New research is uncovering a link between marine omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAS) and reduced risk of all-cause mortality and aging.
A 2019 meta-analysis from the Journal of the American Heart Association showed that daily omega-3 fish oil supplementation compared to a placebo significantly reduced the risk for most CV events, including heart attack and mortality from coronary heart disease.
Additional research from the Cardiovascular Health Study published in the British Medical Journal in 2018 found that higher blood levels of EPA and DPA were significantly associated with overall healthy aging, defined as “surviving past age 65 free of chronic disease and maintaining good functional status.”
These results suggest that adding omega-3 fish oils (EPA and DHA) to a patient’s daily supplement regimen, along with consuming more omega-3-rich fatty fish, may be beneficial to support healthy aging, longevity, and overall health. For maximum benefits, it is important to encourage patients to supplement with high-quality, high-potency fish oils that are formulated to contain triglyceride-bound EPA and DHA (the form found in nature) versus the synthetic ethyl ester forms.
The Story Behind Omega-3s
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential, which means the body cannot produce them; they must be obtained from foods or supplements. Our standard American diet is very high in omega-6s but low in omega-3s as a result of industrialized farming practices and modern food processing technology. Correcting this imbalance through foods and supplements may be beneficial for the entire body.
The omega-3s that come from marine animals (e.g., salmon, sardines, mackerel) are different from the plant forms (e.g., walnuts and flaxseed), in that many people cannot effectively convert the plant forms to the animal forms, which are the more potent and biologically active versions that the body needs in order to function optimally. Since most people do not consume cold-water fish regularly, supplementation may be desired for those concerned about any of the health issues listed below, and is also recommended for healthy individuals in order to maintain a good baseline balance of fatty acids.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) – beneficial for supporting a healthy brain, balanced emotions, skin health, normal cholesterol levels, and a proper inflammatory response
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) – supports proper brain development and function, visual acuity, maintenance of normal triglyceride levels and blood pressure, eye development and a healthy pregnancy for expectant mothers
Proper fatty acid ratios help support:
- Healthy joint function
- Healthy immune function and a normal inflammatory response
- Skin and hair hydration
- Eye health/hydration
- Cardiovascular health
- Healthy moods and balanced emotions
- Healthy cell membranes
- Cognitive function, memory, and brain health
Doctor Ziya’s solution:
OmegAvail™ Hi-Po provides a potent 1500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids daily in order to support an optimal body balance of these beneficial fatty acids. This formula also includes lipase, a digestive aid to ensure maximum absorption and to prevent any fishy aftertaste (“fishy burps”) which sometimes occurs with fish oil supplements. This formula has a 75% concentration of EPA+DHA, much higher than that of most other fish oils commonly available, which allows it to impart its health benefits much faster.
Additionally, the omega-3 fatty acids in this product are derived from fish oils in their triglyceride (TG) form — the same way they naturally occur in fish. Most mass-marketed fish oil supplements come in the ethyl ester (EE) form. Compared to the TG form, the EE form is less expensive and more convenient to produce, but is not as readily recognized, digested and assimilated by the body.
It is important to discuss this and all supplements with your health care provider before taking.
Nutritional supplements are not all created equal.
Over-the-counter supplement brands, including those you’d find at a health food store, often contain questionable additives like dyes, sugar, soy, gluten, fillers, and high fructose corn syrup; they even sometimes contain less of the active ingredients than are stated on the label. With little regulation in place for the supplement industry, it is important to trust the source of nutraceutical products.
Meridians and Marathons confidently recommends Designs for Health supplements because we know our patients are getting quality, clean ingredients that meet or exceed label claims, and are in bio-available forms for maximum efficacy. Designs for Health has all raw materials and finished supplements tested by a third-party lab for identity, potency, and unwanted contaminants like heavy metals, mold, and pesticides. This means you are getting what’s on the label, with nothing undesirable. Designs for Health is GMP certified, indicating that they adhere to good manufacturing practices.
This does not constitute medical advice in any way, if you have questions about your personal health situation contact Dr. Ziya OR other licensed medical provider.
