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Product
Name:Omega-3 fatty acid (ω−3 fatty acids or omega-3 fatty acids)
Definition:
n−3 fatty acids include α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), all of which are polyunsaturated.
The human body cannot synthesize n−3 fatty acids de novo, but it can
form "long chain" 20-carbon unsaturated n−3 fatty acids (like EPA) and
22-carbon unsaturated n−3 fatty acids (like DHA) from the "short chain"
eighteen-carbon n−3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid. The short chain n−3
fatty acids are converted to long chain forms (EPA, DHA) with an
efficiency of approximately 5% in men, and at a greater percentage in
women.
Biological significance:
There is strong scientific evidence that n−3 fatty acids reduce blood
triglyceride levelsand regular intake reduces the risk of secondary and
primary heart attack.
Some benefits have been reported in conditions such as rheumatoid
arthritis and cardiac arrhythmias.There is preliminary evidence that n-3
fatty acids supplementation might be helpful in cases of depression and
anxiety.Studies report highly significant improvement from n-3 fatty
acids supplementation alone and in conjunction with medication.
The New York Times reports that at least one study, however, has found
no connection between depression in heart patients and supplements
containing n-3 fatty acids.Some research suggests that fish oil intake
may reduce the risk of ischemic and thrombotic stroke.However, very
large amounts may actually increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (see
below).
Indication:
Cancer prevention
Several studies report possible anti-cancer effects of n−3 fatty acids
(particularly breast, colon and prostate cancer).[40][41][42] Omega-3
fatty acids reduced prostate tumor growth, slowed histopathological
progression, and increased survival.
Cardiovascular disease prevention
In 1999, the GISSI-Prevenzione Investigators reported in the Lancet, the
results of major clinical study in 11,324 patients with a recent
myocardial infarction. Treatment 1 gram per day of n−3 fatty acids
reduced the occurrence of death, cardiovascular death and sudden cardiac
death by 20%, 30% and 45% respectively.[49] These beneficial effects
were seen already from three months onwards.
Immune function
It was found that those infants supplemented with fish oil had
improvement in immune function maturation with no apparent reduction in
immune activation.
Brain health
Fish oil may help prevent psychotic disorders in high-risk children and
adolescents.[61] A novel fish oil known as E-EPA may prevent memory
impairment[62] and speed up recovery from major depression[63] There was
yet another study on n−3 fatty acids published in the April 2007 Journal
of Neuroscience.
Anti-Inflammatory
Research in 2005 and 2006 has suggested that the in-vitro
anti-inflammatory activity of n−3 acids translates into clinical
benefits.1
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