Expert opinion
Medical Professional to Medical Professional – Get Your Omega-3 Levels Tested
5 April 2017
02 December 2011
According to a new US review, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation from algal oil may reduce blood triglycerides and increase HDL-cholesterol in persons without coronary heart disease.
Based on a systematic review of 11 randomized controlled trials with 485 healthy participants, researchers performed a meta-analysis of the association between algae-derived docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation (median dose: 1.68 g/day) and changes in the concentrations of cardiovascular disease risk factors such as triglycerides, LDL - cholesterol and HDL - cholesterol (1). The analysis showed that DHA supplementation significantly decreased serum triglycerides and significantly increased both HDL- and LDL- cholesterol.
The researchers concluded that DHA supplementation from algal oil may reduce cardiovascular disease risk by decreasing the triglyceride level and increasing the serum HDL- cholesterol concentration in persons without coronary heart disease. The net effect of supplementation on serum lipoproteins and lipids may be beneficial despite the increase in LDL- cholesterol.
Consumption of fatty fish, high in omega-3 fatty acids, is recommended for healthy persons and those with high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides and coronary heart disease (2–5). There may also be benefit for persons with heart failure (6). In the wild, fish accumulate omega-3 fatty acids by consuming marine algae. Recently, algae have been cultivated to preferentially produce DHA and their oil has been extracted to make supplements.
5 April 2017
1 August 2013
Improved living conditions – arising as a result of better medical care and hygiene, and better nutrition – mean that a large majority of the population in the industrialized world is living longer than would have been possible just a few decades ago. However, living longer does not always equal a better quality of life. The aging process, an inevitable, gradual decline in the function of physical systems, cannot be stopped – but the rate of this decline can be influenced. The changes that accompany the aging process are more a consequence of our way of life than the length of time we have been alive. Many degenerative diseases are the outcome of physical damage caused by poor diet, too much alcohol and tobacco, and too little exercise. A healthy lifestyle which includes an adequate intake of micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements and essential fatty acids can help maintain health well into old age.
28 May 2019
Research suggests that a few nudges to regular eating habits will help synchronize the body’s internal systems. This is called chrono-nutrition. In addition to eating habits, there are several vitamins and nutrients that support overall health when taken at the best time of day to help sync the body’s systems.