nutralife omega-3

1 PRODUCT PROFILE

1.1 Introduction :??Healtheries Omega-3 1000mg is an excellent source of the omega-3 essential fatty acids - Eicosapentanoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexanoic Acid (DHA). EPA can help promote the formation of natural anti-inflammatory substances which may benefit skin, heart & joint health. DHA may benefit brain, vision, memory & learning functions. Together EPA & DHA are an essential combination of fatty acids to maintain the health of cells in your body.

1.2 Recommendations for use :
To assist in lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels, preventing cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, reducing blood clotting and high blood pressure and to improve heart rhythm.
To assist in reducing the inflammation of rheumatic and osteo-arthritis, and to assist in the prevention of osteoporosis.
To assist in the reduction of chronic inflammation and inflammatory bowel and lung conditions.
To assist in the reduction of stress, depression, headache, and hyperactivity, and to assist memory and concentration.
To improve circulation.
To assist in the development of vision and brain development in infants and children.
To assist in immune function.
To assist with dry skin conditions, psoriasis, and eczema.
To assist with menstrual and menopausal conditions.

1.3 Contraindications :
Those on medication should consult their health practitioner.
Omega-3 inhibits platelet aggregation and thins the blood and so may be incompatible with some anti-coagulant medication.
Supplementation with omega-3 should be ceased one month prior to surgery.

1.4 Dosage :
Adults and children over 12 years :
1 capsule upto 3 times daily with food or as directed by your healthcare
practitioner. Capsules may be opened and content mixed with food if
desired.
Children (under 12 years) :
1 Capsule upto 3 times daily, should be opened and mixed with food.

1.5 Testing :
Oceans. Healtheries follows the legal testing requirements for all supplements sold in Australia & New Zealand. These testing requirements are set out in the British Pharmacopoeia.

This oil is tested for the following:
. Heavy Metals (including Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Iron, Mercury, & Lead);
. Pesticides;
. Polychlorinated Biphenyls.

Healtheries of New Zealand is a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), Pharmaceutical, and MAF (Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries) Registered Laboratory and as such is subject to stringent quality control procedures.

1.6 Ingredients :

2 WHAT ARE OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS?

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. For this reason, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other marine life such as algae and krill, certain plants (including purslane), and nut oils.

Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon) at least 2 times a week.

There are three major types of omega 3 fatty acids that are ingested in foods and used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of omega-3 fatty acids more readily used by the body. Extensive research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function. In fact, infants who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers during pregnancy are at risk for developing vision and nerve problems. Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include extreme tiredness (fatigue), poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation.

It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in the diet, as these two substances work together to promote health. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. An inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to the development of disease while a proper balance helps maintain and even improve health. A healthy diet should consist of roughly 1 - 4 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. The typical American diet tends to contain 10 - 30 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega- 3 fatty acids, and many researchers believe this imbalance is a significant factor in the rising rate of inflammatory disorders in the United States.

In contrast, however, the Mediterranean diet consists of a healthier balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and many studies have shown that people who follow this diet are less likely to develop heart disease. The Mediterranean diet does not include much meat (which is high in omega-6 fatty acids) and 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.

However, it's important to remember not all fish oil supplements are created equal. Some fish oil supplements contain contaminated fish oil and could be harmful to your health. By buying fish oil supplements that are high in omega-3 but molecularly distilled for highest purity without toxicity, you'll be getting all of the benefits of Omega 3 without the harmful effects of toxins.

3 BENEFITS

Clinical studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful in treating a variety of health conditions. The evidence is strongest for heart disease and problems that contribute to heart disease, but the range of possible uses for omega-3 fatty acids include:

3.1 Cardiovascular health

fatty acids is in relation to cardiovascular health, first reported by Danish scientists in the early 1970s.

In addition to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, research has also linked omega-3 fatty acids to improved heart rhythms, and a reduced risk of a second heart attack.

Indeed, the first report of the reduced risk of a second heart attack was published in 2006 in The American Journal of Cardiology (Vol. 97, pp. 1127- 1130) by researchers from the Mid America Heart Institute and the University of Missouri.

Recently, Italian researchers reported that a daily supplement of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA) may reduce mortality and admission to hospital for cardiovascular reasons in patients with heart failure by 8 and 9 per cent, respectively.

3.2 Cognitive performance

The second most established area of research, particularly for the marine omega-3 fatty acids, is cognitive performance and reducing the rate of agerelated cognitive decline.

Two studies published in April 2007 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that regular consumption of omega-3-rich food could prevent age-related cognitive decline. The studies, from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, and the University of North Carolina, stated that only a limited number of studies have looked at the decline in cognitive function that precedes these diseases.

