Fish Oil Supplements Can Fight Depression

Adults with major depression without anxiety may find serious benefit from omega-3 fish oil supplements, according to a new study (J Clin Psychiatry. ePub 15 June 2010. DOI: 10.4088/JCP.10m05966blu). Researchers from McGill University recruited adult outpatients (n=432) with major depressive episode (MDE, per Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview) lasting at least four weeks for the double blind, randomized, controlled, eight-week, parallel-group trial; 40.3 percent of subjects were taking antidepressants at baseline. Subjects received fish oil supplements containing 1,050 mg/d of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 150 mg/d of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or a matched sunflower oil placebo. Primary outcome was the self-report Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS-SR30); secondary outcome was the clinician-rated Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).

The studies major finds show that fish oils may be able to help combat depression as well or better than prescription medications.

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Working out and dieting can help create a calorie deficit (taking in fewer calories than burned) which is necessary for weight loss.  The ideal situation is one in which you lose body fat and maintain muscle tone.  The trick is to get your body to use fat as a fuel source.  This is where CLA and essential fats can help.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid or CLA has been shown to inhibit the activity of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme involved in the uptake of fat into fat cells.  This can reduce fat uptake into cells preventing accumulation of body fat.  CLA also promotes the body’s use of fat as fuel, helping to breakdown fatty acids allowing them to get into the blood stream to be used as fuel.   Several studies have shown that CLA can positively affect body composition. 

Liposlim combines fat mobilizers like CLA and emulsifiers that keep fats and cholesterols moving so they do not accumulate and build up, contributing obesity.  CLA in combination with the essential fats GLA, ALA, DHA and EPA has been shown to contribute to weight loss.  The Liposlim formula also uses Hoodia to help control cravings and appetite.

In a study published in the Public Library of Science Medicine Journal, Harvard researchers concluded that a deficiency in Omega-3 fats is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.  On a positive note, fish oil supplements, a convenient source of omega-3’s, were found to dramatically reduce allergies among infants when mothers began taking the supplements during the 25th week of pregnancy and continued while breastfeeding.  For people of every age, benefits of fish oil include heart and brain health, improved blood sugar control, and reduced pain and inflammation. 

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are considered “good” fats.  Your body cannot make Essential Fatty Acids, and therefore they need to come from your diet or from a supplement.  Since most of us do not consume a diet high in these fats it may become necessary to take a dietary supplement.  EFAs contribute to your health in too many ways to list here.  Research with EFAs as supplements has been performed in relation to their potential benefits to your heart, skin, brain, eyes, joints and more.

The ideal intake ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is between 1:1 and 4:1.  This means for every gram of Omega-6 you need up to one gram of Omega-3.  The typical American diet often leads to a ratio between 10:1 and 25:1, a proportion which may lead to health related issues.  Changing your diet to improve your ratio is an important factor in experiencing the full health benefits of EFAs – that’s why so many people take an Omega-3 supplement every day.  

Omega-3 and Omega-6 are scientific terms for two different classifications of EFAs. These names are derived from the chemical composition of the fatty acid molecules. Omega-3 fatty acids include ALA, EPA DHA.  Omega-6 fatty acids include GLA and LA.

The most popular dietary supplements for EFAs are Fish Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Borage Oil.

The reason fish oil is so popular as a supplement, is that not all of us convert ALA into EPA and DHA.  DHA is important for health and, even if the body converts the ALA to EPA, it still has to make DHA.  Since we are unaware of who is able to make the conversion, make sure to take fish oil to assure to assure you are getting adequate EPA and DHA.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) (Omega-3 Fatty Acids) are responsible for many of the beneficial effects of fish oils.  Research has shown that fish oils containing EPA and DHA may have therapeutic benefits throughout your body, especially for the health of your heart, brain and joints.

Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) (An Omega-3 Fatty Acid) is found primarily in Flax seed oil. ALA helps support heart health, including healthy cholesterol already within the normal range, and may also provide immunity benefits.  In some of us, the body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA.

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) (An Omega-6 Fatty Acid) is found in borage, black currant and evening primrose oils.  GLA helps the body’s inflammation response and supports healthy circulation.  It supports mood in pre-menopausal women as well.

Linoleic Acid (LA) (An Omega-6 Fatty Acid) is found in processed foods, margarine, and vegetable oils.  LA helps improve skin conditions.  It may also be partially converted to GLA in the body.

BioRhythm Olio

Fats that Burn Fat??  This may sound like a contradiction but the research on CLA and other healthy fats is clear.  Healthy fats can promote the body’s use of fat as fuel, changing the body’s fuel source from carbohydrates and protein, allowing it to tap into fats as a source of energy.  These fats promote two actions within the body.  The first is the breakdown of fatty acids allowing them to get into the blood stream to be used as fuel.  The second is to keep excess calories from being stored as body fat.

One of our favorite products is Olio.  This product combines CLA, Olive, Flax, and Fish Oil.  This blend of healthy fats not only promotes weight loss but is good for you as well.  If you haven’t seen all the press on omega 3 (fish, flax oil) fats you will soon.  These fats promote heart health buy keeping cholesterol levels low, and reducing inflammation.