Strictly Business
Omega-3s are their business, and business is good. Here’s a roundup of the latest news from the boardroom and the sales floor.
Canadian krill oil producer Neptune Technologies & Bioressources, based in Sherbrooke, Quebec, reports that its nutraceutical sales rose 43 per cent, to $6.14 million, during the first quarter of its fiscal year ending May 31.
Neptune is expanding its facility in Sherbrooke and will be building a new production plant in China with joint venture partner Shanghai KaiChuang Deep Sea Fisheries Co. (SKFC). The company recently announced new orders totaling $25 million US for the calendar year 2013, spurred by a strong demand for krill oil in Asia.
“Neptune had a strong and record-breaking fiscal year 2012, and the momentum has kept on in the first quarter,” said Neptune chief financial officer André Godin.
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Holland’s Royal DSM has successfully completed its acquisition of Ocean Nutrition Canada, a leading global provider of fish-based omega-3s for the nutraceutical, dietary supplement, and food and beverage markets. The $540-million Cdn acquisition was originally announced in May.
“With the completion of this transaction, we have now completed 1.7-billion Euro worth of growth-enhancing acquisitions since we embarked on our current strategic plan less than two years ago, including nearly 1.3 billion Euro in the nutrition cluster,” said Feike Sijbesma, CEO and chairman of DSM’s managing board.
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Cellana, Inc., a leading developer of algae-based bioproducts, recently announced the launch of its ReNew™ brand and ReNew™ omega-3 line of algae-based products, developed to meet the growing demand for more sustainable omega-3 human health products, animal nutrition products, and biofuel feedstocks.
The ReNew™ portfolio consists of four main product categories — ReNew™ Omega-3, ReNew™ Feed, ReNew™ Fuel, and ReNew™ Algae. Cellana is planning to establish off-take agreements for its ReNew™ line of products, and then deploy multiple commercial facilities worldwide to satisfy these off-take agreements.
“We plan to target the high-value nutraceutical market with our ReNew™ Omega-3 product line, which will enable Cellana to produce simultaneously ReNew™ Feed and ReNew™ Fuel products from the same algae at competitive prices within their respective markets,” said Cellana president and CEO Martin Sabarsky.
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Oceans Omega LLC, of Paramus, N.J., has announced the signing of an exclusive contract to supply Cott Beverages Inc. with Oceans Omega’s emulsions. Oceans Omega, a leader in the delivery of omega-3s, has developed proprietary stabilization technologies for incorporating omega-3 EPA and DHA into beverages.
Cott Corporation, the parent company of Cott Beverages Inc., is one of the world’s largest beverage companies, focusing on private-label and contract manufacturing.
“Cott offers us the opportunity to deliver our heart-healthy omega-3 ingredients to consumers worldwide through Cott’s extensive distribution network.”
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BioProcess Algae LLC, a sustainable algal feedstocks company based in Portsmouth, R.I., and KD-Pharma Bexbach GmbH, part of the fat and lipids division of Switzerland-based Bioseutica BV, have announced that they have entered into a commercial supply agreement for the production of EPA-rich omega-3 oils for use in concentrated EPA products for nutritional and/or pharmaceutical applications.
“We are very pleased to be able to work side-by-side with the industry leader for high-quality, highly purified omega-3 oils,” said Tim Burns, CEO of BioProcess Algae.
BioProcess Algae LLC converts carbon dioxide into sustainable algae feedstocks for human nutrition, animal feeds, green chemicals, and biofuels.
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Hormel Foods Corporation has announced a partnership with biotech outfit Virun to create water-soluble, clear, and shelf-stable omega-3 concentrates that allow for the creation of clear beverages without preservatives.
The technology developed by Virun is now incorporated in Hormel’s FUXIONS line of products.
“Recently, Virun has patented and filed patent applications that allow Virun’s partnered branded ingredient, FUXIONS, to be used in water without preservatives,” said Virun CEO Philip Bromley. “Furthermore, this extension to the FUXIONS product line yields excellent flavor options that were not obtainable before in clear-water applications.”
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ProactiveLife, of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., has announced the launch of Diabetes Support, a supplement that contains two grams of pure omega-3 fish oil that may benefit those with Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Support contains 10 ingredients that may lower blood sugar levels, including omega-3, Vitamin D, chromium, turmeric, cocoa, and cinnamon. ProactiveLife says there are nearly 26 million confirmed diabetics and 79 million pre-diabetics in the United States.
