New research provides yet another reason for pregnant women to consider their DHA status during pregnancy—DHA may promote increased birth weight and longer gestational age in their babies.

The study found that mom’s who took 600 milligrams of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA during pregnancy gave birth to infants who were less likely to have very low birth weight and to be born before 34 weeks compared to mom’s who didn’t receive the supplement.

This has both clinical and cost implications as these two factors can significantly impact the overall health and development of infants and lengthen hospital stays.

DHA Function

Your body needs DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) for the proper functioning of your brain as an adult, and for the development of your nervous system and visual abilities during the first 6 months of life.

DHA Sources

Our bodies naturally produce small amounts of DHA, but we must get the amounts we need from our diet. Dietary sources of DHA include cold water fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies. Seaweed is a good vegetarian source of DHA.

Eating oily fish two to three times per week typically supplies adequate amounts of EPA and DHA for adults. Unfortunately, most Americans don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet.

This is where fish oil or other DHA supplements may fill dietary gaps. Supplements are also convenient for those who don’t like the taste of fish or don’t have access to high quality seafood.

For infants, breast milk from a mother who eats a healthy diet contains significant amounts of DHA. Infant formula may or may not have any DHA.

DHA for Expectant Mothers

While DHA supports both mom and babies health, children and pregnant women should avoid species of fish with the potential for the highest level of mercury contamination: king mackerel, shark, swordfish, and tilefish. They should also limit consumption of white albacore tuna to under 6 oz. per week.

High-quality fish oil supplements made by manufacturers who test for mercury and other toxins do not pose the same risk of mercury contamination.

Speak with your doctor about how you can ensure proper nutrition for yourself and your baby.

Sources:

New Hope 360

University of Maryland Medical Center

American Heart Association

New studies published in recent weeks underscore recommendations from the American Heart Association and other health experts to include Omega-3-rich oily fish in your diet at least two to three times per week.

Already well known for their cognitive and heart health benefits, two new studies suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), support immune health and overall longevity.

Omega-3 and Immune Function

To test Omega-3’s affect on immune response, researchers used two groups of mice. One group was fed a control diet, and the other was fed a diet supplemented with DHA-rich fish oil for five weeks. B cells were then harvested from several tissues and then stimulated in culture.

Researchers then looked for markers of immune response: B cell activation on the cell surface, B cell membrane changes, and B cell cytokine production. They found that DHA-enriched fish oil enhanced B cell activation and select antibody production, which may support immune function while promoting normal inflammatory processes.

This work confirms similar findings on fish oil and B cells and moves us one step closer to understanding the immune supporting properties of EPA and DHA.

Omega-3 and Longevity

Another study found that people with the most circulating omega-3s in their blood, lived an average of about two years longer than those with the lowest levels.

The findings are based on blood samples drawn from 2,692 U.S. healthy adults over age 65 in 1992 and 1993. By 2008, the end of the follow-up period, 1,625 participants had died.

People who had the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood at the outset were 27 percent less likely to die for any reason over the course of the study, compared to those with the lowest levels. For participants with the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids, this worked out to about two extra years of life.

So if high levels of Omega-3s affect lifespan, what about an Omega-3 deficiency? A previous Harvard University study estimated that Omega-3 deficiency can allow between 63,000 and 96,000 preventable deaths per year in the U.S, making it the sixth biggest killer of Americans. Both the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Heart Association offer dietary guidelines that can help you increase Omega-3 intake.

Spreading the Word

Evidently the good news about Omega-3 fatty acids as part of a healthy diet is spreading as fish oil tops the list of the most popular supplements among consumers.

And, you’re in luck this month as we’ve put our Omega-3 Max on sale through April 30, 2013.

Sources:

Eureka Alert

Annals of Internal Medicine

NutraIngredients

This post is for all of the people that avoid fish or fish oil supplements because they don’t like the “fishy” taste of seafood.

Did you know that by avoiding fish or fish oil supplements you may be missing out on essential nutrients that you must get from your diet?

We are referring to the Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The single richest source of both EPA and DHA are the fatty tissues of cold water, oily fish.

What’s the Big Deal?

EPA and DHA are essential to the normal function of your body on many levels--from microscopic cell membranes all the way up to the organ and system level. Studies link EPA and/or DHA to supporting your:  

• brain and nervous system
• bones, muscles, and joints
• cardiovascular health
• immune system

While your body can manufacture EPA from another essential fatty acid found in plants, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the conversion doesn’t happen rapidly which may still leave you deficient in EPA—especially if your diet doesn’t include ALA sources such as walnuts, flax seeds, canola and soybean oil.

