Download DHA fish oils by Ray Sahelian, MD DHA is an omega-3

DHA Docosahexanoic : by Ray Sahelian, M.D., DHA research dha dosage dha benefits
Page 1 of 12
DHA fish oils by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid made from another fatty acid called
alpha -linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is found predominantly in flaxseed
oil (also known as linseed) and hemp seed oil. Green leafy
vegetables, soybeans, walnuts, and canola oil have small amounts
of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial because
they provide fluidity to cell membranes and improve communication
between brain cells. Omega -3s also reduce the clotting ability of
platelets, thus potentially decreasing the incidence of heart attacks
and strokes. Two very important omega-3 fatty acids are
eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). They
are found in seafood, especially mackerel, salmon, striped bass,
rainbow trout, halibut, tuna, and sardines. Supplements of fish oils
that contain EPA and DHA are sold over the counter. DHA is also
sold by itself, usually from an algae source. In the body, DHA is
found mostly in the brain, retina, and in sperm. DHA plays an
important role in vision.
DHA Neuromins ™, 100 mg
120 Softgels
Source Naturals
DHA Neuromins is derived from algae, not fish, hence it
is a vegetarian source. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is
an omega -3 fatty acid which plays a significant role in
cerebral development, especially during the crucial
period of fetal development and infancy. Pregnant
mothers transfer DHA directly to the fetus to support
rapid brain and retina development. DHA is supplied to
the newborn via mother's breast milk. Some people have
lower concentrations of DHA due to low-fat or vegetarian diets.
Supplementation with DHA can help assure adequate amounts to
support normal development of the brain and retina.
DHA Supplement Facts:
Serving Size 1 Softgel
Servings per bottle: 120
Amount Per Serving:
Calories 5
Calories from fat 5
DHA - 100 mg*
Docosahexaenoic Acid (from algal oil)
Suggested Use: 1 to 3 DHA softgels daily.
*DHA Daily value not established.
file://\\cphmedwardhana\Iwan\E-LIB\Osfit%20DHA\DHA%20Docosahexanoic%20%20by%20Ray%20... 10/28/2005
DHA Docosahexanoic : by Ray Sahelian, M.D., DHA research dha dosage dha benefits
Page 2 of 12
Other Ingredients: Sunflower oil, gelatin (capsule), glycerin, water,
vitamin C (<2%DV) and vitamin E (<2%DV).
Retail: $39.50 Sale: $21.95
Click DHA to purchase or to see a complete list of products at
Physician Formulas
Plus: Subscribe to a FREE Supplement Research Update newsletter.
Twice a month we email a brief abstract of several studies on
various supplements and natural medicine topics, and their practical
interpretation by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Fisol, 180 Softgels Fish Oils, Nature's Way
Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, 1000 mg, 180 Softgels Natural Factors
Click on DHA above to see a complete list of products at Physician
Formulas including fish oils
Mind Power Rx - Formulated by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Mind Power Rx is a sophisticated cognitive formula. It
combines a delicate balance of brain circulation
agents and neurotransmitter precursors with powerful
natural brain chemicals that support:
• Memory
• Mental clarity
• Concentration
• Alertness & Focus
The herbs in Mind Power Rx include: Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Fo-Ti,
Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, Gotu kola, Mucuna pruriens, Reishi, and
Rhodiola. The nutrients and vitamins in Mind Power Rx include
Acetyl-l-carnitine, Carnitine, Carnosine, Choline, DMAE, Inositol,
Methylcobalamin, Pantothenic acid, Trimethylglycine, Tyrosine, and
Vinpocetine. Click DHA above in blue for more information, or to
purchase at Physician Formulas
DHA Benefits
Fish and fish oils may be beneficial in reducing the risk for heart
disease, heart arrhythmias, mental decline, and may also help
reduce symptoms of arthritis and several autoimmune conditions.
file://\\cphmedwardhana\Iwan\E-LIB\Osfit%20DHA\DHA%20Docosahexanoic%20%20by%20Ray%20... 10/28/2005
DHA Docosahexanoic : by Ray Sahelian, M.D., DHA research dha dosage dha benefits
Page 3 of 12
Eating fish and perhaps taking fish oil supplements may also help
reduce the risk for macular degeneration. Fish oils are found in
sperm, and these oils may support healthy sexual organ function.