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Xymogen, of Orlando, Fla., and Canadian biopharmaceutical outfit Acasti Pharma have announced that they will be launching the worldwide distribution of a physician-prescribed medical food to manage omega-3 phospholipid deficiency.
The product, LipiChol540™, will be distributed by Pharmaceutix Medical Foods, a wholly owned subsidiary of Xymogen.
LipiChol540™ is the only medical krill oil product in the world, according to Xymogen.
“We have seen incredible enthusiasm from doctors for LipiChol540™’s ability to lower triglycerides without raising bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with omega-3 phospholipid deficiency — for whom diet and exercise changes are not effective,” said Brian Blackburn, president and CEO of Xymogen. “Acasti is a scientific pioneer and our partnership will bring unique and effective products to patients in the United States.”
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Heuer M.D. Research Inc., based in Orlando, Fla., has introduced CardiaShred™, which according to the company is the first MD-formulated, heart-healthy, calorie-burning, weight loss and lean muscle building supplements for adults, elite athletes, and bodybuilders.
Heuer M.D. Research has partnered with GNC, the largest specialty retailer of health and wellness products in the United States, to market and sell CardiaShred™ — a source of omega-3s, CoQ10, betaine, piperine, grape seed extract, and other ingredients for heart-healthy calorie burning and added potent daily energy.
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Nordic Naturals has introduced a new vegetarian Algal Omega brand, a high-quality source of EPA and DHA from a non-fish source.
The Algae Omega product line is available in softgels and liquid, and delivers a daily dose of 500 milligrams of combined EPA and DHA.
“In order to support our mission of correcting the global omega-3 deficiency, we are committed to bringing innovative new products to market,” said Nordic Naturals chief executive Joar Opheim. “We formulated Algae Omega with vegetarians in mind, and for anyone wanting a readily available, high-quality source of EPA and DHA from a non-fish source.”
Skin Deep
Optimal Ω-3 presents this month’s roundup of omega-3 news, advances, and shout-outs from the skin-care and cosmetics industries.
Unless you treat the inside, nothing’s going to change on the outside.
It took some time to sink in, but it was advice that Scotsman Dale Pinnock eventually took to heart.
And out of the deal comes a book by the former acne sufferer — The Clear Skin Cookbook.
“There are thousands of skin conditions, and there are a lot that diet will have no effect on,” he admits in an interview with Scotland on Sunday, “but there is strong evidence that points to real benefits with acne, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. It won’t necessarily completely eradicate them, but it can certainly improve the way they look.”
Not surprisingly, omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in The Clear Skin Cookbook. A good dose of omega-3s can clear up a dry skin condition within a couple of days, notes Pinnock, and treat acne inflammation as well.
“Two things alone — omega-3 and zinc — can make a huge difference to acne sufferers,” he says.
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Speaking of treating the inside, the MSN Healthy Living website recently offered up a list of the 10 Best Foods for Your Hair.
On that list were omega-3 fatty acids.
“They support scalp health; a deficiency can lead to dry scalp and dull hair,” reads the list. “Good sources include salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, flaxseeds, and walnuts.”
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Argan Oil Shop, an online supplier of cosmetic argan oil, recently released a summer care routine focusing on the benefits of this organic product for hair damage repair and hydration.
“Our cosmetic argan oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids as well as a wide range of naturally occurring antioxidants,” says the company. “These components, when coupled with the Vitamin E found in our product, create a perfect health and beauty blend which helps saturate, reinforce and, ultimately, heal the impaired hair follicles.”
Pet Care Corner
Optimal Ω-3 offers up its monthly digest of omega-3 news from the veterinary and pet-health industries.
Dr. Laurie Coger, known as the Wholistic Vet, cited studies published by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association when she made a presentation on supplements for the performance dog at the recent 2012 Canine Performance Events (CPE) Nationals East Coast.
“Omega-3 fatty acids provide pain relief, and improve mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis,” wrote Dr. Coger. “They also indicate that proper use of a food containing a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids may result in a lower dosage of medication required to manage joint pain and improve mobility.
“(JAVMA) studies demonstrate that (using) a food containing omega-3 fatty acids to a dog with osteoarthritis significantly improves mobility and quality of life.”
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The dog days of summer are upon us in North America, and that means helping to keep your pet cool.
Dogs and cats lack the ability to sweat like humans, and that means extra attention for their skin and coat, writes syndicated veterinary columnist Dr. Patrick Mahaney.