So, if you’re like the typical American who doesn’t eat oily fish at least twice a week, you are likely to be deficient in EPA and DHA.

Moreover, if you eat too many “bad fats” like saturated fats from red meat and dairy without the “good fats” like those found in fish, then your risk of cardiovascular problems increase.

The Simple Solution

For many people who don’t have access to high quality seafood or just don’t like the taste of fish, fish oil supplements are the go-to solution. In fact, fish oil is now the #1 supplement among consumers and frequently recommended by doctors and other healthcare providers for their patients.

And with the development of enteric coated fish oil capsules, even those highly averse to fish will not have to risk their health because of finicky taste buds. The capsule coating prevents stomach acids from dissolving the capsule until it reaches the intestines so there’s no fishy aftertaste or “fish burps.”

Fish Oil Basics

Like any natural product, the quality of fish oil can vary and it’s important to know what to look for in a safe and effective fish oil product. We cover the gamut of tips for choosing, storing and taking fish oil in this post, Fish Oil Crowned Most Popular...

Sources:

U.S. News and World Report

University of Maryland Medical Center

You’ve probably heard by now that consuming fish can improve your memory. But understanding exactly how fish works it’s magic has been the subject of many studies.

The prime suspect in this mystery has been DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish that is necessary for brain development. But could DHA actually help older adults combat normal age-related memory problems? After all, we do know that DHA levels decline with age.

In the latest study, researchers found that lab animals fed a high-DHA diet had 30 percent higher levels of DHA in the region of the brain responsible for memory than animals fed a standard diet. Furthermore, this increase in DHA resulted in better communication between memory cells and faster relays.

This study demonstrates two important points. First, supplementing a diet with DHA leads to an increase in the levels of DHA in the brain. And second, the additional DHA actually supports healthy memory function.

But the benefits of eating fish and DHA don’t stop there. The same research team found that DHA supports vision health and function as we age.  Plus there are decades of research documenting the benefits of consuming fish for supporting cardiovascular and bone health.   

Generally, health experts recommend at least two to three servings of oily fish per week to reap these benefits. If you’re not particularly fond of fish, or concerned about mercury or other contaminants in fresh fish, fish oil supplements can provide a safe and effective alternative to fish.

Fish oil supplements contain concentrated amounts of the beneficial DHA and EPA essential fatty acids that your body needs, but that must come from your diet.

About CNCA Fish Oil:

CNCA offers three ultra-pure fish oil supplements containing high levels of EPA and DHA: EPAmax lemon flavored fish oil capsules, EPAmax Liquid Fish Oil (lemon flavored), and Omega-3 Max EC enteric coated fish oil capsules.

To ensure maximum purity and potency, all CNCA fish oil supplements undergo molecular distillation to remove impurities. Then they are independently tested for Dual Rancidity (Peroxides and Acid Value), Mercury, Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, EPA and DHA levels, PCBs, Dioxin and Dioxin-like compounds, stability and bacteria, yeast, and mold counts.

Sources:

University of Alberta

After decades of research supporting the cardiovascular benefits of eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, health experts recommend eating fish at least two times a week. However, eating fish isn’t without some risk due to the presence of mercury and PCBs in some fish. Currently pregnant women and children are advised by the U.S. Food and Administration (FDA) to avoid eating certain species of fish that may have the highest levels of these contaminates. For others, fish consumption has been encouraged as it was thought that the benefits of fish far outweighed the risks.

Now a new study raises concerns that we might need to reassess the risks of eating fish and take measures to reduce our exposure to mercury.

Researchers from Syracuse University found that even a slight increase in mercury from fish was associated with hormone disruption and increased markers of systemic inflammation.

The study measured fish consumption, blood lipids, total blood mercury, cortisol levels and inflammation markers in children ages 9 to 11. While children consuming fish had significantly better lipid profiles, they had higher levels of mercury in their blood. Increasing levels of mercury was significantly associated with lower cortisol levels and proteins suggestive of systemic inflammation.

Excessive inflammation over long periods has been linked to serious health conditions including autoimmune disorders, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Study authors concluded that their results call for greater caution. “Without a better understanding of the long-term consequences of an atheroprotective lipid profile relative to blunted diurnal cortisol and systemic inflammation, a determination of the risk-benefit ratio for fish consumption by children is not possible.”

Reducing Mercury Exposure

The safest way to get the benefits of fish without the risk of mercury is a high quality fish oil supplement.

