Omega-3 Fish Oil - Not Just For the Heart

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Omega-3 Fish Oil - Not Just For the Heart JoAnn Guest Dec 10, 2004 11:33 PST

Omega-3 Fish Oil - Not Just For the Heart

 

We have learned that omega-3 fish fats are not " just for the heart " .

 

Source: Bioriginal Publishing

Date Published: September 2000

 

Fish oil first gained popularity as a " heart-healthy " supplement

containing beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. The interest in fish fats

began in 1969, when two Danish physicians, H.O. Bang and J. Dyerberg,

noticed that the Eskimo population of Greenland had a considerably lower

death rate from heart disease than the rest of the Danish population.

The research duo concluded that the lower death rate was linked to the

high amounts of fish fat in their diet.1

 

Since then we have learned that omega-3 fish fats are not " just for the

heart " . Research has shown that fish oil also has a positive effect on

numerous other disease conditions including arthritis, diabetes,

neurological disorders and mental disorders, skin diseases, and cancer.

Cold-water fish, including cod, salmon, and mackerel, contain the

essential fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic

Acid (DHA). These essential fatty acids, or EFAs, help regulate everyday

cellular functions in the body that are necessary for good health. We

must get EFAs in our diet or through nutritional supplements.

 

Current Areas of Research

Coronary Heart Disease and Hyperlipidemia: Studies have found a strong

relationship between the fatty acids ALA, EPA, and DHA and reduced

occurrence of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis, a disease in

which a plaque-like substance forms on the blood vessel walls. Fish oil

can decrease the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks. A

large number of clinical trials have established that both EPA and DHA

reduce blood triglycerides by 25-30 percent. It is also well documented

that regular consumption of fish oil reduces platelet adhesion and

aggregation, and prevents blood clotting. 2, 3

 

Arrhythmia: Cardiac arrhythmia is the broad term applied to disorders

characterized by an irregular heartbeat. The severity of this condition

can range from mild to critical, where the heart may stop beating

completely. Arrhythmia is responsible for Sudden Cardiac Death syndrome

and follows many so-called " heart attacks " . There is strong clinical

evidence suggesting the protective role of fish oil for this condition.

Studies have identified the most anti-arrhythmic component of fish oil

as DHA or its combination with EPA. 4

 

Hypertension: The blood pressure lowering effects of dietary fish oil

have been well evaluated by a meta-analysis of 31 placebo- controlled

trials comprising 1,356 patients.5 Fish oil¹s effect appears greater in

patients with high blood pressure.

 

Arthritis: Abnormal fatty acid levels and decreased levels of EPA occur

in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.6 Not surprisingly, fish oil

supplementation can normalize these levels. Numerous studies have shown

that supplementation consistently reduces joint inflammation and

tenderness, and reduces the duration of morning stiffness.7 Patients

have also been able to significantly reduce their intake of NSAIDs (non

steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and other drugs used to treat

arthritis. In fact, some patients were able to discontinue their other

medication completely, without having a flare up.8,9 Furthermore, animal

studies have shown that fish oil supplementation protects against

gastric ulceration, a common side effect of NSAIDs.10 Recent research

has uncovered even better news ‹ supplementation may offer protection

against cartilage destruction that normally occurs during the disease.11

 

 

Skin Disease: Essential fatty acids are well known to improve many skin

disorders, including dry, itchy, inflamed skin. These good fats improve

the barrier function of the skin and help prevent moisture loss. Fish

oil supplementation is especially effective in the treatment of

psoriasis.12,13 Even increasing dietary consumption of oily fish has

proven beneficial in combating psoriasis.14

 

Mental disorders: Currently scientists predict that fish oil may

alleviate certain mental disorders. A group of 16 patients with bipolar

disorder ( " manic depression " ) who took fish oil for four months

experienced much longer periods of remission than those given a placebo.

Only 13 percent of patients receiving fish oil experienced the

recurrence of mania or depression, compared to more than 50 percent in

the placebo group. A group of researchers from the United Kingdom also

found that schizophrenic patients who consume more ALA, DHA and EPA in

their diet or receive them as supplements have less severe symptoms.

Studies suggest that depression may also be related to insufficient

amounts of these EFAs.15, 16 Deficiency of ALA, EPA and DHA also plays a

role in a significant number of other mental disorders including

aggression, depression, dementia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder.