Dr. Malcolm Peet of the Swallownest Court Hospital in Sheffield,
England and his colleague found that depressed patients who
received a daily dose of 1 gram of an omega-3 fatty acid for 12
weeks experienced a decrease in their symptoms, such as sadness,
anxiety and sleeping problems.
DHA--Seeing is Believing
The rods and cones of the retina in the eyes are very rich in DHA.
Hence, a deficiency in dietary fish oils will reduce the photoreceptor
activity of retinal cells, and may reduce visual acuity. On the other
hand, supplementation with fish oils (or flaxseed oil) could lead to
visual improvement with enhanced color perception.
Since levels of DHA in the brain decline with age, it is likely that
the levels of DHA also decline in the retina. Is it possible that daily
intake of fish oils can improve vision in older individuals? Hopefully
future research can give us some answers.
Reduce the risk of sudden death with omega-3s
An editorial in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart
Association suggests that increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acids,
which come from fatty fish or flaxseed oil, and decreasing omega-6
fatty acids, found in plant seed oils such as corn, safflower, and
sunflower, is a way to reduce the risk of sudden death from irregular
heart rhythms or heart attacks.
One cause of sudden death is ventricular fibrillation, in which
the heart contracts in a fast and chaotic rhythm that makes it unable
to pump blood to the rest of the body. A number of factors including
cigarette use, fasting, diabetes, hyperthyroidism or heart attack can
trigger the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue.
Fats that we eat are stored in adipose (fat) tissue. When these
fats are released from their storage sites, they become free fatty
acids. But not all fatty acids are equal in their propensity to cause
arrhythmias. High levels of omega-6 fatty acids may encourage
arrhythmias if their levels aren’t balanced by omega-3 fatty acids.
Dr. Sahelian says: a year ago the American Heart Association
revised its dietary recommendations to include advice to eat two
meals of fatty fish – such as salmon or halibut – per week. I
recommend those who don’t eat fish to take 3 to 5 fish oil capsules
or a teaspoon of flaxseed oil per day and to try reducing their intake
of omega-6 oils.
Fish Oil Interactions with Medicines
Taking fish oil capsules can thin the blood even more when taken
along with warfarin (Coumadin)... see study below.
Fish and Fish Oils Could Help Your Eyesight
Do the types of fats and oils we consume have an influence on how
file://\\cphmedwardhana\Iwan\E-LIB\Osfit%20DHA\DHA%20Docosahexanoic%20%20by%20Ray%20... 10/28/2005
DHA Docosahexanoic : by Ray Sahelian, M.D., DHA research dha dosage dha benefits
Page 4 of 12
well we see as we age? An epidemiological research study
completed recently in Australia and published in Archives of
Ophthalmology indicates that the incidence of age related macular
degeneration (ARMD) is reduced in those who consume fish.
ARMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over
age 50 and this eye disease is currently incurable. In this condition,
central vision is lost, but peripheral vision almost always remains
intact. Today an estimated 12 million Americans have some form of
the disease.
The retina lies in the back of the eye and is composed of cells
called rods and cones. The retina gathers light and visual
information from the outside world. This information is then
transmitted through a special nerve bundle, called the optic tract, to
an area in the back of the brain called the visual cortex. The visual
cortex, in turn, interprets this information.
The macula is the special central area in the retina used for fine
focus such as reading, driving, watching television, and recognizing
people. There is a gradual loss of visual acuity as the macula
degenerates with age, eventually leading to blindness.
The study, done by researchers at the Australian National
University, evaluated 3654 individuals aged 49 and over. The
participants completed a detailed food questionnaire and had
photographs taken of their macula. A higher frequency of fish
consumption was associated with a decreased incidence of ARMD.
It was also found that those with very high levels of cholesterol
intake were more likely to have ARMD.
Why would eating fish be beneficial to the macula? The answer is
not fully understood. Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Mind Boosters: A
Guide to Natural Supplements That Enhance Your Mind, Memory,
and Mood (St. Martin's Press, 2000, $13.95), says, "We do know that
the retina is chock full of omeg-3 fatty acids, particularly those
found in fish oils. These omega-3 fatty acids are known as EPA
(eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid). Those who
eat little fish or whose dietary intake is deficient in omega-3 oils
may, over time, develop a shortage of these fatty acids in their
macula." He adds, "I often recommend fish oil supplements to
individuals whose fish intake is very low. Clinically, I have noticed
that fish oil supplements improve focus, color perception and clarity
of vision." Dr. Sahelian also recommends his patients consume
adequate amount of fruits and vegetables that contain carotenoids
and flavonoids, nutrients with antioxidant properties.
