Omega 3

Citation

(2008), "Omega 3", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 38 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2008.01738eab.005

Omega 3

Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 38, Issue 5.

Experts have unveiled research which shows that a third omega 3 fatty acid, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), may be a hidden “secret weapon” for maintaining a healthy heart, in combination with better known eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). A revolutionary incromega trio fish oil blend manufactured using PureMax(tm) technology, developed by UK-based global speciality fish oil company Croda Health Care, has just launched in the UK.

Leading nutritional supplements company Biocare, working with nutritionist Patrick Holford, is paving the way in the UK by using DPA and taking advantage of Croda's unique purification and concentration technology, PureMax(tm), in the Patrick Holford Essential Omegas product.

As manufacturers of fish oil supplement brands become increasingly aware of the impact these products can have on heart health, DPA will become more widely available on-shelf to consumers with a vested interest in helping to safeguard a healthy heart.

Nutrition expert Patrick Holford comments: “It is very clear that DPA is the missing omega 3, present in foods but absent in most supplements. It sits between DHA, which is part of the brain's structure, and hence most important early in life, and EPA, which has proven more potent for mood, joint and cardiovascular protection, and can be converted either way depending on need. The research that is coming in on DPA warrants a rethink. EPA, DPA and DHA are the three Omega 3 Musketeers. I take them every day”.

Docosapentaenoic acid is arguably the next generation in fatty acid development and knowledge. It is estimated that approximately one-third of the long chain fatty acids in the blood are attributable to DPA and the clinical benefits of this third omega 3 fatty acid are becoming increasingly well known and respected. DPA has been shown both clinically and epidemiologically to have benefits for the prevention and cure of cardiovascular disease – which is why it is causing such interest amongst medical professionals.

The interest in DPA and its relationship with cardiovascular disease was sparked by studies into the Inuit people of Greenland and Northern Quebec in 1980. The diet of the Inuit is high in DPA due to seal consumption and the corresponding prevalence of problems with the cardiovascular system is low. By combining DPA with the already well known and respected EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids, a new force has been developed to help combat the world's growing issue of cardiovascular disease.

The power of three omega 3s for heart health EPA:

• •

  proven to have preventative effects on atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries);

• •

  dietary intake of EPA can improve the balance of LDL and HDL cholesterol;

• •

  EPA has been shown to impart an anti-thrombotic effect by reducing blood clotting and

• •

  dietary intervention with EPA may reduce vascular inflammation, blood viscosity and hypertension.

Docosapentaenoic acid stimulates endothelial cell migration with an effect up to ten times greater than EPA, which may enhance the reduction of atherosclerosis.

Research has demonstrated that omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce the reactivity and adhesion of blood platelets and help prevent the formation of blood clots. These clots can block arteries and cause heart attacks or strokes. DPA and EPA have been shown to impart anti-thrombotic effects, increasing bleeding time and lowering the risk of blood clotting. DPA appears to be the most potent of these.

The levels of DPA in serum phospholids have been correlated to the prevention of coronary heart disease. DPA has been positively linked with a reduction in the risk of peripheral arterial disease in smokers.

Docosahexaenoic acid is effective in lowering blood pressure.

In clinical trials on patients who had suffered a heart attack, a combination of EPA and DHA reduced the risk of death by 30 per cent and reduced the risk of arrhythemia and angina.

A combination of EPA and DHA has been shown to reduce the risk of death by 20 per cent and reduced the risk of non-fatal heart attack and stroke in 11,324 trial subjects.

Omega 3 fatty acids have clear benefits for many areas of our health and lifestyle, such as heart, circulation and brain health. They can be found in oily fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and tuna plus certain plant oils, such as olive and flax. The Department of Health recommends two to three portions of oily fish per week for adults.

For those who find it difficult to consume the advised weekly fish allowance, especially for those who are not keen on eating fish, or as an additional fish source for those who do, omega 3 supplements are an ideal option. The best choices come in a concentrated liquid or capsule format and adults should take at least 3,000-4,000 mg per day to gain the maximum benefit.

For further information and to receive a comprehensive omega 3 information pack, please contact Fuel PR on 020 7498 8211.