Dec
15
Fish oil prevents potentially deadly heart rate variability
Filed Under Fish Oil Benefits, Fish Oil Research | Leave a Comment
A two-gram fish oil supplement given daily to elderly persons prevented a decline in heart rate variability caused by tiny, dangerous airborne pollutant particles. Heart rate variability, a measure of the autonomic nervous system’s regulation of the heart, is an independent risk factor for cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack or sudden death.
These findings appeared in the second issue of the December 2005 American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, published by the American Thoracic Society.
Fernando Holguin, M.D., of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, and eight associates provided fish oil supplements to 26 residents of a nursing home in Mexico City. A control group of 24 residents was given soy oil supplements. The participants’ average age ranged from 81 to 83 years old.
“In this randomized controlled trial, fish oil supplementation prevented the reduction in heart rate variability associated with the same-day exposure to indoor particulate matter,” said Dr. Holguin. “In contrast, soy oil, our comparison supplementation of plant-derived polyunsaturated fatty acids, was associated with a marginal, nonsignificant protection from the effects of particulate matter on heart rate variability.”
“Fish oil as a source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could be considered as a potential form of preventive measure to reduce the risk of arrhythmia and sudden death in elderly subjects exposed to ambient air pollution,” said Dr. Holguin.
In the study, the residents were exposed to tiny indoor air pollutant particles that had a dimension of 2.5 micrograms or less. All participants spent 92 percent of their time indoors.
The supplement study was conducted over six months. None of the patients suffered from cardiac arrhythmias, had a pacemaker or were being treated with oral anticoagulants.
Participants had their heart rate variability checked between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on alternate weekdays. To ensure accurate measurement, the subjects lay flat on their back five minutes before starting the test. Each electronic analysis lasted 6 minutes as each participant rested.
Prior to the beginning of the study, all participants had a low intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The authors called for larger studies to confirm their results.
Sep
4
Quixtar Introduces NUTRILITE BRAINIUMS DHA; the First and Only DHA Gummy Supplement for Kids
Filed Under Fish Oil Research | Leave a Comment
What’s yummy and gummy and comes from
the sea? New NUTRILITE(R) BRAINIUMS DHA(TM), the first and only DHA gummy and
tasty Omega-3 supplement for kids.
NUTRILITE BRAINIUMS DHA is a fun, kid-tested, sweet lemon-flavored gummy
that offers a natural source of Omega-3s, fatty acids that are the building
blocks of every living cell in the human body and required for optimal
function of the cells. BRAINIUMS DHA offers two important Omega-3s, DHA and
EPA. DHA helps support optimal memory, learning, and concentration. EPA
supports physical health within joints for mobility and flexibility.
Omega-3s are abundant in ocean fish, but many people in North America
don’t eat a lot of fish. Kids especially tend to avoid fish — unless it’s in
the form of sticks — as they often dislike the taste of seafood. This could
explain why the average American diet contains less than 200 mg of EPA and
DHA. According to experts, those of us not currently consuming at least two
meals of fatty fish per week may benefit from a supplement rich in DHA. Many
DHA supplements, however, come in liquid form and have a fishy taste. With no
artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and nothing fishy to mix, stir,
or drink, BRAINIUMS DHA is easy to eat, for kids and adults alike.
Consumers concerned about PCBs or other contaminants sometimes found in
ocean fish can rest assured with NUTRILITE BRAINIUMS DHA. NUTRILITE
scientists voluntarily joined with 23 other international companies, under the
guidance of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, to develop standards for
ensuring a supply of consistent, high-quality raw materials. Applying those
standards, NUTRILITE starts with high-quality fish oils from ocean fish like
anchovy, mackerel, and sardines. These oils then undergo a proprietary six-
step process to extract the Omega-3s and purify them. Finally, NUTRILITE
scientists test the refined oil for purity and stability.