 

Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes may benefit from fish oil

supplementation for several reasons. Although the effect of fish oil on

blood glucose levels is controversial, both epidemiological and animal

studies indicate that high fish consumption may reduce the incidence of

diabetes.17,18 Secondly, supplementation clearly has numerous positive

effects for the diabetic through reduction of triglycerides, blood

pressure, and platelet aggregation. Thirdly, supplementation may provide

a protective effect on nerve function ‹ to help protect against diabetic

neuropathy, a degenerative complication of diabetes.19

 

Multiple Sclerosis: There is considerable statistical evidence that the

incidence of multiple sclerosis varies in countries where the diet

differs. This data seems to show that the presence of ALA, EPA, and DHA

may result in a lower incidence of this disease. A study published in

1989 looked at the long-term effects of ALA, EPA, and DHA in the

treatment of multiple sclerosis.20 The study concluded that there were

improvements in the treated group when compared to the control group in

terms of duration, frequency and severity of relapses and the number of

patients who either improved or remained unchanged.

 

Cancer: In some studies, it has been hypothesized that highly

unsaturated fatty acids, found primarily in fish oil, could be used as a

protective agent against certain cancers. Some studies on animals have

shown that these fatty acids may decrease both the number and size of

tumors; however the studies are still in the early stages.21

 

Crohn¹s Disease: A recent study has shown the effectiveness of fish oil

in the maintenance of remission of Crohn¹s disease. Fifty patients were

treated with an ALA, EPA, and DHA mixture or a placebo for 12 months.

After the study was completed the rate of severe recurrences in the

group treated with fish oil was 34 percent compared to 62 percent in

placebo-treated patients.22

 

Pregnancy and Fetal Health: There is a small but noticeable worldwide

tendency towards shorter pregnancies, which may have a negative effect

on fetal development. It is suggested that an EFA deficiency may be

responsible for the change. A study has shown that a diet rich in ALA,

DHA and EPA may help lengthen pregnancy. Danish women who were given

fish oil during their third trimester prolonged their pregnancies by

four days. Fetuses, particularly in the third trimester, also require

DHA to facilitate the development of brain and retinal tissue.23

 

Child Development: DHA makes up 15-20 percent of the fat in the brain

and 30-60 percent of the fat in the retina. Studies show that children

who receive sufficient amounts of DHA are intellectually " better off "

than children who are deficient.24, 25

 

Lupus Erythematosus (LE): Lupus has symptoms ranging from minor skin

disorders to severe kidney damage. Several investigations have indicated

that fish oil could have a favorable effect on the disease. A 34-week,

double-blind study was done involving 34 patients with lupus. Fourteen

of the 17 patients using fish oil saw their condition improve, while 13

from the placebo group were rated worse or experienced no change.7

 

IgA Nephropathy: Mesangial IgA nephropathy is a common disease of the

kidney, which usually causes renal failure within 10 to 20 years. A

treatment that can help prevent renal failure in IgA nephropathy has not

yet been found. However, some studies suggest that fish oil may have a

beneficial effect in slowing the progression of this disease. Fish oil

has been reported to prevent deterioration of renal function in

experimental models of the disease.26, 27

 

A very safe supplement Fish oil products are very safe. Researchers have

used dosages as high as 15 grams per day and have not observed any

significant side effects. Patients receiving anticoagulant therapy or

recovering from stroke should exercise caution while supplementing with

fish oil since it may exert blood thinning properties.

 

References:

 

Bang, H.O., Dyerberg, J., Hjoorne, N. The composition of food consumed

by Greenland Eskimos. Acta Medica Scandinavica, Vol. 200, pp 69-73,

(1976).

Harris, W.S. n-3 Fatty acids and serum lipoproteins: human studies

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 65 (suppl): pp 1645S-54S,

(1997).

Willatts P., et al. Effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in

infant formula on problem solving at 10 months of age. Lancet, Vol. 352,

pp 688-691, (1998).

Hursting S.D., et al. Types of dietary fat and the incidence of cancer

at five sites. Prevention Medicine, Vol. 19, pp 242 & shy; 253, (1990).

Appel L.J., et al. Does Supplementation of Diet with ŒFish Oil¹ Reduce

Blood Pressure¹? A Meta-analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials. Archives

of Internal Medicine, Vol. 153 (12), pp 1429-38, (1993).

Navarro E, Esteve M, Olive A, Klaassen J, Cabre E, Tena X,

Fernandez-Banares F, Pastor C, Gassull MA Abnormal fatty acid pattern in

rheumatoid arthritis. A rationale for treatment with marine and

botanical lipids. Journal of Rheumatology, 2000 Feb;27(2):298-303.

