Important information for your patients
when purchasing an Omega 3 fish oil

The benefits of taking Omega3 fish oil are well documented. There are 2 main beneficial components to fish oil that you need to know about ( eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). When purchasing Omega 3 Fish Oil you should be looking for the highest amount of milligrams (mg) of EPA and DHA

Omega-3’s EPA (Eicosapentanoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexanoic Acid) are the main components of the brain’s neurons and all cell membranes. Chiropractor's Blend Ultra Pure Omega3 utilizes the PureMax® system, which uses a proprietary engineering technology to concentrate and purify lipids to exacting standards over a minimum of three molecular distillation steps. PureMax® offers a 99.6% typical reductions in levels of dioxin-like PCBs and impressive increases in omega-3 concentration.

All about Chiropractor's Blend Fish Oil

Ultra Pure Omega3 1440™ is cutting edge Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). Because our bodies do not manufacture EFAs on their own, Ultra Pure Omega3 1440™ provides these "necessary for life" fatty acids that have been shown to be deficient in the "standard American diet." EFAs have been shown to have a profound effect on the production of prostaglandins. EFAs support healthy blood circulation, normal blood pressure, may reduce inflammation and help balance bodily fluids. EFAs promote optimal cardiovascular, skin, nervous system and immune health. They are necessary for maintai ning bone health, regulating your metabolism and to maintain reproductive capabilities. Omega-3’s EPA (Eicosapentanoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexanoic Acid) are the main components of the brain’s neurons and all cell membranes.

Ultra Pure Omega3 1440™ utilizes the PureMax® system, which uses a proprietary engineering technology to concentrate and purify lipids to exacting standards over a minimum of three molecular distillation steps. PureMax® offers a 99.6% typical reductions in levels of dioxin-like PCBs and impressive increases in omega-3 concentration.

PureMax® is a trade mark of croda international plc england

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Here’s just one clinical trial from hundreds of studies you should read:
A clinical trial has been published from Italy which has evaluated the effect of omega-3 supplementation on cognitive performance in normal healthy adults with mean ages of 33 years. This study indicated that supplementation with 800 mg of DHA plus 1600 mg of EPA for a 35 day period was associated with an improvement in the profile of mood state as measured by the POMS (Profile of Mood Stage) analysis. The POMS analysis showed an increase of vigor and a decrease of the other mood states (anger, anxiety, fatigue, depression, confusion).

Sixty per cent of the human brain consists of fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA in particular. DHA is essential to brain functions, but it is also essential for the prevention of brain cell damage. Poor memory, and particularly dementia such as Alzheimer s disease, is associated with low concentrations of brain DHA. People with a regular intake of seafood have a lower risk of developing dementia.

Good Fats and Bad Fats

There are good fats and bad fats. Bad fats include trans fatty acids, which are artificially produced, and saturated fats, which come from animal products. While the bad fats should be kept to a minimum in everyone’s diet, good fats should also be consumed in moderation. Calorie-wise they both are equivalent; however, how they are used and how they react in our bodies is quite different.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) – Omega-3 and its importance to our bodies. Our bodies do not manufacture EFAs on their own; therefore, it is necessary to get them from our diet, by direct intake from food or supplement sources, on a daily basis. The name alone gives away the fact that this particular fatty acid is "essential" to our life as it is required for our health and protection from illness. EFAs are needed for the proper function of every cell, tissue, organ and gland in the body. Numerous scientific studies have shown the necessity for omega-3s and the dangers of our standard American diet being so severely deficient in them while it is excessively sufficient in omega-6s, mainly from processed foods.

Omega-3 eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid ( DHA)

Omega-3 fatty acids, a class of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, are most deficient in the Western diet. Foods high in omega-3 eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid ( DHA) include salmon, halibut, mackerel, sardines, albacore, lake trout and herring. According to Dr. Allan Spreen, a nutrition expert and Director of "The Nutrition Physician," EPA and DHA are the two Omega-3s that have the best effects on human biochemistry, and they are contained in higher amounts in fish oil. Omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid ( ALA) is found in some nuts (such as English walnuts) and their oils, leafy green vegetables such as spinach, tofu and other forms of soybeans, and vegetable oils such as canola, soybean, flaxseed/linseed and olive. The body converts ALA to EPA and DHA; however, as we age, the conversion process can become insufficient for what our bodies need.

