Tag Archives: fish oil

Fish oil reduces ADHD in children, reveals new study

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A specific omega-3 and 6 supplement – Equazen eye q – can help reduce symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children according to a new study.* Equazen eye q, when taken in combination with ADHD medication can also reduce the dosage of medication required so reducing the side effects.

Commenting on this new study regarding Equazen eye q, Dr Carrie Ruxton, an independent dietitian notes: “This latest study investigated the effectiveness and safety of the Equazen eye q formulation on ADHD either alone or in combination with ADHD medication. The study evaluated 90 children (6-12 years) who were recently diagnosed with ADHD of all subtypes. At the start of the 12 month study, the children were divided randomly into three groups. Group 1 were given a daily dose of the ADHD medication methylphenidate (MPH). Group 2 was given a daily dose of six Equazen eye q capsules. Group 3 was given a combination of both MPH and Equazen eye q. Equazen eye q omega-3 and omega-6 formulation contains a specific (9:3:1) ratio of the fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

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“Of particular note, is that the combined treatment of MPH and Equazen eye q resulted in this group needing a lower dose of MPH to reduce their ADHD symptoms. The completion rate was also higher in this group, whilst the withdrawal rate and the incidence of adverse events were significantly lower. This suggests that the combination of Equazen eye q with MPH may lead to improved treatment adherence compared with MPH alone.

“Within this combined treatment group, the side-effects sometimes experienced with MPH – insomnia, tremors, tics, palpitations and hyporexia (loss of appetite) – were also significantly reduced.

“In the group given Equazen eye q alone, significant improvements were seen in the inattentive ADHD subtype.”
Commenting on the research further, Dr Eduardo Barragán who was the lead study author, and paediatric neurologist at the Hospital Infantil de México notes:

“The data results suggest that nutritional supplementation with the specific combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids – Equazen eye q – used in this study is an effective, well-tolerated option for children with ADHD when used alone. In addition, while results with stimulant medication tend to be seen very quickly, it is important to ensure dietary intervention with the Equazen eye q capsules is given for the appropriate amount of time for effects to be seen. Improvements were seen at four to six weeks with the full effect observed between eight to 12 weeks and lasting for the duration of the trial.”

In summary, Dr Carrie Ruxton notes: “The benefits of this specific omega-3 and omega-6 supplement in enabling the use of a lower dose of MPH while reducing the side effects of MPH is really good news.”

“Given the findings were based solely on the specific Equazen eye q formulation this latest research data should not be translated to other omega-3 and omega-6 preparations.”

Further studies are now being planned.

ADHD – facts and stats:

  • Parents should always speak to their family doctor before giving supplements to their child with ADHD, particularly if medication is being prescribed.
  • ADHD is a common and impairing behavioural condition affecting five to seven per cent of school-aged children with a higher prevalence in boys than girls (4:1).  Around 80 per cent of children diagnosed with ADHD experience symptoms during adolescence and 67 per cent still have symptoms into adulthood.
  • This condition affects parts of the brain which control attention, impulses and concentration and is characterised by three main types of ADHD traits. These include: the hyperactive-impulsive subtype, inattentive subtype, and the most common, which is the combined subtype with sufferers displaying the majority of ADHD symptoms.

Associated with a range of learning, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, the effects of unrecognised ADHD can be disastrous for undiagnosed individuals and their families. Treatment with stimulant medication such as methylphenidate (MPH) remains one of the most common approaches to the management of ADHD.

However, in recent years, concerns have been raised as to the risk of potential adverse effects of MPH. These include depression, skin rashes and growth inhibition.Despite this, during the last six years, there has been a 50 per cent increase in UK prescriptions for ADHD medication prompting some experts to question whether there is an over reliance on medication to treat the condition.

Furthermore, experts believe there is a link between a deficiency of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (eg, EPA and DHA) and the development of ADHD.

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Forget apples, eating fish and nuts are the way to keep the doctor and the dentist away…

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GumsIs there no end to the benefits bestowed upon us by the multi-talented good fats?

The old saying goes ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor/ dentist away – delete former/latter depending on your generation. But there seems to be something which can knock any fruit or vegetable into a cocked hat: yes, the humble polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

A new piece of research has suggested that Omega 3 fatty acids found in foods such as oily fish, nuts and eggs will help people avoid gum disease and the more serious periodontitis.

The research examined the diet of 182 adults between 1999 and 2004, and found that those who consumed the highest amounts of fatty acids were a whole 30 per cent less likely to develop gum disease and 20 per cent less likely to develop periodontitis (severe gum disease).

Lead researcher of the study, Dr Asghar Z. Naqvi of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in Boston, said: “We found that n-3 fatty acid intake, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are inversely associated with periodontitis in the US population.”

As a result of this research, Dr Naqvi believes that dietary therapy could become a less expensive and safer way of preventing/treating periodontitis. Currently treatment involves mechanical cleaning and the application of antibiotics. Encouraging sufferers to eat more fish and nuts would also benefit their health in other ways.

Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, said: “Most people suffer from gum disease at some point in their life. What people tend not to realise is that it can actually lead to tooth loss if left untreated… This study shows that a small and relatively easy change in people’s diet can massively improve the condition of their teeth and gums, which in turn can improve their overall wellbeing.”

The study was published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

Gum disease is caused by plaque (the film of bacteria that forms on the surface of the teeth). To prevent and treat gum disease all the plaque must be removed from the teeth every day by brushing twice a day for two minutes each time. This should be followed by cleaning in between teeth with interdental brushes or floss.