We stipulate “high quality” as there are significant differences in the quality and potency of fish oil supplements on the market. The best quality fish oil supplements are made from smaller fish that typically contain little or no mercury and PCBs to begin with. Then the oil is purified and concentrated to provide high amounts of EPA and DHA. And finally, as fish oil can spoil, a high quality fish oil supplement will contain an antioxidant to preserve freshness and prevent rancidity (spoilage).

Adults who want to continue eating fish can reduce their risk of mercury by avoiding certain species that tend to contain higher amounts of mercury:

• Shark
• King Mackerel
• Swordfish
• Tilefish

Fish that contains the least amount of mercury while still providing a good source of EPA and DHA include:

• Salmon
• Pollock
• Flounder or Sole
• Sardines
• Anchovies
• Herring

Sources:

Pub Med

New Hope 360

American Heart Association

Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. After all, the food you eat is your baby's main source of nutrition for growth and development.

As part of a balanced diet, a new study suggests that eating oily fish like salmon at least twice a week supports your child’s immune system.

The researchers randomly assigned 123 pregnant women to one of two groups. One group consumed their regular diet that was low in oily fish, the other group was asked to consume 2 portions of salmon per week, providing a weekly dose of 3.45 grams of the omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.

They measured immune status from umbilical cord blood samples taken at 20 weeks until delivery and clinical evaluation of 86 infants at 6 months of age.

When the blood samples were exposed to an immune stimulant, results showed that certain immune factors (interleukins) were lower (better) in the salmon group than the regular diet group.

The findings are consistent with other similar studies which also found improved immune response from oily fish consumption. The consensus is that EPA, not DHA is more directly responsible for these benefits. The researchers noted that other nutrients in fish including selenium and vitamin D may also contribute to the immune supporting effects of fish.

More Benefits From Fish

In addition to immune health, mom’s who eat oily fish during pregnancy are helping their baby in other ways. The omega 3 fatty acid DHA found in oily fish is essential for the development of brain and eye tissue. At least 300 mg of DHA weekly is considered the minimum amount of DHA to support brain and eye development.

Fish and Mercury Concerns

EPA and DHA are found in cold water fatty fish including salmon, tuna, shellfish and herring.

Because mercury can accumulate in higher quantities in the flesh of larger fish, women who are pregnant (or planning to become pregnant) should avoid king mackerel, shark, swordfish, and tilefish. They should also limit consumption of white albacore tuna to under 6 oz. per week.

High-quality fish oil supplements made by manufacturers who test for mercury and other toxins do not pose the same risk of mercury contamination.

Sources:

NutraIngredients

University of Maryland Medical Center

Mayo Clinic

A recent study published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy reduce the risk of childhood obesity by as much as 32%. The study also found that children with a higher ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids had a two- to four-fold increase in the rate of obesity.

This study adds more evidence to the growing body of research that insufficient intakes of omega-3 fatty acids can have adverse effects. It also underscores the importance of achieving a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your diet.

Fatty Acid Balance

Omega-3 refers to a group of unsaturated fatty acids (linolenic acied, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 fatty acids are classified as “essential fatty acids” because they cannot be made (or only made in limited quantities) by your body. Therefore, they must be obtained from your diet or in supplement form. Foods such as rapeseed, soybeans, alfalfa, cold-water fish, wild game and walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-6 is another essential fatty acid your body needs but it must be in a balanced ratio with Omega-3 fatty acids to be healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation while some omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation.

Most nutritionists suggest that we should consume between a 1-1 and 4-1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Dietary sources of omega-6 include vegetable oils such (linoleic acid) and other plant based oils such as evening primrose oil and borage oil (gamma-linolenic acid) or GLA.

Unfortunately, the typical American diet tends to contain 14 - 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, which many physicians consider to be too high on the omega-6 side—and potentially unhealthy. In fact, this extreme imbalance is often blamed for the high rates of obesity, heart disease, cancer and other diseases that are more prevalent in those that consume a “western” diet.

By contrast, the Mediterranean diet has a healthier balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Many studies have shown this diet promotes cardiovascular and over-all health. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, garlic, as well as moderate wine consumption.

This research sought to determine whether a mother’s fatty acid consumption affected their child’s chances of being obese. Obesity is defined as weight that exceeds 15 percent of normal weight for height and body type. Morbid obesity exceeds 20 percent of optimum weight. Obesity in adults has been linked a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, varicose veins, dementia, psychological stress, depression, osteoarthritis, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Study Design:

• The study included 1,649 mother-child pairs.
• Researchers assessed mid-pregnancy intake of omega-3 (DHA and EPA) and omega-6 fatty acids and maternal plasma fatty acid levels. They also measured umbilical cord levels of omega-3 and omega-6.
• The children involved in the study were then assessed at age 3 to determine body mass index (BMI) and skin fold measurements.

