2011 Aug 9. [Epub ahead of print]

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, cognition and literacy in children with ADHD with and without learning difficulties.

Milte CM, Sinn N, Buckley JD, Coates AM, Young RM, Howe PR.

Source

Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, University of South Australia, Australia.

New Chapter Wholemega® Cardio, Flex and Focus – Extra Virgin Wild Alaskan Salmon Oils with Targeted Synergistic Tonic Herbs

WorldofOmega — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 21:23:36 +0000

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The Wholemega line includes:

Wholemega Cardio: Combines all-natural, pure 100-percent wild Alaskan salmon oil with tonic herbs that support heart health. Whole fish oil is combined with targeted heart-supporting herbs such as hibiscus, artichoke and turmeric, which support healthy arteries and cardiovascular inflammation response.

Wholemega Flex: Whole omegas like those in Wholemega Flex help reduce exercise-related pain, stiffness and joint tenderness. Combined with tonic herbs, including rose hips, turmeric and ginger, which support healthy joint and cartilage function, Wholemega Flex provides a joint-health formula with natural ingredients that work together to promote a healthy inflammation response and normal cartilage production.

Wholemega Focus: Combines all-natural, pure whole fish oil with tonic herbs that target brain, mood and stress support. The whole omega fatty acids in Wholemega Focus support healthy brain function, helping to restore a natural balance of omega-3 to omega-6. Brain supporting lemon balm, sage and holy basil help the body maintain calm and a positive mood by supporting alertness, contentedness and overall well-being.

Fish Oil Benefits Patients with Early Heart Failure

WorldofOmega — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 01:44:27 +0000

Fish oil has significant benefits for those that suffer from early heart failure according to a new study presented at the annual meeting of the Heart Failure Society of America.

The study was led by Dr. Mihai Gheorghiade of Northwestern University in Chicago examined 93 patients experiencing early heart failure. These patients were given between 850 and 882mg of fish oil everyday for one year.

The patients were monitored through monthly checkups. It was found that patients who took fish oil showed improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction, exercise capacity and hospitalization for heart failure.

“Whether this intervention will have similar effects for patients with other etiologies, more advanced stages of heart failure, or for patients who are not on evidenced-based therapy remains unknown,” Gheorghiade explained in his presentation.

“I am hoping that further studies will be conducted to assess the effects of this potentially important therapy on left ventricular function and clinical outcomes in other patients.”

Source(s):

1. Heart Failure Society of America
2. Nodari S, et al “Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on left ventricular function and functional capacity inpatients with dilated cardiomyopathy” HFSA 2010; Late-breaking abstract.

Fish Oil Benefits Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors

WorldofOmega — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:33:34 +0000

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New Research to appear in Journal of Nutrition (September 2010) finds that fish oils and diets rich in omega-3 compounds can help improve the health of people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high cholesterol levels, and abdominal fat commonly known as metabolic syndrome which increases the risk of heart attack and diabetes.

The study examined the effects of placing 117 people with metabolic syndrome on four different diets (a diet high in saturated fat, a diet high in monounsaturated fat, a diet low in fat and high in complex carbs such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and a low-fat diet high in complex carbs that was supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids).

The researchers found that participants on those diets rich in monounsaturated fat or low-fat, high complex carbs and omega-3 fatty acids had lower triglycerides than those in the other two groups.

“It would be interesting to extend out studies beyond 12 weeks to confirm the longer-term effects of dietary fat interventions on cardiovascular risk factors in metabolic syndrome,” according to the researchers.

Fish Oil and Red Yeast Rice Studied for Lowering Blood Cholesterol

WorldofOmega — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 01:48:42 +0000

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In a recent issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings (July 2008), a group of researchers from Pennsylvania studied the use of fish oil and red yeast rice as an alternative approach to treating high blood cholesterol for patients who are unable or unwilling to take statins – a widely prescribed medication (e.g. Crestor, Zocor etc.) for lowering cholesterol.

Researchers followed 74 patients with high blood cholesterol who met standard criteria for using statin therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to either the alternative treatment group or the statin group and followed for three months.

The alternative treatment group participants received daily fish oil and red yeast rice supplements, and they were enrolled in a 12-week multidisciplinary lifestyle program that involved weekly 3.5-hour educational meetings led by a cardiologist, dietitian, exercise physiologist and several alternative or relaxation practitioners. Red yeast rice is the product of yeast grown on rice. A dietary staple in some Asian countries, it contains several compounds known to inhibit cholesterol production.

The statin group participants received 40 milligrams (mg) of Zocor (simvastatin) daily, as well as printed materials about diet and exercise recommendations. At the end of the three-month period, participants from both groups underwent blood cholesterol testing to determine the percentage change in LDL cholesterol.