Inflammation and soreness of the gums is one of the first signs of gum disease, and often gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning. You will notice your gums look puffy and inflamed where they meet your teeth.

Over time gum disease becomes more severe and can impact the tissues supporting the teeth. The bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost and the teeth become loose, if not treated this can lead to teeth eventually falling out. 

Anyone with inflamed and bleeding gums should visit their dentist to find out the appropriate way to treat it. If caught early, gum disease can be easily cured by short term use of medicated gels and mouthwash.

The British Dental Health Foundation is the UK’s leading oral health charity, with a 39-year track record of providing public information and influencing government policy. It maintains a free consumer advice service, an impartial and objective product accreditation scheme, publishes and distributes a wide range of literature for the profession and consumers, and runs National Smile Month each May, to promote greater awareness of the benefits of better oral health.

The Dental Helpline, which offers free impartial advice to consumers, can be contacted on 0845 063 1188 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, they can be contacted by email on helpline@dentalhealth.org.uk.

The Foundation’s website can be found at www.dentalhealth.org.uk

 

 

New vegetarian Omega 3 launches

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London: New vegetarian omega-3 brand Echiomega is five times more effective than flaxseed, according to new research

Igennus has launched Echiomega, a new vegetarian omega 3 supplement that offers similar health benefits to oily fish. While most vegetarian-derived omega 3 oils only offer the benefits of short chain fatty acids, Echiomega, made from Croda Health Care’s IncromegaÔ V3 echium oil product, converts to long chain fatty acids up to 5 times greater than other vegetarian omega 3 oils.

Echium oil is obtained by refining oil extracted from the seeds of the Echium plantagineum plant (pictured above), a species of the Boraginaceae family, cultivated in the UK

Dr David Cherry, Vice President of Croda Health Care, said: “Now that Croda Health Care’s IncromegaÔ V3 has its Novel Foods approval we are delighted that Igennus is using it in their new supplement Echiomega. IncromegaÔ V3, which goes through Croda’s advanced Super Refining® process, was developed following years of dedicated research into alternative polyunsaturated fatty acids and fatty acid sources.

“Vegetarians, and particularly vegans, consume low levels of essential long-chain fatty acids in comparison to fish eating populations. Whilst supplementing with the oils found in flaxseed increases their consumption levels slightly, they remain significantly lower than those of fish eaters. The nutritional industry has, therefore, long searched for a vegetarian polyunsaturated omega 3 fatty acid such as the type provided in Echiomega.”

Dr Jav Nazemi, CEO of Igennus, said: “As Igennus already produced Vegepa, a pure pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplement, we identified a great demand for a plant-based omega 3 source to cater for vegetarians, and those who prefer not to consume their recommended weekly intake of oily fish.

Echiomega caters perfectly for this market, and is already approved by the Vegetarian Society.” Echiomega is priced at £11.70 for 60 softgel capsules.

· For more information about Incromega V3Ô and fish oil supplements visit www.croda.com

· Echium:

o Echium plantagineum (Purplu Viper’s Bugloss) is a species of Echium. It is an annual or biennial plant growing 20-60 cm tall, with rough, hairy, lanceolate leaves up to 14 cm long. The flowers are purple, 15-20 mm long, with all the stamens protruding, and borne on a branched spike.

· Echium Oil and Benefits:

o Echium oil is a vegetable oil rich in stearidonic acid, an omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that the body converts to longer chain Omega 3 fatty acids, such as Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosapentaenoic Acid (DHA). It is obtained by refining oil extracted from the seeds of the Echium plantagineum plant, a species of the Boraginaceae family, cultivated in the UK.

o EPA is essential for the regulation of brain functioning and plays an important role in controlling the inflammatory and immune systems. While DHA is beneficial for maternal supplementation for infant development, eye health, depression and improving cognitive functions – especially in the elderly.

· Omega 3 and The Western Diet

o The human body requires adequate amounts of omega 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for healthy brain and immune function, cardiovascular health and inflammatory response. The highest yielding source is found in oily fish, whereas vegetarian sources of omega 3 (such as nuts, seeds and flaxseed oil) contain high levels of the short-chain omega 3, alpha linolenic acid (ALA). Unfortunately, it must first of all be converted into the long-chain fats before it can offer benefits such as the regulation of inflammation, immunity and cardiovascular health.

o Due to changes in the modern diet and lifestyle we are exposed to several inhibiting factors – including caffeine, alcohol, deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, viruses and stress, which means that many people cannot convert short-chain fatty acids into the more important long-chain fatty acids. As a result, it can be difficult for vegetarians and vegans to maintain sufficient amounts of the beneficial long-chain omega 3s in their diets. Therefore, The Food Standards Agency currently limits omega 3 health claims (including heart and joint health) to the long-chain omega 3 fatty acids typically found in oily fish.

· Croda Health Care’s Super Refined Process:

o Croda’s growing range of Super Refined® products offer more options for formulation purity. The purity afforded by Croda’s proprietary Super Refining® process helps to maintain an API’s chemical profile, reducing the chances for oxidation and offering the promise of an extended shelf life. Starting with Super Refined® Oils in the 1990’s, the range of Super Refined® products keeps growing, now including PEGs, Polysorbate 20, 60 & 80 and our newest product – Super Refined® Arlasolve™ DMI. With such a wide range of choices, Croda offers even more high purity options for parenteral, oral and topical applications.