“Properly caring for your pet’s coat is also essential to maintaining normal body temperature . . . the addition of an omega fatty acid supplement (fish or flax oil) can improve the overall health of your pet’s skin and coat, and potentially increase its resistance to heat and sun damage,” writes Dr. Mahaney. “Omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and benefit the joints, nerves, and cardiovascular organs (heart, lungs, blood vessels, etc.).”
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Nordic Naturals, of Watsonville, Calif., is now offering its Pet Cod Liver Oil, an ideal source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in a two-fluid-ounce bottle with calibrated dropper for cats and small-breed dogs.
“We are continually expanding our Nordic Pet Collection to offer pure omega-3 oil supplements that are specially formulated for cats and dogs in a variety of sizes that correlate to the size and weight of the pet companion,” says Erin Hay, Nordic Naturals specialty pet sales representative. “This adds ease of use and application accuracy for optimal pet health.”
Omega-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil help to support brain and eye development and maintenance, and skin, coat, joint, and heart health.
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Are you allergic to your cat? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that six million Americans are allergic to cats, and more than one third of them keep cats in their home.
There are several steps you can take to alleviate cat allergens, according to Dr. Patrick Tate of Kirkwood, Mo.
One of them? “Feed your cat a high-quality food, rich in skin-supporting oils with the correct balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids,” he writes. “Cats with unhealthy skin sh ed more dander."
Dr. Laurie Coger, known as the Wholistic Vet, cited studies published by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association when she made a presentation on supplements for the performance dog at the recent 2012 Canine Performance Events (CPE) Nationals East Coast.
“Omega-3 fatty acids provide pain relief, and improve mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis,” wrote Dr. Coger. “They also indicate that proper use of a food containing a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids may result in a lower dosage of medication required to manage joint pain and improve mobility.
“(JAVMA) studies demonstrate that (using) a food containing omega-3 fatty acids to a dog with osteoarthritis significantly improves mobility and quality of life.”
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The dog days of summer are upon us in North America, and that means helping to keep your pet cool.
Dogs and cats lack the ability to sweat like humans, and that means extra attention for their skin and coat, writes syndicated veterinary columnist Dr. Patrick Mahaney.
“Properly caring for your pet’s coat is also essential to maintaining normal body temperature . . . the addition of an omega fatty acid supplement (fish or flax oil) can improve the overall health of your pet’s skin and coat, and potentially increase its resistance to heat and sun damage,” writes Dr. Mahaney. “Omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and benefit the joints, nerves, and cardiovascular organs (heart, lungs, blood vessels, etc.).”
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Nordic Naturals, of Watsonville, Calif., is now offering its Pet Cod Liver Oil, an ideal source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in a two-fluid-ounce bottle with calibrated dropper for cats and small-breed dogs.
“We are continually expanding our Nordic Pet Collection to offer pure omega-3 oil supplements that are specially formulated for cats and dogs in a variety of sizes that correlate to the size and weight of the pet companion,” says Erin Hay, Nordic Naturals specialty pet sales representative. “This adds ease of use and application accuracy for optimal pet health.”
Omega-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil help to support brain and eye development and maintenance, and skin, coat, joint, and heart health.
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Are you allergic to your cat? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that six million Americans are allergic to cats, and more than one third of them keep cats in their home.
There are several steps you can take to alleviate cat allergens, according to Dr. Patrick Tate of Kirkwood, Mo.
One of them? “Feed your cat a high-quality food, rich in skin-supporting oils with the correct balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids,” he writes. “Cats with unhealthy skin sh ed more dander."
New and Notable
At Optimal Ω-3, we believe the omega-3 industry makes for endlessly fascinating reading. Here are some of the other developments that caught our eye this month.
Ever wonder what the world’s healthiest meal would look like? Apparently, the folks at Leatherhead Food Research, an independent British organization, have given this subject a lot of thought.
And when we say a lot, we’re talking about a menu that’s been years in the making — and finalized after the Leatherhead folks researched about 4,000 health claims used by food retailers.
The ultimate repast would start with a fresh, smoked salmon terrine, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, accompanied by a mixed-leaf salad with an extra virgin olive oil dressing. The second course would be a chicken casserole with lentils and mixed vegetables, and it’d be followed by a yogurt-based pudding with active cultures, topped with walnuts and a sugarless caramel-flavored sauce.