Study Results:

Researchers found that about one fifth (1/5) of expectant mothers consumed two or more fish meals per week at mid-pregnancy, but only half of those women achieved the recommended 200 mg of DHA per day. Researchers also found that only three percent of women consumed the recommended intake of DHA in the last month of pregnancy when large amounts of DHA are transferred from the mother to the child to support brain development.
After the follow-up with the children, it was found that the odds of obesity in 3 year olds were between two and four times higher when cord blood had a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.

Conclusion:

The odds of childhood obesity were 32 percent lower when maternal intake of omega-3s was high or if the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 was near the recommended levels. Although these findings need to be confirmed with future studies, it appears that increased omega-3 intake and reduced omega-6 intake during pregnancy may lower the risk of future obesity in children.

Sources:

University of Maryland Medical Center

NHI on Demand

University of Maryland Medical Center

PubMed

According to a new study involving post menopausal women, exercise combined with omega-3 fish oil supplementation can increase bone mineral density (BMD) up to 19% and reduce inflammatory markers by as much as 80%.

The 24-week study randomly assigned 79 post-menopausal women to one of four groups:

• a control group that did not receive supplements or an exercise plan
• an exercise plan only group
• an omega-3 supplements only group (1,000 mg omega-3 per day, of which 180 mg was EPA and 120 mg was DHA)
• a combined omega-3 supplements and exercise group

The exercise plan involved walking and jogging three times a week at up to 65% of the maximum heart rate.

Study Results

At the end of the study, researchers found that the combined omega-3/exercise group experienced BMD increases of 15% in the lower back and 19% in the femur (thigh bone).

The combination group also had decreased levels of the pro-inflammatory compounds IL-6 and TNF-alpha by 40% and 80%, respectively.

No increases in BMD or decrease in inflammatory markers were observed in the other three groups.

Linking Inflammation and Bone Health

The researchers found that the decrease in inflammatory compounds correlated with the increase in BMD, suggesting that inflammatory compounds may play a role in the regulation of bone formation. Therefore, a decrease in cytokine production may be beneficial to bone mineral density. Further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms at work.

Read more about nutrients for healthy bones here.

Source:

Nutraingredients

Australian researchers analyzing the results of ten randomized and controlled human studies of the effects of Omega-3s on arterial stiffness found that Omega-3 supplementation resulted in a 33 - 48% improvement in vascular flexibility.

The analysis, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, included trials that ranged from 6 to 105 weeks in duration with daily supplementation of 640 to 3000 mg of combined omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) given in capsule form. A total of 550 participants which included healthy men as well as  subjects with various cardiovascular conditions, including overweight, diabetes, and hypertension took part in the trials.

All of the studies measured changes in arterial stiffness through pulse wave velocity or arterial compliance, which measures an artery’s ability to contract and expand.

Omega-3 supplementation resulted in improved responses for both forms of measurement. Pulse wave velocity was reduced by a standard mean difference of 33% while arterial compliance suggested a 48% reduction. Changes in arterial stiffness factored in any changes to blood pressure, heart rate, or body mass index.

“The findings of the present study reveal that supplementation with [omega-3] offers a scientifically supported means of reducing arterial stiffness,” wrote the study’s authors. Reduction in arterial stiffness by omega-3 may account for some of its purported cardiovascular function effects.

According to the researchers, this meta-analysis is the first of its kind to assess effects of omega-3 supplementation on arterial stiffness. Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosages of EPA and DHA to elicit the affect on the arteries.

For more information about the benefits of fish oil, read this related post.

Source:

Nutritional Outlook

Last year, when the independent supplement quality testing lab ConsumerLab.com released its annual survey of the most popular dietary supplements, we weren’t too surprised to learn that fish oil was the winner, nudging multivitamins out of the #1 spot. A whopping 74% of the respondents reported taking fish oil and most of them, 44%, purchased their supplements online.