Kremer JM. n-3 fatty acid supplements in rheumatoid arthritis. American

Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2000 Jan;71(1 Suppl):349S-351S.

Kremer JM, Lawrence DA, Petrillo GF, Litts LL, Mullaly PM, Rynes RI,

Stocker RP, Parhami N, Greenstein NS, Fuchs BR et al. Effects of

high-dose fish oil on rheumatoid arthritis after stopping nonsteroidal

antiinflammatory drugs. Clinical and immune correlates. Arthritis and

Rheumatism, 1995;38(:1107-1114.

Lau CS, Morley KD, Belch JJ. Effects of fish oil supplementation on non-

steroidal anti-inflammatory drug requirement in patients with mild

rheumatoid arthritis - a double-blind placebo controlled study. British

Journal Rheumatology, 1993;32:982-989.

Manjari V, Das UN Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on

dexamethasone- induced gastric mucosal damage. Prostaglandins

Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 2000 Feb;62(2):85-96.

Curtis CL, Hughes CE, Flannery CR, Little CB, Harwood JL, Caterson B.

n-3 fatty acids specifically modulate catabolic factors involved in

articular cartilage degradation. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2000

Jan. 14;275(2):721-724.

Grimminger F, Mayser P, Papavassilis C, Thomas M, Schlotzer E, Heuer KU,

Fuhrer D, Hinsch KD, Walmrath D, Schill WB, et al . A double-blind,

random ized, placebo-controlled trial of n-3 fatty acid based lipid

infusion in acute, extended guttate psoriasis. Rapid improvement of

clinical manifestations and changes in neutrophil leukotriene profile.

Clinical Investigation, 1993 Aug. 71(:634-643.

Gupta AK, Ellis CN, Tellner DC, Anderson TF, Voorhees JJ. Double-blind,

placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of fish oil and

low-dose UVB in the treatment of psoriasis. British Journal of

Dermatology, 1989 June;120(6):801-7.

Collier PM, Ursell A, Zaremba K, Payne CM, Staughton RC, Sanders T.

Effect of regular consumption of oily fish compared with white fish on

chronic plaque psoriasis. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1993

Apr;47(4):251-254.

Hibbein J. Fish consumption and major depression. Lancet, Vol. 351,pp

1213, (1998).

Stoll A.L., et al. Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Bipolar Disorder. A

Preliminary Double- blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Archives of General

Psychiatry, Vol. 56, pp 407- 412, (1999).

Adler AI, Boyko EJ, Schraer CD, Murphy NJ. Lower prevalence of impaired

glucose tolerance and diabetes associated with daily seal oil or salmon

consumption among Alaska Natives. Diabetes Care,1994;17:1498-1501.

Nobukata H, Ishikawa T, Obata M, Shibutani Y. Long-term administration

of highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester prevents diabetes

and abnor- malities of blood coagulation in male WBN/Kob rats.

Metabolism, 2000 Jul;49(7):912-9

Gerbi A, Maixent JM, Barbey O, Jamme I, Pierlovisi M, Coste T, Pieroni

G, Nouvelot A, Vague P, Raccah D. Neuroprotective effect of fish oil in

diabetic neuropathy. Lipids, 1999;34, S93-94.

Bates D., et al. A double-blind controlled trial of long chain n-3

polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry, Vol. 52(1), pp18-22, (1989).

Hursting S.D., et al. Types of dietary fat and the incidence of cancer

at five sites. Prevention Medicine, Vol. 19, pp 242 & shy; 253, (1990).

Belluzzi, A., et al. Effect of an enteric-coated fish-oil preparation on

relapses in Crohn¹s disease. New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 334,

pp 1557-1560, (1996).

McLennan P., et al. The cardiovascular protective role of

docosahexaenoic acid. European Journal of Pharmacology, Vol. 300, pp

83-89, (1995).

Anderson g.l., Docosahexaenoic acid is the preferred dietary n-3 fatty

acid for the development of the brain and retina. Pediatric Research,

Vol. 27 (1), pp 89- 97, (1990).

Walton A.J., et al. Dietary fish oil and the severity of symptoms in

patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Annals of the Rheumatic

Diseases, Vol. 50 (7), pp 467-466, (1991).

Bennet W.M., et al. Treatment of IgA nephropathy with eicosapentanoic

acid (EPA): a two year prospective trial. Clinical Nephrology, Vol. 31,

pp 128-131, (1989).

Fung S.M. et al. Fish oil therapy in IgA Nephropathy. Annals of

Pharmacy, Vol. 31, pp 112-115, (1997).

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

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AIM Barleygreen

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