Nutritional Wellness Blog from BeautifulandWell.com

Recent studies conclude that increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids may prevent age-related vision loss, otherwise known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people aged 55 and older.

What is age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

According to AMD Alliance International, a global coalition of vision and seniors’ organizations dedicated to raising awareness of AMD and the options available for prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation and support services to individuals and families around the world affected by AMD, AMD  is a degenerative retinal disease that causes central vision loss and leaves only peripheral vision which qualifies as “legal blindness” in the Western world.  Although approximately 30 million people are affected by AMD globally, awareness of the condition is low.  Moreover, due to the aging population of Baby Boomers, the incidence and prevalence of AMD is expected to be on the rise and may triple by 2025.

Two types of AMD exist- dry and wet.  Dry AMD, on the other hand, occurs when normal tissue in the macula disappears slowly resulting in a pale area of the macular called central geographic atrophy (a medical term for dryness).  Wet AMD occurs when blood vessels grow abnormally beneath the macular and eventually leak causing scarring to the macular, thereby obscuring sight.

Studies support increase intake of omgea-3 to prevent AMD

According to the US National Eye Institute, increased consumption of omega-3 fatty-acids contribute to the prevention of age-related vision loss by up to 30%.  In another major study, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), omega-3 intake supports the prevention of AMD by 30%.  Moreover, according to findings published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the risk of both dry AMD and wet AMD are reduced through the intake of omega-3 fatty acids by 32% and 35% respectively.

Omega-3’ eye health benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids, and in particular DHA, play an important role in the layer of nerve cells in the retina, and studies have already reported that omega-3 may protect from developing AMD.

Indeed, a meta-analysis published in the June 2008 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology found that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of AMD by up to 38 per cent.

The new study supports these earlier findings. SanGiovanni and his co-workers looked at  1,837 people participating in an Age-Related Eye Disease Study. All the participants were considered to be at a moderate-to-high risk of advanced AMD.

Based on 12 years of research, the scientist found out that the participants with the highest omega-3 intakes had a 30 percent lower risk of developing AMD than people with the lowest intakes.

“The 12-year incidence of central geographic atrophy and neovascular AMD in participants at moderate-to-high-risk of these outcomes was lowest for those reporting the highest consumption of omega-3 fatty acids,” concluded the researchers.

Educating ourselves about how to protect our eye sight and decrease the risk of vision loss should be a priority.  Taking a good nutritional supplement, especially one that can help to slow macular degeneration, is a good insurance policy.  One such high quality nutritional supplement specifically formulated to protect eyes and lower the risk for AMD is TOZAL Eye Health Formula make by AmeriSciences.  TOZAL contains a high percentage of Omega 3, as well as Lutein & Zeaxanthin, which all promote vision health. To learn more about TOZAL or to purchase TOZAL from a reputable AmeriSciences distributor, click here.

The new study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, reported that increased intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may reduce the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), an umbrella term for a range of symptoms including unstable angina and chest pains.

The Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort study involved 57,053 men and women. During an average follow-up time of almost eight years, 1,150 people developed ACS.  Men who consumed more than 0.39 grams of PUFAs per day had an associated risk of ACS 27 per cent lower than men who consumed less than 0.39 grams per day.

When the researchers looked at individual omega-3 fatty acids, they did note negative association for EPA, DPA and DHA, but these were considered “less consistent”.

No benefits were observed for women, noted the researchers.

“We found borderline significant negative associations between the intake of marine omega-3 PUFA and ACS among healthy men,” they concluded.

Half a gram needed for heart benefits?

Earlier this year, a ‘state-of-the-art’ review concluded that the science behind the cardiovascular health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids supports recommended daily levels of 500 mg.

“Compelling evidence” from studies involving almost 40,000 participants supports daily EPA plus DHA intakes of at least 500 mg per day for healthy individuals, while people with known heart disease or heart failure should aim for up to 1,000 mg daily, according to a review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

The recommendations for healthy people are double the recommended levels determined by the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA).

EFSA determined in July that 250mg should be the labelling reference intake value for long-chain omega-3 fatty acids – most notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The European Commission backed the regulation last week that permits products to claim omega-3 content if they have significant proportions of dietary reference values (DRV) of 250mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and/or DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and 2g of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).

The regulation was slammed by a group of 21 international leading omega-3 scientists who said the rule, which does not discriminate between plant and marine-sourced omega-3 sources for product labelling, was an “insult”.

What omega-3 nutritional supplement brands exist which have the recommended daily levels of omega-3′s and also have clear labeling for the source of omega-3′s in its products?