Reference: Smith W, Mitchell P, Leeder SR. Dietary fat and fish intake
and age -related maculopathy. Arch Ophthalmol 2000 Mar;118(3):401-4;
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian
National University, Australian Capital Territory.
Infants, DHA, and Myopia
Children who are breastfed are about fifty percent less likely to be
nearsighted. Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, a substance found in
breast milk, could be the main element that improves early visual
development in babies, resulting in more ordered eyeball growth
file://\\cphmedwardhana\Iwan\E-LIB\Osfit%20DHA\DHA%20Docosahexanoic%20%20by%20Ray%20... 10/28/2005
DHA Docosahexanoic : by Ray Sahelian, M.D., DHA research dha dosage dha benefits
Page 5 of 12
which then reduces the development or severity of nearsightedness.
Nearsightedness is the most common eye problem. It affects as
much as 40 percent of the population in the United States and
Europe but between 70 and 90 percent of some Asian populations
such as Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong. DHA is important for the
development of photoreceptor cells in the retina, which play a major
role in whether children become develop nearsightedness.
Researchers studied 797 children aged between 10 to 12 years in
Singapore as part of the survey. They were given medical tests and
also had to answer a series of questions including the number of
books they read per week. The study, led by the Singapore Eye
Research Institute, found that the risk of nearsightedness in a child
who was breastfed is 0.6 times that of child that was not, even after
taking other factors into account. While genetic variation was seen
to be the culprit of nearsightedness among children, soaring rates
of the condition have led more researchers to believe it is the rise in
watching television, playing computers games and reading that is to
blame.
DHA Research Update
Consuming a diet rich in the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexanoic
acid (DHA) may help prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease. In the
study, which is reported in The Journal of Neuroscience, mice that
ate DHA-enriched chow showed less beta-amyloid build-up in the
brain than mice fed regular chow. Beta-amyloid is a protein that
forms the characteristic brain plaques seen in patients with
Alzheimer's disease." These results suggest that dietary DHA could
be protective against beta-amyloid production, accumulation, and
potential downstream toxicity," senior author Dr. Greg M. Cole, from
the University of California at Los Angeles, and colleagues note.
Research has linked high levels of DHA in the diet with a reduced
risk of Alzheimer's disease. Still, the studies have shown an
association, but don't prove that eating a diet high in DHA actually
reduces amyloid levels and prevents Alzheimer's disease. To show
this, animal studies are often needed. Cole's team used a mouse
model of Alzheimer's disease and fed the animals low- or high-DHA
chow or regular chow. The animals were fed the assigned diet until
22.5 months of age, at which point brain tissue was obtained and
tested for amyloid build-up. The high-DHA diet reduced total
amyloid level by 70 percent compared with the other diets, the
investigators report. Moreover, brain plaques were reduced by 40.3
percent.
Docosahexaenoic acid concentrations are higher in women than in
men because of estrogenic effects1,2,3
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 80, No. 5, 1167-1174,
November 2004
During pregnancy there is a high demand for docosahexaenoic acid
( DHA ), which is needed for formation of the fetal brain. Women
who do not consume marine foods must synthesize DHA from fatty
file://\\cphmedwardhana\Iwan\E-LIB\Osfit%20DHA\DHA%20Docosahexanoic%20%20by%20Ray%20... 10/28/2005
DHA Docosahexanoic : by Ray Sahelian, M.D., DHA research dha dosage dha benefits
Page 6 of 12
acid precursors in vegetable foods. We studied sex differences in
DHA status and the role of sex hormones. First, DHA status was
compared between 72 male and 103 female healthy volunteers who
ate the same rigidly controlled diets. Second, the effects of sex
hormones were studied in 56 male-to-female transsexual subjects,
who were treated with cyproterone acetate alone or randomly
assigned to receive oral ethinyl estradiol or transdermal 17ßestradiol combined with cyproterone acetate, and in 61 female-tomale transsexual subjects, who were treated with testosterone
esters or randomly assigned for treatment with the aromatase
inhibitor anastrozole or placebo in addition to the testosterone
regimen. Results: The proportion of DHA was 15 ± 4% ( ± SEM)
higher in the women than in the men. Among the women, those
taking oral contraceptives had 10 ± 4% higher DHA concentrations
than did those not taking oral contraceptives. Administration of oral
ethinyl estradiol, but not transdermal 17ß-estradiol, increased DHA
by 42, whereas the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate did not affect
DHA. Parenteral testosterone decreased DHA by 22 in female-tomale transsexual subjects. Anastrozole decreased estradiol
concentrations significantly and DHA concentrations
nonsignificantly. Conclusion: Estrogens cause higher DHA
concentrations in women than in men, probably by upregulating
synthesis of DHA from vegetable precursors.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils and cardiovascular disease.