“We have . . . shown that healthy foods do not have to be dull,” Paul Berryman, chief executive with Leatherhead, told the Daily Mail.
According to nutritionists, this ultimate meal is bursting with beneficial nutrients — including proteins, omega-3s, probiotics, antioxidants, and more.
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We all know that cold-water oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines are rich in omega-3s.
The Daily Mail, with help from a nutritional therapist, points out that other seafood sources such as prawns, crabs, squid, and octopus are also excellent sources of omega-3s.
Unlike cheese and red meat, which are high in saturated fats, seafood does not increase levels of bad cholesterol in the body.
Another selling point? Eating one portion of seafood a week — and it doesn’t have to be salmon — may cut your heart-attack risk by 50 per cent, according to experts.
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Wayne Coates, a Canadian agricultural engineer, visited Argentina in 1991 as part of a University of Arizona team researching alternative crops that might flourish in South America.
That’s when he was introduced to the wonder of the chia seed — which, at 4,000 milligrams per two-tablespoon serving, has “more omega-3 fatty acids than any other known plant,” he tells The Canadian Press.
Coates was so convinced of the chia seed’s health benefits that, two decades later, he’s written the book Chia: The Complete Guide to the Ultimate Superfood.
The book details the history of the chia seed, as well as its numerous health benefits, and includes weight-loss, meal, and exercise plans — all based on this tiny seed once swallowed by the Aztecs as much as 5,500 years ago.
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Krill oil is surging in popularity as a source of omega-3 fatty acids.
And while concerns have been voiced about krill harvesting and its effect on the marine ecosystem, new research from Australia refutes the sustainability argument.
According to the Centre for Conservation Geography in Sydney, there is “insufficient” evidence that krill harvesting is harming land-based Antarctic predators such as seals and penguins. The report was based on information gathered through four years on an Aker BioMarine krill fishing boat.
“There is insufficient evidence to indicate that fishing activity occurring during non-breeding times of the year is having any effect on prey availability to krill predators,” reads the research paper written by Rob Nicoll and Lucinda Douglass.
Ever wonder what the world’s healthiest meal would look like? Apparently, the folks at Leatherhead Food Research, an independent British organization, have given this subject a lot of thought.
And when we say a lot, we’re talking about a menu that’s been years in the making — and finalized after the Leatherhead folks researched about 4,000 health claims used by food retailers.
The ultimate repast would start with a fresh, smoked salmon terrine, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, accompanied by a mixed-leaf salad with an extra virgin olive oil dressing. The second course would be a chicken casserole with lentils and mixed vegetables, and it’d be followed by a yogurt-based pudding with active cultures, topped with walnuts and a sugarless caramel-flavored sauce.
“We have . . . shown that healthy foods do not have to be dull,” Paul Berryman, chief executive with Leatherhead, told the Daily Mail.
According to nutritionists, this ultimate meal is bursting with beneficial nutrients — including proteins, omega-3s, probiotics, antioxidants, and more.
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We all know that cold-water oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines are rich in omega-3s.
The Daily Mail, with help from a nutritional therapist, points out that other seafood sources such as prawns, crabs, squid, and octopus are also excellent sources of omega-3s.
Unlike cheese and red meat, which are high in saturated fats, seafood does not increase levels of bad cholesterol in the body.
Another selling point? Eating one portion of seafood a week — and it doesn’t have to be salmon — may cut your heart-attack risk by 50 per cent, according to experts.
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Wayne Coates, a Canadian agricultural engineer, visited Argentina in 1991 as part of a University of Arizona team researching alternative crops that might flourish in South America.
That’s when he was introduced to the wonder of the chia seed — which, at 4,000 milligrams per two-tablespoon serving, has “more omega-3 fatty acids than any other known plant,” he tells The Canadian Press.
Coates was so convinced of the chia seed’s health benefits that, two decades later, he’s written the book Chia: The Complete Guide to the Ultimate Superfood.
The book details the history of the chia seed, as well as its numerous health benefits, and includes weight-loss, meal, and exercise plans — all based on this tiny seed once swallowed by the Aztecs as much as 5,500 years ago.
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Krill oil is surging in popularity as a source of omega-3 fatty acids.
And while concerns have been voiced about krill harvesting and its effect on the marine ecosystem, new research from Australia refutes the sustainability argument.
According to the Centre for Conservation Geography in Sydney, there is “insufficient” evidence that krill harvesting is harming land-based Antarctic predators such as seals and penguins. The report was based on information gathered through four years on an Aker BioMarine krill fishing boat.