Research has shown that the standard American diet being so dangerously deficient in the very essential omega-3 fatty acids and so dangerously toxic in the essential omega-6 fatty acids are common factors in the alarming numbers of preventable illnesses and disease-related deaths in the U.S. Deficiencies in EPA and DHA omega-3 fish oil are being linked to severe illnesses and disorders that begin in childhood and continue throughout our life spans. EPA and DHA are so important because they are the main component of the brain neurons and all cell membranes. For children, due to the lack of EFAs, some of what is appearing at early ages is asthma and developmental, learning and behavioral problems such as Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Teens and adults are developing diabetes, obesity, depression, skin and digestive disorders, hormonal problems, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, vision problems, infertility, pregnancy complications such as poor fetal development, premature birth and postpartum depression, chronic pain, an inability to fight infection and/or heal wounds, heart disease, strokes, and breast, colon and prostate cancers. Our elderly population has seen an increase in arthritis, osteoporosis, mood disorders and Alzheimer’s. While there can be other contributing causes for these disorders and illnesses, a lack of proper nutrition, including the consistent deficiency in omega-3s, is leading to many of these preventable diseases, disorders and earlier deaths than necessary.

As a result, scientific studies are repeatedly proving the necessity for supplementing our diets with EPA and DHA omega-3 fish oil. The American Heart Association (AHA) released its science advisory "Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Lipids and Coronary Heart Disease" in 1996. Since then, the evidence has continued to mount that shows EFAs can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death, may improve one’s blood lipid cholesterol and lower triglycerides levels, while decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease. The AHA showed newer findings again in November 2002 when they released their scientific statement "Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease."

Since then, the evidence in multiple studies still continues to mount. EFAs have been shown to have a profound effect on the production of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances that render many positive effects in your body) and they support healthy blood circulation, normal blood pressure, may reduce inflammation and help balance bodily fluids. EFAs promote optimal cardiovascular, skin, nervous system and immune health. They are necessary for maintaining bone health, regulating your metabolism and to maintain reproductive capabilities. The human brain is more than 60% structural fat, of which DHA is the major polyunsaturated fatty acid found in the brain. This important EFA is needed for brain development, function and to compose the neural synapses. Low levels in our brains are associated with the increased tendency toward depression, suicide and violence, as well as memory loss, impaired cognitive function and Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown omega-3 helps improve cell function in the lining of the heart and blood vessels, lowers triglyceride levels, and inhibits platelet clumping.

While research is continuing and the evidence is building as to our need for omega-3s, I would like to list just a little of what has already been found without going into all the details of the studies.

• The University of Colorado at Denver conducted a study using 1,770 children (beginning age of birth to 3 years old and continuing for an average of 6 years) who were at high risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Increasing Omega-3 intake was associated with a 55 percent reduction in their risk. Lead researcher Jill M. Norris, MPH, PhD, said, "Our study suggests that higher consumption of total Omega-3 fatty acids, which was reported on the FFQ, is associated with a lower risk of islet autoimmunity in children at increased genetic risk of type 1 diabetes." This study appeared in the September 27, 2007 (vol. 298; pp 1420-1428) issue of "The Journal of the American Medical Association."

• A study published in "Rheumatology 2008; March 24" was done by the Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee, the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, and the University of Dundee, all in Scotland, using cod liver oil capsules to treat patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The study found that using 10 grams of cod liver oil per day dramatically reduced the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatories by 30 percent. Ninety-seven people, aged 37 to 78 years old with an average of 13 years of having RA, were enrolled in the study.

