Saturday, April 24, 2010

A fish story by Jerry Brainum

 The health benefits offered by omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are extensive. Most of these benefits are related to cardiovascular protection. For example, fish oil can lower elevated blood triglyceride or fat levels by 60%. Elevated blood triglycerides are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease onset. Fish oil also seem to stabilize heart rhythms, and can prevent disordered heart rhythms, some of which can result in death. The omega-3 fats found in fish oil consist of EPA and DHA. The fatty portion of the brain contains about 40% DHA, and there are some interesting theories connected to this.For example, one theory suggests that the human brain evolved because early man began eating fish, and by providing DHA the potential of the brain increased, which led to increased intellectual capacity. More modern research points to an involvement of lack of sufficient omega-3 content of the brain and the onset of mental depression. Indeed, some psychiatrists have written that as many as 80% of people are omega-3 deficient. As proof, they note that the largest selling drugs are anti-depressants.While the connection between omega-3 fatty acids and depression onset may be conjecture, it's still a fact that the brain is largely composed of omega-3 fats.
      Several studies have found that in those with degenerative brain disease, levels of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, or always low. These studies suggest that ingesting sufficient levels of omega-3 fats prior to the onset of brain disease may offer preventive effects. DHA is capable of preventing dementia through various mechanisms. For example, DHA can temper the activity of enzymes in the brain that activate a protein called tau. This is significant because tau is the major constituent of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which are considered a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. DHA also reduces inflammation in the brain, a major cause of most brain degeneration. One way it does this is by reducing the level of an omega-6 fat in the brain called arachadonic acid. This fatty acid is the precursor to various inflammatory substances that are directly related to brain inflammation. DHA also reduces oxidative stress in the brain, and increases levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor, which works to repair damaged brain neurons.
       While it's clear that the omega-3 fats nourish and protect the brain, some have suggested that ingesting fish oil can increase intelligence. Based on this, a recent study examined 867 people, ages 70 to 79, some of whom were provided with a placebo, while others were provided capsules containing 200 milligrams of EPA and 500 milligrams of DHA for two years. The results of the study found no difference in cognitive or thinking ability between the groups ingesting omega-3 and those ingesting the placebo, which consisted of olive oil. All the subjects in the study were healthy, and not suffering any kind of brain problems. Cognitive function didn't decline in either the omega-3 group or the placebo group, leading to the conclusion that fish oil doesn't offer any benefits to older people.
      But the study actually proves little or nothing for several reasons. For one, the dose provided of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)  is too meager to promote any changes. For treatment of Alzheimer's, some have suggested doses of  omega-3 over 15 grams a day, far more than was provided in this study. Even for healthy people, the dose used in this study was about one-sixth the suggested daily dosage. In addition, brain changes  occur slowly, and a two-year study wouldn't provide enough time to detect any beneficial effects from using fish oil, except perhaps for treating depression. Finally, studies show that fish oil works best for preventive purposes against brain pathology in those who have the apolipoprotein A4 gene. Having this gene, especially two copies, makes you at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease. But based on the fact that the brain has such a rich content of DHA, and that studies do show protective effects, you would have to be crazy not to ingest fish oil supplements

©,2013 Jerry Brainum. Any reprinting in any type of media, including electronic and foreign is expressly prohibited.


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The Applied Ergogenics blog is a collection of articles written and published by Jerry Brainum over the past 20 years. These articles have appeared in Muscle and Fitness, Ironman, and other magazines. Many of the posts on the blog are original articles, having appeared here for the first time. For Jerry’s most recent articles, which are far more in depth than anything that appears on this blog site, please subscribe to his Applied Metabolics Newsletter, at www.appliedmetabolics.com. This newsletter, which is more correctly referred to as a monthly e-book, since its average length is 35 to 40 pages, contains the latest findings about nutrition, exercise science, fat-loss, anti-aging, ergogenic aids, food supplements, and other topics. For 33 cents a day you get the benefit of Jerry’s 53 years of writing and intense study of all matters pertaining to fitness,health, bodybuilding, and disease prevention.

 

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