“There is insufficient evidence to indicate that fishing activity occurring during non-breeding times of the year is having any effect on prey availability to krill predators,” reads the research paper written by Rob Nicoll and Lucinda Douglass.
Body of Evidence
Optimal Ω-3 presents the latest monthly roundup of medical news regarding the health benefits of omega-3s — from head to toe.
BRAIN
A new drink invented by a scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology may help patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease improve memory — and may even stimulate the growth of new synapses in the brain.
Souvenaid, upon which MIT holds a patent, is made from a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, choline (a B vitamin found in meats, nuts, and eggs), and uridine (one of the four basic components of ribonucleic acid).
“Existing data now suggests that it may be possible to receive something that will sustain cognition in people with Alzheimer’s disease with a limited concern about side effects,” says Souvenaid inventor Dr. Richard Wurtman.
There are no plans at present to market Souvenaid. An ongoing study will evaluate the product over a two-year span.
HEART
According to an American meta-analysis, increased intake of omega-3s and higher blood levels of these essential fatty acids are linked with a 15-per-cent decrease in the risk of heart failure.
The meta-analysis involved seven studies providing data on 176,441 patients and 5,480 cases of heart failure — and concluded that those with the highest category of EPA and DHA levels had a 14-per-cent lower risk of heart failure, compared to those at the lowest levels.
These results agree with comments made by Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, of Harvard University, who told the 2012 GOED Exchange in Boston in June: “The main benefits for omega-3s are . . . preventing cardiac death. Fish and omega-3 should be the first line of defence against heart disease death.”
In other heart-related news, omega-3s combined with two blood-thinning drugs may reduce the risk of heart attacks in patients who have stents in their heart arteries, according to a report in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology: Journal of the American Heart Association.
“Our study suggests that combined moderate anti-thrombotic and anti-platelet actions of omega-3, when added to those of other treatments, may improve outcomes for coronary artery disease patients,” says Dr. Grzegorz Gajos, the report’s lead author and assistant professor of cardiology at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland.
BLOOD
Supplementing the diet with algal-based DHA may lower blood triglycerides and increase both high-density (HDL) and low-density (LDL) lipoprotein cholesterol in those without coronary heart disease.
That’s the conclusion of a recent meta-analysis conducted by researchers representing the Harvard School of Public Health, the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the Cleveland Clinic.
The meta-analysis focused on 485 participants, with most studies lasting six weeks — with researchers observing a 15-per-cent decline in triglycerides, a five-per-cent increase in HDL cholesterol, and an eight-per-cent increase in LDL cholesterol as a result of algal oil supplement.
The researchers note that while an increase in LDL cholesterol may not be considered an improvement, they also pointed out that DHA can increase LDL particle size. Especially small, dense LDL particles are associated with an elevated risk of coronary heart disease — but increasing the size of LDL particles may in fact partially offset the risk linked to higher LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
PROSTATE
According to a long-term study at Boston’s Harvard School of Public Health, prostate cancer victims with a diet high in fish-based omega-3s have a significantly better chance of surviving the disease.
Researchers found that men in the study that regularly ate the most fish with a high oil content were 34 to 40 per cent less likely to die from prostate cancer.
“Fish consumption may have a modest protective effect on prostate cancer risk and progression, as well as disease-specific mortality,” reads the report, which has been published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. “These results suggest early-stage tumors may be more responsive to dietary factors, and that diet may influence prognosis following a diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer.”
INFLAMMATION
Omega-3 fatty acids can lower inflammation among sedentary adults at middle age or older, who are overweight but healthy — and the results could have a broad array of health benefits, according to a recent study conducted by Ohio State University’s College of Medicine.
According to the lead author of the study, Jan Kiecolt-Glaser, chronic inflammation usually accompanies excess body fat, and can lead to various conditions — including Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and coronary heart disease.
The Ohio State study concluded that four months of omega-3 supplementation — specifically, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — resulted in the decrease of one protein in the blood that signals the presence of inflammation by an average of more than 10 per cent.
POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Eating alphalinolenic acid (ALA)-rich chia seeds may end up increasing blood levels of EPA by 30 per cent in postmenopausal women, according to a study conducted by Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina.
In the past, it’s been estimated that the human body only converts anywhere from eight to 20 per cent of ALA to EPA, and 0.5 to nine per cent of ALA to DHA.