Mol Cell Biochem. 2004 Aug;263(1-2):217-25.
Fish and fish oils contain the omega-3 fatty acids known as
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA ).
Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relation between the
dietary consumption of fish containing EPA / DHA and mortality
from coronary heart disease. These relationships have been
substantiated from blood measures of omega -3 fatty acids including
DHA as a physiological biomarker for omega-3 fatty acid status.
Controlled intervention trials with fish oil supplements enriched in
EPA / DHA have shown their potential to reduce mortality in postmyocardial infarction patients with a substantial reduction in the
risk of sudden cardiac death. The cardioprotective effects of EPA /
DHA are widespread, appear to act independently of blood
cholesterol reduction, and are mediated by diverse mechanisms.
Their overall effects include anti-arrhythmic, blood triglyceride lowering, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, endothelial relaxation,
plus others. Current dietary intakes of EPA / DHA from fish oils in
North America and elsewhere are well below those recommended by
the American Heart Association for the management of patients with
coronary heart disease.
Docosahexaenoic acid promotes neurite growth in hippocampal
neurons.
J Neurochem. 2004 Aug;90(4):979-88.
Docosahexanoic acid (22:6n-3; DHA) deficiency during development
file://\\cphmedwardhana\Iwan\E-LIB\Osfit%20DHA\DHA%20Docosahexanoic%20%20by%20Ray%20... 10/28/2005
DHA Docosahexanoic : by Ray Sahelian, M.D., DHA research dha dosage dha benefits
Page 7 of 12
is associated with impairment in learning and memory, suggesting
an important role of DHA in neuronal development. Here we provide
evidence that DHA promotes neuronal differentiation in rat
embryonic hippocampal primary cultures. DHA deficiency in vitro
was spontaneously induced by culturing hippocampal cells in
chemically defined medium. DHA supplementation improved DHA
levels to values observed in freshly isolated hippocampus. We
found that DHA supplementation in culture increased the population
of neurons with longer neurite length per neuron and with higher
number of branches. However, supplementation with arachidonic,
oleic or docosapentaenoic acid did not have any effect, indicating
specificity of the DHA action on neurite growth. Furthermore,
hippocampal cultures obtained from n -3 fatty acid deficient animals
contained a lower DHA level and a neuronal population with shorter
neurite length per neuron in comparison to those obtained from
animals with adequate n-3 fatty acids. DHA supplementation to the
deficient group recovered the neurite length to the level similar to n3 fatty acid adequate cultures. Our data demonstrates that DHA
uniquely promotes neurite growth in hippocampal neurons.
Inadequate neurite development due to DHA deficiency may
contribute to the cognitive impairment associated with n-3 fatty acid
deficiency.
Effect of fish and fish oil-derived omega-3 fatty acids on lipid
oxidation.
Redox Rep. 2004;9(4):193-7.
There is evidence that omega-3 (omega3) fatty acids derived from
fish and fish oils reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease via
mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis, thrombosis and
inflammation. Despite these benefits, there has been concern that
these fatty acids may increase lipid peroxidation. However, the in
vivo data to date are inconclusive, due in part to limitations in the
methodologies. In this regard, our findings using the measurement
of F(2)-isoprostanes, a reliable measure of in vivo lipid peroxidation
and oxidant stress, do not support adverse effects of omega3 fatty
acids on lipid peroxidation.
