Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in western society. For men, the risk of heart attack begins very young and remains fairly constant throughout life while the female incidence of heart disease begins to equal and surpass that of men as women reach menopause. Studies indicate that omega 3 can reduce the chance of a primary cardiac arrest by 70% and a second arrest by 30% This results primarily from the fact that omega 3 facilitates the maintenance of the walls of the blood vessels, making them smoother and more elastic, thus reducing vessel blockages which are often the cause of heart problems.
Omega 3 also tends to retard the rate of the blood clotting, by reducing the "stickiness" of platelets. Heart muscle damage may still take place from a temporary stoppage of an artery, and omega 3 PUFA's prevent this damage from interfering with heartbeats.
Studies further indicate that omega 3 helps reduce a person's blood pressure, which is becoming a chronic problem in an aging population
The daily consumption of fish oils (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) can significantly lower blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension. The benefit of the fish oils is comparable to that obtainable by sodium reduction and weight loss. A group of medical researchers at the Johns Hopkins Medical School evaluated the results of 17 clinical trials involving supplementation with fish oils for periods of three months or less.
They found that the consumption of 3 grams per day of fish oil (6-10 capsules) or more led to impressive reductions in the blood pressure of hypertensive individuals. Systolic pressure was lowered by an average of 5.5 mm Hg and diastolic pressure was lowered by 3.5 mm Hg. The effect was found to be more pronounced at higher blood pressures and no significant effects were noted in people with normal blood pressure. Twenty-eight percent of the participants in the trials reported side effects such as a fishy taste or belching.
The doctors suggest that fish oil supplementation may be a valuable therapy in patients with borderline hypertension who would otherwise be candidates for conventional drug therapy. They point out that the effects of long term (> 3 months) supplementation are unknown and that lower dosages than 3 g/day may be desirable and perhaps as effective. NOTE: Systolic pressure is the first (highest) reading given for a blood pressure measurement, diastolic is the second (lowest) reading, i.e. 120/80.
Children suffering from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive. Researchers at Purdue University now report that hyperactive children have lower levels of key fatty acids in their blood than do normal children. Their experiment involved 53 boys aged 6 to 12 years of age who suffered from ADHD, but were otherwise healthy and 43 matched controls. Analyses showed that the boys with ADHD had significantly lower levels of arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids in their blood.
The hyperactive children suffered more from symptoms associated with essential fatty acid deficiency (thirst, frequent urination, and dry hair and skin) and were also much more likely to have asthma and to have had many ear infections. The researchers conclude that ADHD may be linked to a low intake of omega-3 fatty acids (linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids) or a poorer ability to convert 18-carbon fatty acids to longer more highly unsaturated acids. The researchers conclude that supplementation with the missing fatty acids may be a useful treatment for hyperactivity.
A newly reported clinical trial has strengthened the argument for recommending daily treatment with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis in the world) who are at high risk for progression of renal disease. Studies are underway that involve a combination of cyclosporine A, a commonly prescribed immunosuppressive agent in solid-organ transplantation, with a high-potency n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid to reduce cyclosporine toxicity. Studies reported during the past year show promise that dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids will substantially decrease vascular access graft thrombosis in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis, and may reduce hypercalciuria in patients who suffer from kidney stones.
Children suffering from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive. Researchers at Purdue University now report that hyperactive children have lower levels of key fatty acids in their blood than do normal children. Their experiment involved 53 boys aged 6 to 12 years of age who suffered from ADHD, but were otherwise healthy and 43 matched controls. Analyses showed that the boys with ADHD had significantly lower levels of arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids in their blood. The hyperactive children suffered more from symptoms associated with essential fatty acid deficiency (thirst, frequent urination, and dry hair and skin) and were also much more likely to have asthma and to have had many ear infections. The researchers conclude that ADHD may be linked to a low intake of omega-3 fatty acids (linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids) or a poorer ability to convert 18-carbon fatty acids to longer more highly unsaturated acids. The researchers conclude that supplementation with the missing fatty acids may be a useful treatment for hyperactivity.
Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous connective tissue (mainly collagen) that link two bones together at a joint. Injuries to ligaments are notoriously slow to heal. Researchers at purdue University now report the results of an intriguing experiment which shows that eicosapentaenoic acid (the main component of fish tissue oils) maternally speeds up the healing of 'wounded' ligament cells in vitro. The researchers conclude that dietary supplements with marine oils (n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)could be used to improve the healing of ligament injuries by enhancing the entry of new cells into the wound area by speeding up collagen synthesis.
Lupus is an immune disorder that can ravage the body; attack organs from kidneys to brain. Supplements of Omega 3 fatty acids have reduced inflammation, kidney problems and mortality. In one-study patients with active lupus showed significant improvements on supplements of Omega-3 oils. While it may be unlikely that most patients with lupus could replace their conventional anti inflammatory drugs with Omega-3 Fatty Acids there may be a place for using the Omega 3's as adjuncts.