While there are many nutritional supplement formulations on the market which claim to contain omega-3 fatty acids, most do not contain the recommended daily levels of omega-3 fatty acids and few have clear and trusted labeling for the source of omega-3′s in their products.  One exception is the Omega Max product developed by AmeriSciences, a privately-held specialty nutritional supplement company based in Houston, TX.  The active ingredients found in Omega Max product are both EPA and DHA, sourced from molecularly-distilled, highly-potent fish oil derived from only the smallest of fish like anchovies and mackerel.  Furthermore, unlike most fish oil soft-gels available in the the U.S., Omega Max is fully compliant with European Pharmacopeia standards, the only true “pharmaceutical-grade” standard for fish oil.  For more information or to purchase the Omega Max fish oil product from one of the AmeriSciences’ leading distributors click here.

Source: British Journal of Nutrition
Published online ahead of print, doi:10.1017/S0007114509992170
“Dietary intake of total marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid and the risk of acute coronary syndrome – a cohort study”
Authors: A.M. Joensen, E.B. Schmidt, C. Dethlefsen, S.P. Johnsen, A. Tjonneland, L.H. Rasmussen, K. Overvad

National Press Release

While B vitamins may not be beneficial once disease starts, some nutritional supplements may have preventitve effect

HOUSTON, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ — While a study in the October 15, 2008 JAMA demonstrates that B vitamins do not slow cognitive decline once Alzheimer’s disease has struck, there is a large body of scientific evidence showing that some nutrients may help keep the brain healthy as one ages. A leading expert thinks the time is now for Baby Boomers to look seriously at maintaining cognitive wellness. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 10 million Boomers can expect to get Alzheimer’s disease as they age.

“There are many things like heredity that are outside our control, but there are also concrete steps we can take to maintain optimal brain health,” says Marwan Sabbagh, MD, FAAN, a leading Alzheimer’s researcher and physician who has written extensively on the disease. “The time to think about this is long before memory problems start.”

Dr. Sabbagh has looked exhaustively at published research on Alzheimer’s disease and brain health, and he has identified a number of important factors in maintaining cognitive wellness. Among the modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s are hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, high homocysteine levels, diabetes-elevated insulin levels, and obesity, especially during midlife.

There is also evidence that dietary modifications can help maintain cognitive wellness. Combing through published research on the topic, Dr. Sabbagh has identified a group of nutrients that have strong evidence of protective effects.

“The use of these nutrients to support cognitive wellness is well documented in the scientific literature,” says Dr. Sabbagh. “The JAMA article underscores the need to consider supplementation long before disease starts.”

To help American consumers make good supplement choices, Dr. Sabbagh worked with AmeriSciences, a leading science-based nutraceutical company, to develop a formulation that includes ingredients with strong scientific merit. AmeriSciences’ Cognivite Complete was specially formulated under Dr. Sabbagh’s guidance to provide nutritional support to help combat declining mental function and memory loss associated with aging. Dr. Sabbagh’s expertise in this area led AmeriSciences to recently appoint him to chair the company’s Scientific Advisory Board.*

Cognivite Complete’s ingredients include: Gingko biloba; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); turmeric root (curcumin); and phosphatidylserine. Gingko biloba helps maintain normal blood flow to the brain and is rich in flavonoid antioxidants, which may offer protection against neuron damage.** Turmeric root, a common spice in Asia and a constituent of many curries, has been shown to exhibit a variety of protective effects in the brain, from stimulation of normal anti-inflammatory functions to the reduction of natural oxidative damage.** DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is a vital component of the cell membranes of the brain. Studies suggest that it may help overall cognitive maintenance.** Phosphatidylserine is a fat derivative (phospholipid) found in soybeans and other foods, which is involved in brain signal activity and is an important part of neuronal membranes.**

According to Dr. Sabbagh’s research, a modest decline in cognitive health is an expected part of the aging process; however, this decline can be exacerbated by factors such as poor nutritional habits and stress. Through lifestyle modifications and a consistent nutritional regimen that includes supplementation, Dr. Sabbagh believes people can help preserve normal brain function and ensure cognitive wellness.

Dr. Sabbagh serves as Chief Medical-Scientific Officer and Director of Clinical Research at the Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, Arizona.*

For more information on Cognivite Complete, please visit www.AmeriSciences.com or www.Cognivite.com.

* Disclosure: Dr. Sabbagh receives royalties from sales of Cognivite Complete, and is in a partnership that distributes AmeriSciences products. Dr. Sabbagh’s relationship with AmeriSciences is separate from his work with Sun Health.

** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult with your physician before taking any nutritional supplement.

Source: AmeriSciences

See also: http://houston.bizjournals.com/prnewswire/press_releases/Texas/2008/10/15/NE39188