• According to a Harvard Study, men with the highest level of Omega-3 (from fish) in their blood were more than 80% less likely to die suddenly from heart disease compared to men with the lowest levels. Harvard also completed a 16-year study on 85,000 women. That study determined women with the highest intake of Omega-3 (from fish) received significant support for heart health.

• Many people are looking for an alternative to Coumadin, a commonly used blood thinner. It thins the blood by poisoning and killing off the vitamin K in your body. Over time, this will lead to many other medical problems, some of which are osteoporosis, arterial calcification and cognitive malfunction. However, a natural alternative is Omega-3s. Cod liver oil and other fish oils work by making platelets in your blood so slippery that they can’t stick together to form a clot. In order to get the proper dose for your body, it is best to work with a healthcare specialist who is skilled in nutritional/natural medicine. However, this particular use does not actually having clinical studies to back it up.

In the past, it was possible to get sufficient amounts of EPA and DHA by eating wild game meat and wild fish. Today, the majority of our meat comes from grain fed domesticated animals, which are deficient in EFAs. Fish is a good source of protein and it does not contain high saturated fat. However, many fish in our oceans have become laden with mercury, dioxins and other pollutants. As a result, we turned to farmed fish which do not have sufficient levels of EFAs and many are also showing up laden with pollutants. While a recent study (using data spanning 15 years) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggested that increased intake of omega-3 oils during pregnancy and lactation led to higher IQ scores, better hand-eye coordination and more positive social interaction in children, due to the toxicity of fish, pregnant women are being told by the NIH to limit or avoid certain fish during pregnancy and while nursing. Also, as a nation, we consume an insufficient amount of fish to get an adequate supply of EFAs in our diets, and our children typically do not consume the fish that are high in EFAs.

A primary source then for an adequate amount of EPA and DHA in our diets is through supplementation with high quality, toxin free fish oil to ensure our health, vitality and quality of life. Supplementing your diet with omega-3s will not only help you lead a healthier lifestyle with more vitality physically and mentally, but it may also help you to avoid developing preventable illnesses and early death. Omega-3s can oxidize and form free radicals in your body. To offset this risk, nutrition experts are now advising that we take a daily vitamin E supplement (as mixed tocopherols).

When consuming fish oil supplements, caution should be observed by anyone with an allergy or sensitivity to fish. In this case, fish and/or fish oils are not for everyone. Caution is also needed by anyone with an allergy or sensitivity to nuts. Alpha linolenic acid or some omega-3 products may be derived from the types of nuts that cause allergic reactions. If you experience any gastric (stomach) distress or side effects such as burping a fishy taste, the effects may be minimized by starting fish oil supplements with low doses and gradually increasing the dose to the sufficient amount, and/or taking fish oil supplements with meals. If you are on blood thinning medication (including aspirin), have a bleeding disorder, take a very large dose of fish oils, or eat a number of omega-3 fish meals on a weekly basis, you should be monitored by a qualified health professional as omega-3s may thin your blood.

To reach or maintain optimum health, there is a need for a well-rounded diet and supplementation program. If you need help, and most of us do, in identifying the needs within your nutritional program for you and your family, talk to your doctor of chiropractic or a qualified health care specialist.

References: American Heart Association, Health Science Institute, Healthier News, Henschell Chiropractic, Iceland Health, Innate Choice, International Health News, Medical News Today, Medicine Net, Medline Plus, National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, NetWellness Consumer Health Information, University of Maryland Medical Center, WordNet