Docosahexaenoic acid protects from dendritic pathology in an
Alzheimer's disease mouse model.
Neuron. 2004 Sep 2;43(5):633-45.
Learning and memory depend on dendritic spine actin assembly
and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an essential n-3 (omega-3)
polyunsaturated fatty acid (PFA). High DHA consumption is
associated with reduced Alzheimer's disease risk, yet mechanisms
and therapeutic potential remain elusive. Here, we report that
reduction of dietary n-3 PFA in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model
resulted in 80%-90% losses of the p85alpha subunit of
phosphatidylinositol 3 -kinase and the postsynaptic actin-regulating
protein drebrin, as in Alzheimer's disease brain. The loss of
postsynaptic proteins was associated with increased oxidation,
file://\\cphmedwardhana\Iwan\E-LIB\Osfit%20DHA\DHA%20Docosahexanoic%20%20by%20Ray%20... 10/28/2005
DHA Docosahexanoic : by Ray Sahelian, M.D., DHA research dha dosage dha benefits
Page 8 of 12
without concomitant neuron or presynaptic protein loss. n -3 PFA
depletion increased caspase-cleaved actin, which was localized in
dendrites ultrastructurally. Treatment of n-3 PFA-restricted mice
with DHA protected against these effects and behavioral deficits and
increased antiapoptotic BAD phosphorylation. Since n-3 PFAs are
essential for p85-mediated CNS insulin signaling and selective
protection of postsynaptic proteins, these findings have
implications for neurodegenerative diseases where synaptic loss is
critical, especially Alzheimer's disease.
Maturation of visual acuity is accelerated in breast -fed term infants
fed baby food containing DHA-enriched egg yolk.
J Nutr. 2004 Sep;134(9):2307-13.
Between 6 and 12 mo of age, blood levels of the (n-3) long-chain
PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in breast-fed infants typically
decrease due to diminished maternal DHA stores and the
introduction of DHA-poor solid foods displacing human milk as the
primary source of nutrition. Thus, we utilized a randomized, clinical
trial format to evaluate the effect of supplemental DHA in solid foods
on visual development of breast-fed infants with the primary
outcome, sweep visual-evoked potential (VEP) acuity, as an index
for maturation of the retina and visual cortex. At 6 mo of age, breastfed infants were randomly assigned to receive 1 jar (113 g)/d of baby
food containing egg yolk enriched with DHA (115 mg DHA/100 g
food; n = 25) or control baby food (0 mg DHA; n = 26). Gravimetric
measures were used to estimate the supplemental DHA intake which
was 83 mg DHA/d in the supplemented group and 0 mg/d in
controls. Although many infants in both groups continued to breastfeed for a mean of 9 mo, RBC DHA levels decreased significantly
between 6 and 12 mo (from 3.8 to 3.0 g/100 g total fatty acids) in
control infants, whereas RBC DHA levels increased by 34% from 4.1
to 5.5 g/100 g by 12 mo in supplemented infants. VEP acuity at 6 mo
was 0.49 logMAR (minimum angle of resolution) and improved to
0.29 logMAR by 12 mo in controls. In DHA-supplemented infants,
VEP acuity was 0.48 logMAR at 6 mo and matured to 0.14 logMAR at
12 mo (1.5 lines on the eye chart better than controls). At 12 mo, the
difference corresponded to 1.5 lines on the eye chart. RBC DHA
levels and VEP acuity at 12 mo were correlated, supporting the need
of an adequate dietary supply of DHA throughout 1 y of life for
neural development.
The fatty acids found in fish may slightly lower a man's risk of
prostate cancer, but another type of fatty acid found in a range of
foods may raise the risk, a large study suggests. Researchers found
that among nearly 48,000 U.S. men followed for 14 years, those with
the highest intakes of two fatty acids found in oily fish were 26
percent less likely than men with the lowest intakes to develop
advanced prostate cancer. The opposite was true, however, when it
came to alpha -linolenic acid, or ALA. Like the two fish-oil fats, ALA
is an omega-3 unsaturated fatty acid that is thought to promote
file://\\cphmedwardhana\Iwan\E-LIB\Osfit%20DHA\DHA%20Docosahexanoic%20%20by%20Ray%20... 10/28/2005
DHA Docosahexanoic : by Ray Sahelian, M.D., DHA research dha dosage dha benefits
Page 9 of 12
heart health; it is found in vegetable sources such as soybeans,
canola oil, walnuts and flaxseed, and to a lesser extent in meat and
dairy products. In this study, men with the highest intake of ALA
were about twice as likely as those with the lowest intakes to
develop advanced prostate cancer. And the risk was increased
regardless of whether the ALA came from vegetable or animal
sources, according to findings published in the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition.