“Plasma EPA increased 30 per cent above baseline levels in the present study, but individuals varied widely both pre-study and in response to milled chia seed supplementation,” reads the researchers’ report.
Data from the study was presented in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.
BRAIN
A new drink invented by a scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology may help patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease improve memory — and may even stimulate the growth of new synapses in the brain.
Souvenaid, upon which MIT holds a patent, is made from a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, choline (a B vitamin found in meats, nuts, and eggs), and uridine (one of the four basic components of ribonucleic acid).
“Existing data now suggests that it may be possible to receive something that will sustain cognition in people with Alzheimer’s disease with a limited concern about side effects,” says Souvenaid inventor Dr. Richard Wurtman.
There are no plans at present to market Souvenaid. An ongoing study will evaluate the product over a two-year span.
HEART
According to an American meta-analysis, increased intake of omega-3s and higher blood levels of these essential fatty acids are linked with a 15-per-cent decrease in the risk of heart failure.
The meta-analysis involved seven studies providing data on 176,441 patients and 5,480 cases of heart failure — and concluded that those with the highest category of EPA and DHA levels had a 14-per-cent lower risk of heart failure, compared to those at the lowest levels.
These results agree with comments made by Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, of Harvard University, who told the 2012 GOED Exchange in Boston in June: “The main benefits for omega-3s are . . . preventing cardiac death. Fish and omega-3 should be the first line of defence against heart disease death.”
In other heart-related news, omega-3s combined with two blood-thinning drugs may reduce the risk of heart attacks in patients who have stents in their heart arteries, according to a report in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology: Journal of the American Heart Association.
“Our study suggests that combined moderate anti-thrombotic and anti-platelet actions of omega-3, when added to those of other treatments, may improve outcomes for coronary artery disease patients,” says Dr. Grzegorz Gajos, the report’s lead author and assistant professor of cardiology at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland.
BLOOD
Supplementing the diet with algal-based DHA may lower blood triglycerides and increase both high-density (HDL) and low-density (LDL) lipoprotein cholesterol in those without coronary heart disease.
That’s the conclusion of a recent meta-analysis conducted by researchers representing the Harvard School of Public Health, the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the Cleveland Clinic.
The meta-analysis focused on 485 participants, with most studies lasting six weeks — with researchers observing a 15-per-cent decline in triglycerides, a five-per-cent increase in HDL cholesterol, and an eight-per-cent increase in LDL cholesterol as a result of algal oil supplement.
The researchers note that while an increase in LDL cholesterol may not be considered an improvement, they also pointed out that DHA can increase LDL particle size. Especially small, dense LDL particles are associated with an elevated risk of coronary heart disease — but increasing the size of LDL particles may in fact partially offset the risk linked to higher LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
PROSTATE
According to a long-term study at Boston’s Harvard School of Public Health, prostate cancer victims with a diet high in fish-based omega-3s have a significantly better chance of surviving the disease.
Researchers found that men in the study that regularly ate the most fish with a high oil content were 34 to 40 per cent less likely to die from prostate cancer.
“Fish consumption may have a modest protective effect on prostate cancer risk and progression, as well as disease-specific mortality,” reads the report, which has been published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. “These results suggest early-stage tumors may be more responsive to dietary factors, and that diet may influence prognosis following a diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer.”
INFLAMMATION
Omega-3 fatty acids can lower inflammation among sedentary adults at middle age or older, who are overweight but healthy — and the results could have a broad array of health benefits, according to a recent study conducted by Ohio State University’s College of Medicine.
According to the lead author of the study, Jan Kiecolt-Glaser, chronic inflammation usually accompanies excess body fat, and can lead to various conditions — including Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and coronary heart disease.
The Ohio State study concluded that four months of omega-3 supplementation — specifically, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — resulted in the decrease of one protein in the blood that signals the presence of inflammation by an average of more than 10 per cent.
POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Eating alphalinolenic acid (ALA)-rich chia seeds may end up increasing blood levels of EPA by 30 per cent in postmenopausal women, according to a study conducted by Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina.
In the past, it’s been estimated that the human body only converts anywhere from eight to 20 per cent of ALA to EPA, and 0.5 to nine per cent of ALA to DHA.
“Plasma EPA increased 30 per cent above baseline levels in the present study, but individuals varied widely both pre-study and in response to milled chia seed supplementation,” reads the researchers’ report.