Researchers have started focusing their attention on Alzheimer's disease. A pre-clinical study, supported by DHA-supplier Martek, reported that DHA may cut the build-up of a certain protein linked to Alzheimer's (Journal of Neuroscience, April 2007, Vol. 27). The study used genetically modified mice, and is reported to be the first study to show that DHA may slow the accumulation of a protein, tau, that leads to the development of neurofibrillary tangles, one of two signature brain injuries of Alzheimer's disease.

Results of a clinical trial published in the Archives of Neurology (Vol. 63, pp. 1402-1408) reported that a daily supplement of 1720 mg DHA and 600 mg EPA showed promise for the slow mental decline in people with very mild Alzheimer's disease, but had no impact on people with more advanced forms.

3.3 Mood and behavior

Linked to cognitive performance are reports that supplements of the fatty acids may improve mood and behavior. Several studies have reported that supplementation with EPA and DHA may result in improvements in behavior and learning of children, although such studies have their critics.

In terms of mood, several studies, such as the French study published in 2008 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, have reported benefits for omega-3 and symptoms of depression (May 2008, Vol. 87, pp. 1156-1162).

Moreover, a joint Anglo-Iranian study reported that depression ratings were cut by 50 per cent following daily one gram supplements of EPA, an effect similar to that obtained by the antidepressant drug fluoxetine, according to findings published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (2008, Vol. 42, pp. 192-198).

However, the science overall is insufficient to support a link between omega- 3 and depression, said the British Medical Journal's Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) in February 2007.

3.4 Cancer

A small number of epidemiological and animal studies have reported potential role of omega-3 in the prevention of certain cancers, such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer.

However, various experts in this field still question if the fatty acids offer primary prevention.

3.5 Eyes & vision

Looking further afield, the fatty acids may also play a role in maintaining eye health and reducing the risk of conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the over-fifties.

It is known that omega-3 fatty acids, and particularly DHA, play an important role in the layer of nerve cells in the retina, and studies have already reported that omega-3 may protect against the onset of AMD.

A study published in 2008 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, for example, reported that an increased consumption of DHA and EPA may reduce the risk of AMD by about 70 per cent.

ALA may also have eye benefits, according to findings published in the February 2008 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology. Researchers at the Schepens Eye Research Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Cornea Service reported that a topical application of the fatty acid may ease the symptoms of dry-eye syndrome.

3.6 Mother and child

development of a foetus during pregnancy. Many studies have already reported the necessity of would-be mothers to ensure high intakes of omega- 3 fatty acids, and concerns over contaminants and pollutants in fish have promoted supplemental forms.

A recent study from Canada, for example, reported that an increased intake of the omega-3 DHA during pregnancy could produce improved motor function in the offspring in later life (The Journal of Pediatrics, March 2008, Vol. 152, pp. 356-364.e1).

And increased levels were linked to improved visual, cognitive, and motor development in the offspring, report the researchers from Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit and Laval University.

3.7 Other benefits

Other health conditions, such as diabetes, skin health, and weight management, may also benefit from increased omega-3 consumption. The science supporting these potential benefits is less established, however.

4 IN CASE OF PREGNANCY?

It is now a well-established fact that omega-3 fatty acids are required nutrients for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

It is also a fact that the human body does not make enough omega-3 fatty acids to meet our nutritional needs during pregnancy and therefore must be obtained from the diet.

The omega-3 fatty acid DHA is particularly important to developing children and to pregnant and lactating women. A woman's demand for DHA increases substantially during pregnancy and will remain low for 9-12 months after delivery unless the diet is supplemented.

A very common dilemma faced is that: Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have sounded the alarm regarding the potential dangers of consuming too much fish because of environmental toxins that accumulate in fish.

Hence, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, studies have compared levels of mercury and pesticides in fish versus fish oil supplements and concluded fish oil provide the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids without the risk of toxicity.

International experts agree that a minimum of 300 mg of DHA is necessary to meet the needs of pregnant and lactating women. So if you are avoiding fish because of fear of environmental contaminants, you may be doing your baby more harm than good. Hence, adding a high-quality fish oil supplement to your daily habits is the better option of supplying your offspring with the nutrients they need without the chance of exposing them to unnecessary toxins.

5 FLAX SEED OIL vs FISH OIL

There are three main types of omega-3 essential fatty acids, EPA, DHA and ALA. Flax seed oil vs fish oil is as simple as EPA & DHA vs ALA.

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are the EPA and DHA fatty acids and the omega- 3 fatty acids in flax seed oil are the ALA fatty acids.