The July/August 2004 edition of the journal Child Development
reports a study found that infants whose mothers' had higher blood
levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at birth showed more mature
forms of attention during their first two years of development. These
findings add to the evidence that DHA is an important factor in early
development and that women who are pregnant, or intend to
become pregnant, should consider supplementing their diets with
DHA or fish oils. DHA supports an infant's brain and eye
development. Reported studies have consistently shown that
women's diets in the U.S. have one of the lowest levels of DHA in
the world. Clinical studies have demonstrated that women who
supplement their diets with DHA during pregnancy experience
elevated DHA levels in their blood.
People who ate an average of 180 mg or more a day of DHA had
about 40% less Alzheimer's disease and other dementia, compared
with people who consumed less DHA, according to epidemiologic
data collected in the Framingham Heart Study.
Fish oil interaction with warfarin.
Buckley MS, Goff AD,Shawnee Mission, KS of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
85724
Ann Pharmacother. 2004 Jan;38(1):50-2.
OBJECTIVE: To report a case of elevated international normalized
ratio (INR) in a patient taking fish oil and warfarin. CASE SUMMARY:
A 67-year-old white woman had been taking warfarin for 1(1/2) years
due to recurrent transient ischemic attacks. Her medical history
included hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, osteopenia, hypertension,
and coronary artery disease. She also experienced an inferior
myocardial infarction in 1995 requiring angioplasty, surgical repair
of her femoral artery in 1995, and hernia repair in 1996. This patient
has her INR checked in the anticoagulation clinic and is followed
monthly by the clinical pharmacist. Prior to the interaction, her INR
was therapeutic for 5 months while she was taking warfarin 1.5
mg/d. The patient admitted to doubling her fish oil dose from 1000 to
2000 mg/d. Without dietary, lifestyle, or medication changes, the INR
increased from 2.8 to 4.3 within 1 month. The INR decreased to 1.6
one week after subsequent fish oil reduction, necessitating a return
to the original warfarin dosing regimen. DISCUSSION: Fish oil
supplementation could have provided additional anticoagulation
with warfarin therapy. Fish oil, an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty
file://\\cphmedwardhana\Iwan\E-LIB\Osfit%20DHA\DHA%20Docosahexanoic%20%20by%20Ray%20... 10/28/2005
DHA Docosahexanoic : by Ray Sahelian, M.D., DHA research dha dosage dha benefits
Page 10 of 12
acid, consists of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.
This fatty acid may affect platelet aggregation and/or vitamin Kdependent coagulation factors. Omega-3 fatty acids may lower
thromboxane A(2) supplies within the platelet as well as decrease
factor VII levels. Although controversial, this case report illustrates
that fish oil can provide additive anticoagulant effects when given
with warfarin. CONCLUSIONS: This case reveals a significant rise in
INR after the dose of concomitant fish oil was doubled. Patients
undergoing anticoagulation therapy with warfarin should be
educated about and monitored for possible drug-herb interactions.
Pharmacists can play a crucial role in identifying possible drug
interactions by asking patients taking warfarin about herbal and
other alternative medicine product use.
Smart Eating for a Smarter Baby
The brain is largely made of fat, and the types of fat we consume
can have an influence on how well our brain functions. Most studies
show that fish oils (DHA and EPA) are essential to optimal brain
function. But does maternal diet influence brain development of the
child? There is a growth spurt in the human brain during the last
trimester of pregnancy and the first postnatal months, with a large
increase in the cerebral content of DHA. The fetus and the newborn
infant depend on maternal supply of DHA. Sometimes maternal
intake of DHA during pregnancy and lactation is marginal.