Data from the study was presented in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.
Making Waves
Much has been made in recent years about the Western diet and American obesity, but there’s disturbing diet-related news coming out of Australia, too.
A recent study indicates that Australian children are consuming too much saturated fat and not getting nearly enough omega-3 fatty acids or fibre. Dr. Shao Zhou, who conducted the study with colleagues at the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute in Adelaide, says the findings are troubling omens when it comes to future health.
The research was published in the Medical Journal of Australia.
“Simple things parents can do is choose whole-grain bread and cereal, instead of white bread,” says Dr. Zhou. “Give children fresh fruit and vegetables rather than fruit juice. The best source of omega-3 is oily fish such as tuna, but also lean meat . . . or eggs and nuts.”
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Speaking of that Western diet, it’s all about the ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s — which are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in plant oils. And according to Dr. Ingrid van Heerden, this unhealthy ratio may be partially responsible for a rash of health concerns.
“Because Western diets have changed in such a way that we now tend to eat much less omega-3 PUFA than our ancestors (less fatty fish) and much more omega-6 PUFA . . . the so-called omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, which used to be 3:1, is now as high as 15:1 or more,” writes Dr. van Heerden, otherwise known as DietDoc. “Some researchers blame this imbalance in the omega-6:omega-3 ratio for the upsurge in inflammatory conditions, including RA (rheumatoid arthritis), cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer’s disease and even obesity, which is classified by many present-day scientists as an inflammatory condition.”
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The relationship between food and mood has been well documented. A diet rich in omega-3s? You might just say it’s the happiness diet.
A group of scientists with a long history of researching links between immunity and psychological stress recently reported that omega-3s reduced both anxiety and inflammation among a group of healthy young adults.
The study, backed by the Ohio State University Center for Clinical and Translational Science, saw medical students take 2,500 milligrams of omega-3 supplements daily, and undergo psychological surveys — with a 20 per cent reduction in anxiety compared to a placebo group.
The results were published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity.
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Behold the much-maligned egg — lambasted over the years as a cholesterol booster.
But its reputation has recently been restored as a health food, and Men’s Fitness magazine recently counted Omega-3 Eggs among its Top 10 Muscle Building Foods.
“The half-gram of leucine per egg is like throwing gasoline on your muscle-building fire,” reads the magazine.
A recent study indicates that Australian children are consuming too much saturated fat and not getting nearly enough omega-3 fatty acids or fibre. Dr. Shao Zhou, who conducted the study with colleagues at the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute in Adelaide, says the findings are troubling omens when it comes to future health.
The research was published in the Medical Journal of Australia.
“Simple things parents can do is choose whole-grain bread and cereal, instead of white bread,” says Dr. Zhou. “Give children fresh fruit and vegetables rather than fruit juice. The best source of omega-3 is oily fish such as tuna, but also lean meat . . . or eggs and nuts.”
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Speaking of that Western diet, it’s all about the ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s — which are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in plant oils. And according to Dr. Ingrid van Heerden, this unhealthy ratio may be partially responsible for a rash of health concerns.
“Because Western diets have changed in such a way that we now tend to eat much less omega-3 PUFA than our ancestors (less fatty fish) and much more omega-6 PUFA . . . the so-called omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, which used to be 3:1, is now as high as 15:1 or more,” writes Dr. van Heerden, otherwise known as DietDoc. “Some researchers blame this imbalance in the omega-6:omega-3 ratio for the upsurge in inflammatory conditions, including RA (rheumatoid arthritis), cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer’s disease and even obesity, which is classified by many present-day scientists as an inflammatory condition.”
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The relationship between food and mood has been well documented. A diet rich in omega-3s? You might just say it’s the happiness diet.
A group of scientists with a long history of researching links between immunity and psychological stress recently reported that omega-3s reduced both anxiety and inflammation among a group of healthy young adults.
The study, backed by the Ohio State University Center for Clinical and Translational Science, saw medical students take 2,500 milligrams of omega-3 supplements daily, and undergo psychological surveys — with a 20 per cent reduction in anxiety compared to a placebo group.
The results were published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity.
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Behold the much-maligned egg — lambasted over the years as a cholesterol booster.
But its reputation has recently been restored as a health food, and Men’s Fitness magazine recently counted Omega-3 Eggs among its Top 10 Muscle Building Foods.
“The half-gram of leucine per egg is like throwing gasoline on your muscle-building fire,” reads the magazine.
