Articles and issues of interest

11 October 2010 - Omega3 Comment
The concern regarding conversion of plant based omega3 (EPA-DHA) has long been an issue we have addressed in our work, and a reason why we have not endorsed the soy and canola based "plant sterol" products.  This quote from Dr. Newport is very much the same as we have written many times.  It is a reason too why I am a firm supporter of spirulina.

"While flax oil, walnuts and other vegetable sources of omega-3 are beneficial, they may not be converted efficiently in the body, especially in older people, to DHA and EPA, the two forms of omega-3 that are extremely important to brain function. It is therefore important to take a marine source of omega-3; for most of us this is fish oil. This would be a problem for vegans. I have recently learned that there is a high DHA oil available that is from algae rather than fish or other animal marine life. The supplements suggested for pregnant women are often made from this. Specifically, schizochytrium oil, is available over the counter at health food stores and pharmacies."

Original post date April 2006

Well the media spin of course will now tell you that Omega3s are unhealthy. This comment might make you more interested in having skepticism about mass media reports, at least I hope so,
herbalYODA

24th March: Fish oil may not be so healthy after all says the British Medical Journal

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), researchers analysed 89 studies to assess the effects of Omega-3 fats on death rates, heart disease, cancer and strokes. Their findings (which we vigorously contest): no strong evidence that Omega-3 fats had any benefits! It's important to realise that this is not a new study, but rather a study of studies (a meta-analysis). The conclusions drawn by the authors are, in our view, deeply misleading. They ignore the very large body of evidence that shows great benefits of Omega-3 (especially marine-derived, long chain Omega-3 fatty acids [EPA and DHA] that are known to be free of mercury and PCB contamination) with respect to reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as for proper immune system function. Lee Hooper (lead author) and colleagues omitted numerous important studies, they selected studies mainly involving diseased subjects (whose conditions were likely to have been triggered well before they started supplementing in the trials), they included great ranges in dosages (meaning that direct comparisons between studies are of little value) and they masked the benefits of marine oils by diluting the high quality studies in with weaker studies assessing affects of non-marine sources of short-chain Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., as found in some margarines).

Of interest is the recent release by Norwegian scientists (30th March), who are developing a chewable Omega-3 candy, stating that Omega-3-containing products have experienced massive growth in recent years backed up by scientific research that has linked the fish oils to a range of health benefits.

The Lovaza Shuffle

Here's the story picked up after months by Nutrition Business Journal

Lovaza: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?
July 7, 2010
Nutrition Business Journal takes a close look at Lovaza, a prescription-only omega-3 fatty acid manufactured by Pronova Biopharma in Norway and marketed in the United States by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), in our upcoming issue on the state of the nutrition industry. According to market research firm IMS Health, global sales of Lovaza topped $1 billion in 2009, with $758 million of those sales originating in the U.S.

The new fuss over Lovaza is more about marketing than innovation, as the drug received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in 2004, one year before Reliant Pharmaceuticals brought its predecessor, Omacor, to market. Supplement manufacturers are wary of the heavy ad campaign behind a pharmaceutical competing with one of industry�s star performers, but many view the exposure as a win-win.

�Overall, I think it�s very positive,� said Monique Wellise, professional sales manager for Nordic Naturals. �It validates the use of omega 3s in a clinical application.� Kyle Bliffert, president of Pure Encapsulations, agreed. �If GSK wants to spend millions of dollars advertising the health benefits of fish oil on TV, it can do nothing but benefit all of us. I�m in.�

NBJ bottom line: The news is not all rosy, however. If patients continue to bite for Lovaza in a big way, this could draw economic attention from big pharma toward OTC supplements already available to an educated consumer. The weight of a doctor�s opinion, and that�s doctor�s faith in a more heavily regulated and tested pharmaceutical, could spell trouble for supplements that reach blockbuster status. Already, pharmaceutical companies have rolled out prescription versions of Niacin (Niaspan has been around since 1997), and vitamin D2 (which many contend is actually inferior to over-the-counter D3). Future candidates for supplement-based drugs might include: plant sterols, coenzyme Q10, and glucosamine/chondroitin.

For the full story behind Lovaza, and comprehensive coverage of the current supplement industry, don�t miss NBJ�s 2010 Nutrition Industry Overview issue, available later this month through our website.

