Post by Jana on Sept 22, 2004 16:18:12 GMT -5
Supplement: Fish Oil
Description: Omega-3 fatty acids (or oils) are highly polyunsaturated fatty acids found in abundance in most oily/fatty fish such as salmon, sardines mackerel and tuna as well as in plant sources such as canola oil, wheat germ oil, flaxseed and walnuts.
Claims:
Increases growth hormone levels (promotes muscle growth)
Reduced blood clotting
Heart protection
Dilates blood vessels
Reduced blood pressure
Suppresses inflammation
Relieves depression
Theory: Omega-3 oils are metabolized in the body into prostaglandins and metabolic byproducts known as eicosanoids. The function and regulation of eicosanoid metabolism is extremely complex and controversial, but it is known that they function as short-term locally acting hormones. Some eicosanoids have been implicated in stimulating growth hormone secretion, while others may have beneficial effects on heart metabolism Prostaglandins such as EPA, DHA and GLA are involved in blood pressure regulation, blood clotting, the inflammatory process and blood vessel dilation – all of which have implications for heart health.
Scientific Support: A number of scientific studies suggest that diets high in omega-3 oils may protect against the development of diseases such as heart disease, attention deficit disorder, arthritis, colitis and other inflammatory diseases. It has been convincingly shown that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce triglyceride levels in the blood. The effect of omega-3s on cholesterol levels, however, are inconsistent and may require excessive doses of fish oil to be effective. In rare instances, high dose fish oil supplements may even increase serum cholesterol levels in genetically predisposed individuals
A major heart protective effect of omega-3 oil is its effect in reducing the "stickiness platelets in the blood – thus reducing the likelihood for formation of blood clots. Regular consumption of diets high in fish is clearly linked to a reduced incidence of heart attacks. In some studies, it even appears that the real importance isn’t how much fish you eat – but that you eat it at all. In other words, eating fish once a week appears to be just as effective as eating it 3 or 4 times each week.
A recent study in the Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that 10 grams of fish oil per day is effective in preventing the dramatic mood swings commonly observed in depressive states. Such results hold promise for treating other disorders such as ADHD.
Safety: High intakes of omega-3 supplements or mixed fish oil supplements may reduce blood-clotting ability so much as to encourage bleeding or, in extreme instances, lead to hemorrhages.
Value: Omega-3 fatty acids are a particularly useful cardioprotective dietary supplement for people who do not consume adequate amounts of foods, such as fish, which are rich sources. Parents with children affected by ADHD (attention deficit – hyperactivity disorder) may consider using omega-3 supplements to bolster their child’s intake of these important nutrients.
Dosage: Research studies suggest an intake of 3-10 grams is beneficial for cardioprotective benefits and may prevent mood swings.
Description: Omega-3 fatty acids (or oils) are highly polyunsaturated fatty acids found in abundance in most oily/fatty fish such as salmon, sardines mackerel and tuna as well as in plant sources such as canola oil, wheat germ oil, flaxseed and walnuts.
Claims:
Increases growth hormone levels (promotes muscle growth)
Reduced blood clotting
Heart protection
Dilates blood vessels
Reduced blood pressure
Suppresses inflammation
Relieves depression
Theory: Omega-3 oils are metabolized in the body into prostaglandins and metabolic byproducts known as eicosanoids. The function and regulation of eicosanoid metabolism is extremely complex and controversial, but it is known that they function as short-term locally acting hormones. Some eicosanoids have been implicated in stimulating growth hormone secretion, while others may have beneficial effects on heart metabolism Prostaglandins such as EPA, DHA and GLA are involved in blood pressure regulation, blood clotting, the inflammatory process and blood vessel dilation – all of which have implications for heart health.
Scientific Support: A number of scientific studies suggest that diets high in omega-3 oils may protect against the development of diseases such as heart disease, attention deficit disorder, arthritis, colitis and other inflammatory diseases. It has been convincingly shown that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce triglyceride levels in the blood. The effect of omega-3s on cholesterol levels, however, are inconsistent and may require excessive doses of fish oil to be effective. In rare instances, high dose fish oil supplements may even increase serum cholesterol levels in genetically predisposed individuals
A major heart protective effect of omega-3 oil is its effect in reducing the "stickiness platelets in the blood – thus reducing the likelihood for formation of blood clots. Regular consumption of diets high in fish is clearly linked to a reduced incidence of heart attacks. In some studies, it even appears that the real importance isn’t how much fish you eat – but that you eat it at all. In other words, eating fish once a week appears to be just as effective as eating it 3 or 4 times each week.
A recent study in the Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that 10 grams of fish oil per day is effective in preventing the dramatic mood swings commonly observed in depressive states. Such results hold promise for treating other disorders such as ADHD.
Safety: High intakes of omega-3 supplements or mixed fish oil supplements may reduce blood-clotting ability so much as to encourage bleeding or, in extreme instances, lead to hemorrhages.
Value: Omega-3 fatty acids are a particularly useful cardioprotective dietary supplement for people who do not consume adequate amounts of foods, such as fish, which are rich sources. Parents with children affected by ADHD (attention deficit – hyperactivity disorder) may consider using omega-3 supplements to bolster their child’s intake of these important nutrients.
Dosage: Research studies suggest an intake of 3-10 grams is beneficial for cardioprotective benefits and may prevent mood swings.