The researchers noted that there was a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in both groups. The alternative treatment group that used fish oil and red yeast rice experienced a 42.4 percent reduction, and the statin group experienced a 39.6 percent reduction. Members of the alternative therapy group also had a substantial reduction in triglycerides, another form of fat found in the blood, and lost more weight.

“Our study was designed to test a comprehensive and holistic approach to lipid lowering,” notes the study’s lead author, David Becker, M.D., a Chestnut Hill Hospital and University of Pennsylvania Health System cardiologist. “These results are intriguing and show a potential benefit of an alternative, or naturopathic, approach to a common medical condition.”

Other authors of this article include: Ram Gordon, M.D., Patti Morris, and Jacqueline Yorko, M.Ed., from Chestnut Hill Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania Health System; Y. Jerold Gordon, M.D., from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Mingyao Li, Ph.D., from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; and Nayyar Iqbal, M.D., from the Philadelphia VA Medical Center/University of Pennsylvania.

Original Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2008-rst/4902.html

UC-II Collagen, Omega-3 Glucosamine for Joint Support

WorldofOmega — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 02:43:57 +0000

Omega-3 Glucosamine with UC-II Collagen and Vitamin D3

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DHA: 450 mg
UC-II: Undenatured Collagen 10 mg (from 40 mg collagen concentrate)
Glucosamine Sulfate: 1500 mg
Vitamin D3 1000 IU.

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Why Omega-3 benefits the heart and increases longevity ?

WorldofOmega — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:58:13 +0000

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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:

Population	Recommendation
Patients without documented coronary heart disease (CHD)	Eat a variety of (preferably fatty) fish at least twice a week. Include oils and foods rich in alpha-linolenic acid (flaxseed, canola and soybean oils; flaxseed and walnuts).
Patients with documented CHD	Consume about 1 g of EPA+DHA per day, preferably from fatty fish. EPA+DHA in capsule form could be considered in consultation with the physician.
Patients who need to lower triglycerides	2 to 4 grams of EPA+DHA per day provided as capsules under a physician’s care.

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

Fish Oil Benefits Heart Health – Compelling New Evidence

WorldofOmega — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:55:02 +0000

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Salmon

A new study, published in the August 11, 2009, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 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.

“This isn’t just hype; we now have tremendous and compelling evidence from very large studies, some dating back 20 and 30 years, that demonstrate the protective benefits of omega-3 fish oil in multiple aspects of preventive cardiology,” said Carl Lavie, M.D., F.A.C.C., medical director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention, Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, and lead author of the article. “The strongest evidence of a cardioprotective effect of omega-3s appears in patients with established cardiovascular disease and following a heart attack with up to a 30 percent reduction in CV-related death.”

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), the long-chain fatty acids in the omega-3 family found abundant in fish have the most compelling evidence. According to Dr. Lavie, EPA and DHA work by getting into the membranes of cells and, in doing so, may help to improve the heart’s electrical activity, vascular tone, plaque stabilization and blood pressure.

Based on these findings, and because the body does not produce its own essential fatty acids, the authors recommend that healthy individuals consume 500 mg daily of omega-3 fish oil containing EPA and DHA, and people with known heart disease or heart failure aim for at least 800 to 1,000 mg daily.

“There are clear health and heart benefits associated with increasing one’s intake of foods that are rich in Omega-3s, including oily fish like salmon, sardines, trout, herring, and oysters” said Dr. Lavie.

Authors say further studies are needed to investigate and determine optimal dosages, as well as the ratio of DHA to EPA for maximal heart protection in patients.

Source: American College of Cardiology

Why fish oil helps with arthritis and inflammatory disorders?

WorldofOmega — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:48:40 +0000

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Joint Inflammation

Most scientists now agree that fish oil benefits various inflammatory conditions like arthritis, heart disease etc. However, the mechanism of how fish oil benefits these conditions has been a mystery. Now, in a joint study between British and American scientists that recently was published in the journal Nature, there are clues to how fish oil helps arthritis patients in particular.

The answer seems to lie in that the body converts DHA, a key omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oils into Resolvin D2, a chemical which has been show to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Professor Mauro Perretti, from Queen Mary, University of London, who led the UK team, said: “We have known for some time that fish oils can help with conditions like arthritis which are linked to inflammation. What we’ve shown here is how the body processes a particular ingredient of fish oils into resolvin D2.”

“We’ve also looked in detail at this chemical, determining at least some of the ways it relieves inflammation. It seems to be a very powerful chemical and a small amount can have a large effect.”

Quoting the authors, “This research is important because it explains at least one way in which fish oils can help in different types of arthritis. We can also work on this chemical and see if it can be used not only to treat or even prevent arthritis, but also as a possible treatment for a variety of other diseases associated with inflammation.”

Source: Nature 461, 1287-1291 (29 October 2009) | doi:10.1038/nature08541; Received 18 August 2009; Accepted 21 September 2009