Find this article at:
http://www.nutritionbusinessjournal.com/supplements/news/Lovaza-A-Wolf-in-Sheeps-Clothing/index.html/?cid=nl_weekly
© 2008 Penton Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Originally posted April 2010
Our pharmaceutical grade Super EPA(300 mg)DHA (200 mg), Fish oil 1000 mg /capsule - $22/60 capsules. A one month supply. CONTACT US FOR ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS.

SCAM

Surprised? Probably not if you've followed us over the years or attended any of our educational programs.

We’ve been saying that pharmaceutical grade omega-3 fish oil can protect your heart for decades. Now Big PhRMA wants to scalp you and your checkbook too.

Consider this price: 120 capsules, $191.00, one reason why PhRMA/INS collusion artificially inflates health care costs.

And for that price, I'm sure you are considering just what might cost about $1.60 a piece.

This just happens to be an example of GSK's new prescription fish oil capsule.

The TV ad even stresses “you can't buy this in a health food store.”

The question then becomes, once getting the facts, why would you want to get it as an over priced prescription...

Currently each LOVAZA® (omega-3-acid ethyl esters) 1 gram capsule contains contains at least 900 mg of the ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish oils. These are predominantly a combination of ethyl esters of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA - approximately 465 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA - approximately 375 mg).

The daily dose of LOVAZA is 4 grams per day (4 capsules).

Drug interaction studies with several statin drugs were limited to 14 days. The effects of LOVAZA 4 grams per day were assessed in 2 randomized,placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group studies of 84 adult patients.

The FDA has approved omega-3 fish oil as a heart-protecting drug. Big PhRMA is spending millions to market omega-3 fish oil. Why?, overwhelming that purified, concentrated omega-3 fish oil protects your heart from the risks of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. The best part is that along with a healthy food plan and exercise it will lower deadly triglyceride levels.

What Big PhRMA isn't telling you: Prescription strength omega-3 fish oil is available without a prescription You’ll pay up to 6x more for prescription omega-3 fish oil Pharmaceutical grade EPA-DHA gives your heart EXACTLY THE SAME benefits as prescription omega-3 fish oil.

Lovaza capsules also contain the following inactive ingredients: 4 mg α-tocopherol (in a carrier of soybean oil), and gelatin, glycerol, and purified water (components of the capsule shell).

Lovaza, a lipid-regulating agent, is supplied as a liquid-filled gel capsule for oral administration. Each 1-gram capsule of Lovaza contains at least 900 mg of the ethyl esters of omega-3 fatty acids sourced from fish oils. These are predominantly a combination of ethyl esters of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA - approximately 465 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA - approximately 375 mg).

Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including blood clotting problems, liver problems, pancreas problems, obesity, thyroid problems, diabetes, consuming large amounts of alcohol, allergies (including fish, fish oil, or soy), 

Cautions - DO NOT TAKE LOVAZA 1gm if you have had an allergic reaction to it or to any ingredient in this product, including soy.

Our note: Caution: Burping may be indicative of your inability to properly digest and absorb fat, convert EPA to DHA, or that the fish oil may be rancid.

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/lovaza

http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/lovaza-rip-off.html

http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_lovaza.pdf

Centrum Cardio contains GMO soy and canola oil. Look for our several articles using the search box.

And from the Journal of Nutrition -

Omega-3s Show Heart Benefits for Non-Fish Eaters

A new study from The Netherlands says that increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids appear to decrease the risk of heart disease and heart attack in people with low fish intakes.

Findings published in the Journal of Nutrition reported that daily intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) of about 240 mg was associated with a 50% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), compared with intakes of about 40 mg.

Furthermore, the highest average intake of DHA and EPA was associated with a 38% reduction in heart attacks, said researchers from Wageningen University following a study including more than 21,000 people with low fish intakes.

The heart-health benefits of consuming oily fish, and the omega-3 fatty acids they contain, are well documented. To date, the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been linked to improvements in blood lipid levels, a reduced tendency of thrombosis, blood pressure and heart rate improvements, and improved vascular function.

Intakes of EPA, DHA, and fish were assessed in 21,342 people aged between 20 and 65. Fish intakes ranged from 1.1 to 17.3 grams per day. Over the course of an average of 11.3 years, the researchers documented 547 deaths, of which 82 were linked to CHD, with 64 of these being heart attack.