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

All EFAs are fatty acids that cannot be constructed within the human body by any normal chemical process and therefore must be obtained from the diet. The term "essential" refers to those fats directly involved in biological processes, as opposed to those which simply act as calories (fuel). In addition to the 2 Omega-3's, DHA and EPA, there are other fatty acids that are critical to health as well. The first one, and one of the most interesting, is a type of Omega-6 Linoleic Acid, specifically, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), which is found naturally in the meat and dairy products primarily of ruminants (mammals with 2-stage digestion such as cattle and bison). One of the things which makes CLA so intriguing is that it is a variety of trans fatty acid, a type of polyunsaturated fat which has gotten a deservedly bad name recently in the health news. However, the "bad news" on trans-fats comes from the chemically-produced, non-natural fat compounds created by artificially hydrogenating regular vegetable oils. Hydrogenated, or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, create a type of trans-fat which current studies indicate can do an enormous amount of cardiovascular damage and lead to all types of disease in general, including heart attack, stroke and cancer. These types of fat can only be found in highly processed consumer foods, and do not occur in nature, and they should be avoided at all costs.

CLA, however, is a type of trans fatty acid that does occur naturally in meat and dairy products, and studies show that not only does it not have negative cardiovascular effects that its chemically created cousins do, in has in fact been shown to do a great deal of good for the human body. Antioxidant and anti-cancer properties have been attributed to CLA, as well as its tendency to reduce body fat, improve cholesterol levels and decrease glucose uptake. In terms of human body weight, CLA has been shown to increase metabolic rates and subsequently decrease body fat, specifically in the abdominal area, while increasing muscle growth. As an antioxidant, it appears to increase glutathione levels in a highly positive manner. Glutathione is one of the body's key defenses against cellular toxins such as free radicals, and acts as a cellular defense against cancer. Since glutathione is manufactured internally, and external supplementation has not shown to have any significant positive effects, the best way to get higher glutathione levels is to have a diet rich in glutathione precursors, which are the essential components that the body uses to create glutathione itself.

As for CLA's anti-cancer properties, these appear to be attributed to the recently developed theory that links some types of cancer to chronic inflammation, something that CLA reduces. Chronic tissue damage and chronic inflammation leads to an imbalance of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which some studies indicate may increase the risk of cancer. CLA appears to act as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as a cellular protector in it's capacity as a glutathione precursor, so, overall, while more conclusive research is required to both clarify the mechanisms and verify the results, early indications are clear: CLA is your body's friend in health!

Next on our list of "friendly fats" is Gamma Linoleic Acid, or GLA. A vegetable relative to CLA's animal based Linoleic Acid, GLA is a polyunsaturated essential fatty acid derived from several types of plant and plant seeds. The evening primrose plant was grown by Native Americans to treat swelling in the body, and in the 17th century, it was exported to Europe where it became a popular folk remedy named king's cure-all. It was from the seeds of this plant that GLA was first isolated in 1919. Research continues on GLA's anti-inflammatory properties, since it shows great promise and has none of the side-effects of other pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory medicines. Herbal medicine advocates recommend GLA especially in assisting with auto-immune disorders, arthritis, and eczema. It's anti-inflammatory properties may be the source of the early studies which suggest that GLA has unique properties with potential to suppress tumor growth and retard or prevent metastasis.

GLA is one of the body's first biochemical step in the transforming linoleic acid into important and beneficial prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are essential to the proper functioning of each cell, while essential fatty acids formed from GLA are required for each cell's structure. While evening primrose oil is a good source of GLA, nature's most potent concentration of GLA comes in the form of borage seed oil (24%). Scientists continue to discover the regulating effects of prostaglandins, but it seems clear that without the essential fatty acids, the building blocks of prostaglandins, the body's fat metabolism is certain to malfunction. So make certain you are getting adequate levels of GLA in your diet, through supplementation or consumption of borage or other GLA-containing seed oils.

Last, but not least, on our list of fats that are essential to bodily health, is "the other half" of the Linoleic Acid puzzle, if you will…Alpha Linoleic Acid, or, ALA.This one is an Omega-3 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid, and since it has a distinct molecular pattern different from the Omega-6 GLA, ALA provides the other half of that nutrient set. Studies have found evidence that ALA is related to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, however, the mechanism is still unclear. We know that the body converts ALA into the longer chain fatty acids EPA and DHA which we discussed in our previous article, but it is unknown whether the protective effect against cardiac arrhythmia is exerted by ALA itself, or by these metabolic products. Research has also suggested a major neuroprotective effect of ALA in in-vivo models of both global ischemia and KA-induced epilepsy.