Researchers at the University of Oslo in Norway examined the effect
of supplementing pregnant and lactating women with cod liver oil
on mental development of the children, compared with maternal
supplementation with corn oil. The study was randomized and
double-blinded. A total of 590 pregnant women were recruited in
week 18 of pregnancy to take daily 10 mL of cod liver oil or corn oil
until 3 months after delivery. The cod liver oil contains DHA and
EPA. The corn oil contains linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. All
infants of these women were scheduled for assessment of cognitive
function at 6 and 9 months of age. As part of the protocol, 135
subjects from this population were invited for intelligence testing
with the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) at 4
years of age. The K-ABC is a measure of intelligence and
achievement designed for children aged 2.5 years through 12.5
years. Children who were born to mothers who had taken cod liver
oil during pregnancy and lactation scored higher on the Mental
Processing Composite of the K-ABC at 4 years of age as compared
with children whose mothers had taken corn oil. Dr. Sahelian says:
Women who are pregnant may consider eating more fish, taking cod
liver oil or fish oil supplements in consultation with their
obstetrician.
Fish oil supplements contain no mercury
ConsumerLab.com, an independent evaluator of dietary
supplements and nutrition products, released results of its product
review of Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA) from fish oils. EPA
file://\\cphmedwardhana\Iwan\E-LIB\Osfit%20DHA\DHA%20Docosahexanoic%20%20by%20Ray%20... 10/28/2005
DHA Docosahexanoic : by Ray Sahelian, M.D., DHA research dha dosage dha benefits
Page 11 of 12
(eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are fatty
acids that have been shown to help reduce cardiovascular disease,
reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, as well as
showing promise in the treatment of a number of other conditions. A
concern with fish oil products has been potential contamination
with mercury. ConsumerLab.com purchased 20 dietary supplements
containing EPA and/or DHA and tested them for their claimed levels
of these ingredients as stated on the label, as well as for mercury
contamination and evidence of decomposition. Although six of the
products had lower levels of EPA/DHA as stated on the label, none
of the twenty products showed evidence of decomposition and none
were found to contain detectable levels of mercury.
Fish Oil Emails
I've been taking fish oil supplements for a few weeks now and I
notice visual clarity and more pronounced colors like you said in the
book.
I have bipolar disorder. I have tried fish oil and found it useful.
Q. Do I need to take more vitamin E if I'm supplementing with fish
oils?
A. Most likely yes, but only small anounts are needed. Since fish oils
are highly unsaturated, it would seem cautious to supplement with
at least 5 to 10 units of vitamin E a day if you're taking a gram or
more of an epa/dha combination.
Q. I just purchased your book Mind Boosters and find it very
interesting. I have already noticed an improvement in my vision
from taking fish oil.
A. Thank you for the feedback.
Q. I am 24 years old and have just recently started wearing glasses
because I can't see far. You mention [in the Mind Boosters book]
that fish oil supplements can improve focus, color perception and
clarity of vision. Is fish oil use recommended to individuals 50 years
and older or do you think I would benefit by adding fish oil
supplements to my diet?
A. If your diet lacks adequate amounts of omega-3 oils, and you
don't eat enough fish, it is possible that fish oil capsules could help
with your vision, although do not expect dramatic results at your
age. The best way to find out if it works for you is to try the fish oils
for a period of a month and observe any improvements.
Q. Let me compliment you very highly on Mind Boosters. It has been
wonderful to read & implement your research. I realized after
reading it that I didn't eat any fish. After taking 3 fish oil capsules
per day (1000mg) for two weeks I have found my blood pressure is
reduced from 140/90 to 125/80. I take this myself and have very
structured measurements, due to having worked with many different
file://\\cphmedwardhana\Iwan\E-LIB\Osfit%20DHA\DHA%20Docosahexanoic%20%20by%20Ray%20... 10/28/2005
DHA Docosahexanoic : by Ray Sahelian, M.D., DHA research dha dosage dha benefits
Page 12 of 12
blood pressure meds (and unwanted side effects) over the years.
Have you seen this effect elsewhere? If this is long term I am VERY
happy. Live long & prosper.
A. I am surprised that a small dose of fish oils within two weeks
could have made such a difference in your blood pressure. I usually
don't see such a dramatic response in my patients.
file://\\cphmedwardhana\Iwan\E-LIB\Osfit%20DHA\DHA%20Docosahexanoic%20%20by%20Ray%20... 10/28/2005