According to the results, the highest average intake of EPA plus DHA (234 mg per day) was associated with a 51% reduction in the risk of fatal CHD, compared to the lowest average intake (40 mg per day).

"In conclusion, in populations with a low fish consumption, EPA+DHA and fish may lower fatal CHD and [heart attack] risk in a dose-responsive manner," wrote the researchers.
Journal of Nutrition Published online ahead of print, April 2010.

Lovaza vs fish oil supplements?
By Dr. William Davis, Jan 26, 10

Lovaza is the FDA-approved form of fish oil that is available only by prescription. It contains 842 mg of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, per capsule.

The FDA application for Lovaza is viewable here on the FDA website. Interestingly, while there is plenty of the usual regulatory gobbledy-gook about toxicology, dose escalation, and efficacy in the extensive documentation, there is little said about the issue of contamination.

In other words, critics of nutritional supplement fish oil harp on the possibility of contamination with mercury and pesticide residues, like dioxin and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). Yet there is virtually nothing about these same issues in the FDA application for Lovaza.

Please explain this to Cargill

6 September: As you can see, Monsanto keeps eyeing markets for its genetically modifed soybeans. In a joint venture with Solae, Monsanto wishes to flood the supplement market, and probably Big PhRMA products too, with their oil as a source of omega 3.  As this excerpt notes, ALA is not well converted to active omega 3 by most humans.  Remember that it has just been found that soy bean oil contributes to cataract.  This oil is also used as a "plant sterol" in margarines and many other products that allege they support heart health.

Monsanto and Solae are leading research into genetically modified soybeans containing SDA as a source of omega-3. Soybean oil is not normally a good source of omega-3 because it contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body coverts inefficiently to SDA. Read complete article

5 July: While we know this product is highly unlikely to be non-GMO, it's also another example of corporate irresponsibility.

I've posted numerous articles on Natural Health News about the promotion of "plant sterol" products allegedly for heart health.

When doing some digging I found that it is GMO canola and soy oils used to push this agenda, and consumers are mostly unaware.

Flax seeds and flax oil are tremendous health promoting foods, but flax oil is extremely fragile and turns rancid quickly. One has to wonder will Cargill utilize GMO flax seed to make their oil. And what will they use to make it stable for nine months, non-refrigerated?.

What it's got: Flaxseed is a good plant source for a type of omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). It also contains soluble fiber and plant estrogens called lignans..
Why it's super: Flaxseed may improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, inflammation, and blood triglyceride levels and helping to prevent clot formation in arteries. Some studies suggest it may also reduce the risk of some cancers.

The major issue beyond GMO and the liver toxicity relationship to canola oil, is the inability for a vast majority of people to convert these oils from ALA to Omega 3.

Additionally, most commercial oils are produced with toxic hexane and toxic benzene.

I guess you'd better learn to read labels, your life may depend on it.

Cargill To Introduce Industry-First Healthy Oil Innovation, Clear Valley® Omega-3 Oil Made From Canola And Flax Seed, At IFT Food Expo
Revolutionary new oil delivers heart health benefits, allows ALA omega-3 label claim in low-fat, shelf-stable products

Minneapolis, MA /PRNewswire/ - Cargill will introduce a revolutionary new canola/flax seed oil blend at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Food Expo July 18-20 in Chicago. Cargill recently completed a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) self-determination for the ingredient, which will allow food manufacturers to make a "good source of ALA (alpha linolenic acid) omega-3" or "excellent source of ALA omega-3" Nutrient Content Claim(1) on the front of the package. The new oil contains up to 30 percent of ALA omega-3 and provides a minimum of 160 milligrams of ALA in most applications. Clear Valley® Omega-3 Oil, which is patent pending, is now available for product trial testing.

"As heart-health is top of mind for many consumers, Cargill developed Clear Valley®Omega-3 Oil to help manufacturers who want to seamlessly deliver heart-healthy products to this market," said Willie Loh, Ph.D., vice president in Cargill's oils and shortenings business. "This is not a small opportunity for our customers. Seventy-seven percent of consumers have used heart-healthy foods in the past year(2), and 63 percent of consumers are trying to add sources of omega-3 to their diets(3)," said Loh. Loh further discusses the subject of healthy oils innovation on the Cargill Innovation Exchange. Read complete article

Study Finds Colon Cancer Survival Not Extended Using Erbitux

Vitamin E is known to help prevent colon cancer. New studies also point to help from Omega 3.