So why is fish oil first on everyone’s list? Here are just a few reasons:

• Fish Oil provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA and DHA are polyunsaturated fats ("good" fats, as opposed to saturated fats which are thought to increase the risk of heart disease). The body can only manufacture limited amounts of EPA and DHA from the essential fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) -- found in flaxseed oil, canola oil, soy oil and walnut oil.
• A large body of scientific research suggests that higher dietary omega-3 fatty acid intakes, like those found in fish oil are supportive of cardiovascular health.  Thus, the American Heart Association recommends that all adults eat fish, particularly oily fish, at least twice weekly or obtain fish oil from supplements.
• Compelling research in other areas suggest that the essential fatty acids in fish may have many other health benefits.
• Studies reveal that doctors not only recommend fish oil to their patients, they take it themselves. The study, published in Nutrition Journal, found 75 percent of dermatologists say they use dietary supplements and 66 percent recommend them to their patients; 57 percent of cardiologists use supplements and 72 percent recommend them to their patients; and 73 percent of orthopedic specialists use supplements and 91 percent recommend them. More than 25 percent of physicians in each specialty said they had used omega-3/fish body oil.
• If you are among those who just don’t like the taste of fish, or are concerned about PCBs, mercury and other possible contaminants present in some fish, then fish oil supplements may be a better choice for you. (Most supplements undergo molecular distillation or other refining process to remove contaminants. Others use only certain species of fish to ensure that the fish oil meets FDA safety standards.)

With so many fish oil supplements on the market, what should you look for in good quality fish oil? ConsumerLab.com provided these insights based on their experience conducting quality tests on supplements for over a decade:

• When buying supplements containing EPA and/or DHA, keep in mind that products vary significantly in terms of the amounts and ratios of EPA and DHA. Be aware that only about a third of the oil from fish is EPA and DHA, although this may be higher (up to about 85% as EPA and DHA) in a "concentrated" product".
• Second, the ratio of EPA to DHA will vary depending on the source. (For example, menhaden and other small oily fish, tend to have a ratio of EPA to DHA of 1.5:1 so that a capsule claiming 1 gram (1,000 mg) of fish oil, of which 30% is EPA and DHA, provides 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA. Salmon oil naturally contains more DHA than EPA (often several times more) and products made only from algal oil will contain only DHA.
• With a more concentrated product, one may be able to take fewer capsules of the same size.
• Many products also contain vitamin E or other antioxidants to stabilize the oils and prevent them from becoming rancid.

How to take fish oil: More...

Numerous well-designed studies have established that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA found in fish oil support cardiovascular health. Now the American Heart Association (AHA) is recommending that Americans boost their consumption of EPA and DHA to support heart health.

The statement published in the AHA journal, Circulation, recommends cutting carbohydrates, eliminating trans fats, restricting fructose and increasing fiber and including omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources to support heart health.

The AHA recommended intakes range from a baseline of .5 to 1 gram up to 2-4 grams daily of EPA and DHA for optimal benefits. Because getting the higher daily recommended amounts is difficult to attain through diet alone, the AHA states that dietary supplements may be needed.

Among omega-3 supplements, fish oil is generally regarded as the best source of both EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. Most algae sources provide only DHA. While ALA from plant sources is an essential fatty acid, many of the reported health benefits associated with omega-3 have been the result of supplementation with EPA and DHA. The body can theoretically convert ALA into EPA and DHA, but the actual conversion rate is very low. In fact, many studies suggest that the conversion rate can be as low as 1 percent or less -- making fish, fish oil supplements, and food products fortified with fish oil considered the best sources of omega-3 for consumers.

NOTE: Typical fish oil supplements are 18% EPA and 12% DHA. CNCA EPAmax and Omega- 3 Max EC provide 720 mg EPA (30%) and 480 mg DHA (20%), or 1200 mg combined. Two of our softgels meet the American Hearth Associations’ baseline recommendation and 4-6 softgels meet the upper range of the AHA recommendations.

For more diet recommendations, read Heart Health: Top 8 Foods and Nutrients.

Source:

Natural Products Insider

The lack of purity and potency -- two variables you must consider anytime you're taking any supplement -- is at the heart of this latest ConsumerLab.com report that cites problems with nearly a third of the fish oil products they tested.

Out of 24 products, three failed because they claimed to contain more of a key omega-3 fatty acid -- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) -- or both in their labeling, than they actually had. Three fish oil products were also flagged for spoilage problems that may cause gastrointestinal problems, including burping. Another was cited for having a faulty enteric coating that released fish oil too soon in a patient's body (in the stomach rather than the intestine).

And, one pet-themed omega-3 product exceeded the limit for PCB contamination -- 3 picograms per 1,000 mg -- set by the Global Organization for EPA and DHA (because the EPA hasn't mandated any safety standard for PCB exposure).

These warnings signs underscore just how important it is for you to carefully consider the facts, before taking any supplement.

If you are looking for a superior fish oil with purity and potency that's 100% guaranteed, try CNCA's EPAmax or enteric coded Omega-3 Max. Both contain a whopping 1200mg of EPA and DHA per serving!

ConsumerLab.com September 28, 2010