ALA can be found in a variety of plants (including the chia, kiwi, lingonberry and hemp), but it is most commonly available in flaxseed oil (55%). Intriguingly, because ALA is present at just 8% in the worlds most common edible oil, soybean oil, and because ALA is a highly unsaturated fat which is therefore very liquid at room temperature, it is ALA which essentially caused much of the current trend toward trans-fats. Current Soybean oils must be partially hydrogenated in order to be stable at room temperature. Now, remember, ALA itself is not a trans-fat, nor is it chemically created, it is entirely natural…it isn't ALA's fault that it is liquid at room temperature! Interestingly, DuPont is actually trying to engineer a ultra-low ALA soybean, so that they would no longer have to hydrogenate the oil to get the desired effect. In any event, soybean oil has never been a sufficient provider of ALA in the diet to begin with. Dietary ALA has been assessed for its role in cardiovascular health and clinical benefits have been seen in some but not all studies. Still, a review in 2005 concluded "The weight of the evidence favors recommendations for modest dietary consumption of ALA for the primary and secondary prevention of CHD."

To review, DHA and EPA are a pair of multi-beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids primarily found in fish oils. CLA is a "good", naturally occurring trans fatty acid found in some types of animals, most notably cattle and other range-dwelling herbivores. GLA is a vegetable-based Omega-6 fatty acid with many beneficial properties including that of a natural anti-inflammatory agent, and it is best found in borage seed oil. Lastly, ALA is a vegetable-based Omega-3 fatty acid found most available in flaxseed oil, and it converts inside the body into DHA and EPA as well.Each of these EFAs plays a crucial role in regulating your bodies internal functions, from cellular stability to neurotransmission, from toxin defense to inflammation control, from beneficial cholesterol levels to proper glucose absorption. Without a doubt, we cannot live without EFAs…but without the proper diet or supplementation, we tend to get far too few of them. So bulk up on your EFA-containing foods, and supplement your EFAs in order to bring your body into total wellness.

Sources: Cancer and Inflammation (CIBA Foundation Symposia Series) 2004 by Jamie A. Goode, Bellury M.A. Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Health: Physiological Effects and Mechanisms of Action Ann Rev Nutr 22:505-31, 2002, Belury, M.A.. Inhibition of Carcinogenesis by Conjugated Linoleic Acid Potential Mechanisms of Action. J. Nutr 132:2995-98, 2002, French, P. et al. J Anim Sci Nov;78:2849-55, 2000, Mozaffarian D (2005). "Does _-linolenic acid intake reduce the risk of coronary heart disease? A review of the evidence". Alternative therapies in health and medicine 11 (3): 24–30; quiz 31, 79, William E. Connor (2000). "Importance of n_3 fatty acids in health and disease" (pdf). American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 71 (1 Suppl.): 171S–175S, Blankson H, Stakkestad JA, Fagertun H, Thom E, Wadstein J, Gudmundsen O. (December 2000). "Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat mass in overweight and obese humans". Journal of Nutrition 130 (12): 2943–2948, "Plant oil 'acts like cancer drug'" (2005-11-02). (describing work by Dr Javier Menendez and colleagues at Northwestern University and published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute), Fan, Yang-Yi and Robert S. Chapkin (9 September 1998). "Importance of Dietary Omega-Linolenic Acid in Human Health and Nutrition". Journal of Nutrition 128 (9): 1411–1414, Yung-Sheng Huang, Vincent A. Ziboh (2001). Gamma-Linolenic Acid: Recent Advances in Biotechnology and Clinical Applications. AOCS Press, 259. ISBN 1893997170.

Warning: Pregnant or lactating women, diabetics, hypoglycemics and people with known medical conditions and/or taking drugs should consult with a licensed physician and/or pharmacist prior to taking dietary supplements. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.