It is harder for your body to get the omega-3 out of the ALA fatty acids and that's why it's so important that any omega-3 supplement you take be derived from fish oil.

There is no harm in taking both flax seed oil and fish oil, if you're taking the supplements to get the benefits touted for omega-3, then you probably would be well off just taking fish oil supplements.

In the comparison between flax seed oil vs fish oil, both have their benefits, but fish oil is considered superior.

6 OMEGA-3 vs OMEGA-6

Omega-6 fatty acids, also considered essential, are found in foods such as eggs, poultry, cereals, vegetable oils, baked goods, and margarine. They support skin health, lower cholesterol, and help make our blood "sticky" so it is able to clot. But when omega-6s aren't balanced with sufficient amounts of omega-3s, problems can ensue.

The trouble is that we as a society consume far too much omega-6 and not near enough omega-3. Many nutrition experts believe that before we relied so heavily on processed foods, humans consumed omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in roughly equal amounts. Healthy ratios of omega-6:omega-3 range from 1:1 to 4:1. But to our great detriment, most people living on a Western diet get far too much of the omega-6s and not enough of the omega-3s. Typical Western diets provide ratios of between 10:1 and 30:1 i.e., dramatically skewed toward omega-6.

This dietary imbalance may explain the rise of such diseases as asthma, coronary heart disease, many forms of cancer, auto-immunity and neuro-degenerative diseases, all of which are believed to stem from inflammation in the body. The imbalance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may also contribute to obesity, depression, dyslexia, hyperactivity and even a tendency toward violence. Bringing the fats into proper proportion may actually relieve those conditions.

To balance this deficit, many physicians suggest omega-3 as a supplement to reduce the negative impact ofomega-6s.

7 POSSIBLE INTERACTIONS

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use omega-3 fatty acid supplements, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), without first talking to your health care provider.

Blood-thinning medications -
Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the effects of blood thinning medications, including aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), and clopedigrel (Plavix). While the combination of aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids may actually be helpful under certain circumstances (such as in heart disease), they should only be taken together under the guidance and supervision of a health care provider.

Blood sugar lowering medications -
Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements may increase fasting blood sugar levels. Use with caution if taking blood sugar lowering medications, such as glipizide (Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL), glyburide (Micronase or Diabeta), glucophage (Metformin), or insulin, as omega-3 fatty acid supplements may increase your need for the medication(s).

Cyclosporine -
Taking omega-3 fatty acids during cyclosporine (Sandimmune) therapy may reduce toxic side effects, such as high blood pressure and kidney damage, associated with this medication in transplant patients.

Etretinate and topical steroids -
The addition of omega-3 fatty acids (specifically EPA) to the drug therapy etretinate (Tegison) and topical corticosteroids may improve symptoms of psoriasis.

Cholesterol-lowering medications -
Following certain nutritional guidelines, including increasing the amount of omega- 3 fatty acids in your diet and reducing the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, may allow a group of cholesterol lowering medications known as "statins", including atorvastatin (Liptor), lovastatin (Mevacor), and simvastatin (Zocor) to work more effectively.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -
In an animal study, treatment with omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of ulcers from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) and naproxen (Alleve or Naprosyn). More research is needed to evaluate whether omega-3 fatty acids would have the same effects in people.

8 PRECAUTIONS

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider

Omega-3 fatty acids should be used cautiously by people who bruise easily, have a bleeding disorder, or take blood-thinning medications, including warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix), because excessive amounts of omega-3 fatty acids may lead to bleeding. In fact, people who eat more than three grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day (equivalent to 3 servings of fish per day) may be at an increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke, a potentially fatal condition in which an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures.

Fish oil can cause flatulence, bloating, belching, and diarrhea. Time-release preparations may reduce these side effects, however.

People with either diabetes or schizophrenia may lack the ability to convert alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the forms more readily used in the body. Therefore, people with these conditions should obtain their omega-3 fatty acids from dietary sources rich in EPA and DHA. Also, individuals with type 2 diabetes may experience increases in fasting blood sugar levels while taking fish oil supplements. If you have type 2 diabetes, only use fish oil supplements under the supervision of a health care provider.

Although studies have found that regular consumption of fish (which includes the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA) may reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a recent study including 2 large groups of men and women found that diets rich in ALA may substantially increase the risk of this disease. More research is needed in this area. Until this information becomes available, it is best for people with macular degeneration to obtain omega-3 fatty acids from sources of EPA and DHA, rather than ALA.

Similar to macular degeneration, fish and fish oil may protect against prostate cancer, but ALA may be associated with increased risk of prostate cancer in men. More research in this area is needed.