Orthomega Select EPA

Fish Oil Delivery – Triglycerides vs. Ethyl Esters†

While the amount of EPA and DHA provided in a fish oil product is important for efficacy, the type of fish oil  delivered is another significant factor in defining fish oil effectiveness. The human body is accustomed to digesting and absorbing EPA and DHA in the natural triglyceride form.

Even though triglyceride-based fish oils are the preferred form for superior fish oil absorption, due to cost, the vast majority of fish oil products available on the market are packaged in semisynthetic ethyl ester form. While less expensive, their unusual
structure is resistant to the digestive enzymes that enable fat breakdown.In a study comparing EPA and DHA digestion in both the natural triglyceride and ethyl ester form, five common digestive lipase enzymes were shown to more easily digest fish oil in the natural triglyceride form as compared to the ethyl ester substrate.2 A review of the existing literature has shown that fish oil provided in the triglyceride form is more efficiently digested and is 70% more absorbable than the ethyl ester form.3

Omega-3 Depletion†

An accumulating body of research shows that the typical modern diet does not provide a sufficient amount of omega3s for optimal health and insufficient conversion within the body of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) to the active EPA and DHA may reduce the amount available for use in organs and tissues. Symptoms of omega-3 deficiency are common and often overlooked. These may include dry, itchy or flaky skin, poor sleep quality, poor circulation, eye discomfort and mood imbalance.2 Low levels of EPA have been linked with mood imbalance, cognitive impairment and neuropathy.3

Mood Balance†

Long-chain n-3 fatty acids such as EPA are important components of membranes within neurological organs and tissues. They affect membrane fluidity and influence synaptic function and possibly serotonin and dopamine metabolism.4,5 In several studies, fish consumption has been directly linked to decreased risk of low mood, especially in women,6,7 and several clinical trials have used n-3 fatty acids to promote a positive mental outlook.8Studies to date have shown 1 g of EPA was shown to improve low mood scores in patients9 and among a similar population, 2 g/day of a comparable preparation had highly significant improvement in mood scores.10 Previous reports suggest there is a link between low EPA levels and the most extreme signs of a negative mental outlook.11Additional evidence indicates that supplementation with long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could be beneficial in the treatment of some individuals with irritability and aggressive tendencies.12 Another double-blind, randomized, trial found patients who received EPA for three months showed an increase in sense of calmness while this was not seen in patients who received placebos. Calmness scores remained significantly higher in the EPA group for three months after supplement discontinuation.13

Joint Discomfort and Inflammatory Balance†

EPA is capable of forming eicosanoids, which function to counteract the activity of eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid,14 a mechanism known to maintain normal inflammatory balance.15,16 Numerous studies point to the key role of EPA to improve joint discomfort and to promote musculoskeletal strength. EPA has also been found to safely support neck and back discomfort from physical activity and overexertion.17

Cardiovascular Health and Blood Sugar Metabolism†

Several large, randomized clinical trials have proven the benefits of EPA in cardiovascular health. EPA has been found to diminish oxidative stress and promote cardiomyocyte strength 18 and an eight-week long usage of EPA resulted in a significant percentage reduction of C-reactive protein levels.19

Large population studies suggest that getting omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, primarily from fish, helps protect against stroke caused by plaque build up and blood clots in the arteries that lead to the brain. Eating at least 2 servings of fish per week can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 50%.

Studies also suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may have antioxidant properties that improve endothelial function and may contribute to heart benefits.

Diabetes

People with diabetes often have high triglyceride and low HDL levels. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can help lower triglycerides and apoproteins (markers of diabetes), and raise HDL. So eating foods or taking fish oil supplements may help people with diabetes. Another type of omega-3 fatty acid, ALA (from flaxseed, for example) may not have the same benefit as fish oil. Some people with diabetes can’t efficiently convert ALA to a form of omega-3 fatty acids that the body can use. Also, some people with type 2 diabetes may have slight increases in fasting blood sugar when taking fish oil. So talk to your doctor to see if fish oil is right for you. EPA has also been shown to support blood sugar balance already within normal levels. Supplementation with EPA has been shown to support blood sugar balance and related markers.20

Rheumatoid arthritis

Most clinical studies examining omega-3 fatty acid supplements for arthritis have focused on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. Several small studies have found that fish oil helps reduce symptoms of RA, including joint pain and morning stiffness. One study suggests that people with RA who take fish oil may be able to lower their dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, unlike prescription medications, fish oil does not appear to slow progression of RA, only to treat the symptoms. Joint damage still occurs.

Laboratory studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (and low in the inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids) may help people with osteoarthritis. More study is needed. New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been reported to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and improve walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis. For some people, symptoms worsened before they improved.

An analysis of 17 randomized, controlled clinical trials looked at the pain-relieving effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in people with RA or joint pain caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea). The results suggest that omega-3 fatty acids, along with conventional therapies, such as NSAIDs, may help relieve joint pain associated with these conditions.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Several small studies suggest that EPA and fish oil may help reduce symptoms of lupus, an autoimmune condition characterized by fatigue and joint pain. However, two small studies found that fish oil had no effect on lupus nephritis (kidney disease caused by lupus, a frequent complication of the disease).

Directions
1 soft gel capsule per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Does not contain
Gluten, corn, yeast, artificial colors and flavors.

Cautions
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.

Suggested Use:

1 soft gel capsule per day or as recommended by your health care professional

1. Connor WE. Importance of n-3 fatty acids in health and disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jan;71(1 Suppl):171S-5S.
2. University of Maryland (UMM).
3. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/othernuts/ omega3fa/
4. Hibbeln JR, Linnoila M et al. Essential fatty acids predict metabolites of serotonin and dopamine in cerebrospinal fluid among healthy control subjects, and early- and late onset alcoholics. Biol Psychiatry. 1998; 44(4):235-42.
5. Hirashima F, Parow AM et al. Omega-3 fatty acid treatment and T(2) whole brain relaxation times in bipolar disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2004; 161(10):1922-4.
6. Timonen M, Horrobin D et al. Fish consumption and depression: the Northern Finland 1966 birth cohort study.J Affect Disord. 2004; 82(3):447-52.
7. Tanskanen A, Hibbeln JR et al. Fish consumption and depressive symptoms in the general population in
Finland. Psychiatr Serv. 2001; 52(4):529-31.
8. Logan AC. Omega-3 fatty acids and major depression: A primer for the mental health professional. Lipids Health Dis. 2004; 3(1):25.

9. Peet M, Horrobin DF. A dose-ranging study of the effects of ethyl-eicosapentaenoate in patients with ongoing depression despite apparently adequate treatment with standard drugs. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2002; 59(10):913-9.
10. Nemets B, Stahl Z, Belmaker RH. Addition of omega-3 fatty acid to maintenance medication treatment for
recurrent unipolar depressive disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2002; 159(3):477-9.
11. De Vriese SR, Christophe AB, Maes M. In humans, the seasonal variation in poly-unsaturated fatty acids is
related to the seasonal variation in violent suicide and serotonergic markers of violent suicide. Prostaglandins
Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2004; 71(1):13-8.
12. Buydens-Branchey L, Branchey M. Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease feelings of anger insubstance abusers. Psychiatry Res. 2008 Jan 15;157(1-3): 95-104. Epub 2007 Sep 27.
13. Buydens-Branchey L, Branchey M. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease anxiety feelings in a population of substance abusers. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2006 Dec;26(6):661-5.
14. James MJ, Gibson RA,Cleland LG. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory mediator production. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000; 71(1 Suppl):343S-8S.