UPDATE: Study Finds Colon Cancer Survival Not Extended Using Erbitux

Oh, I know, you are one of those health nuts

UPDATE: 11 May 2010 - Diabetes associated with statin use Reported Sattar N, Preiss D, Murray HM, et al, Lancet. 2010;375:735-742. Epub 2010 Feb 16.
Certainly the risk of diabetes is not one which you may wish to undertake. Changing foo and lifestyle can do many great things for health, and help you reduce cholesterol without risk of diabetes.

And from another source here's more old news about the benefits of raw nuts for health. I wonder how many times the same studies are done before the findings trickle down to the everyday public...

Nuts, by the way, in addition to containing vitamin E for cardiovascular health, do contain a fat that is found in deficient levels in people suffering with wheat allergy.

Remember, it's just 1/4 cup daily of raw nuts to help you reap a multitude of benefits to help you avoid using problematic drugs.

Eating nuts may help lower cholesterol levels, US research suggests.
The review of 25 studies, involving nearly 600 people, showed eating on average 67g of nuts - a small bag - a day reduced cholesterol levels by 7.4%.
The US Loma Linda University team believes nuts may help prevent the absorption of cholesterol.
UK experts said the research showed nuts were an important part of a healthy diet, but warned against eating nuts covered in sugar or salt.
Previous work has indicated eating nuts regularly is beneficial, but the Archives of Internal Medicine study set out to put an accurate figure on the effect.

“ The effects of nut consumption were dose related, and different types of nuts had similar effects ” Lead researcher Joan Sabate

The people involved ate 67g of nuts a day on average, over a period of three to eight weeks.
As well as improving cholesterol levels, it also reduced the amount of triglyceride, a type of blood fat that has been linked to heart disease.
However, the impact was least pronounced among the overweight.
It is not yet clear why nuts have this effect, although one suggestion is that it is down to the plant sterols they contain, which are thought to interfere with cholesterol absorption.
Lead researcher Joan Sabate said increasing nut consumption as part of a healthy diet should be recommended.
He added: "The effects of nut consumption were dose related, and different types of nuts had similar effects."
Ellen Mason, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, agreed, but she urged people to go for unsalted nuts.
"Apart from salted peanuts at the pub, nuts in sugary cereals or the traditional Christmas selection, nuts have been largely lacking in our diets in the UK," she added.
The study was carried out by independent researchers, although it was partly funded by the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation.

Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/8673208.stm
Published: 2010/05/10 23:31:27 GMT © BBC MMX
12.15.08 - Nutty for sure but up on healthy foods for longer than most people ever thought of this so-called "new" report on why eating nuts is good for health.

About a dozen years ago I taught one of my seminars at Edmonds Community College about heart health. I had just found an excellent study about how just 1/4 cup daily of raw walnuts would go a long way to keep your heart healthy. Plus they would give you a food source of health promoting vitamin E.

Now someone has gone again and gotten some money to do research about something that could have been found in a thorough search of the literature.

So here you go, since it is "news", a few more facts on nuts.

Please note that the health benefits refer to using raw nuts and organic would be the best choice.

Walnuts

In addition to their omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are an important source of monounsaturated fats — approximately 15% of the fat found in walnuts is healthful monounsaturated fat. A host of studies have shown that increasing the dietary intake of monounsaturated-dense walnuts has favorable effects on high cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular risk factors.

and

Did you know that just one-quarter cup of walnuts contains over 90% of the daily value for those hard-to-find omega-3 essential fatty acids? They are called .essential. because they are a special protective type of fat that cannot be manufactured by our body and therefore must be supplied by the foods we eat. Researchers believe that about 60% of Americans are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, and about 20% have so little that tests cannot even detect any in their blood. The list of benefits derived from omega-3s is impressive, ranging from improving cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of stroke to acting as anti-inflammatory agents and improving bone density. Enjoying walnuts as part of your Healthiest Way of Eating not only adds wonderful taste and texture to your meals, but it is an easy way to include more omega-3s into your diet. Walnuts also contain ellagic acid a compound that supports the immune system and appears to have anticancer properties.

and don't forget that walnuts do have a thyroid lowering effect so perhaps this will aid those with hyperthyroid conditions who aren't sold on slaying their gland with radioactive iodine.