Learning from the Best - Dr K!!

The Qomega Difference

Hardly a day goes by when there is not a new study extolling the benefits of omega supplementation. These remarkable essential fatty acids help so many aspects of cell function that it is no wonder that they positively affect every organ system in the body. The latest study (July, 2014) indicates that regular use will help prevent ALS, which is a severe degenerative brain disease that is rising in incidence worldwide:

"Foods high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may help reduce the risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known Lou Gehrig's disease, a new study suggests. The study, published online in JAMA Neurology on July 14, analyzed dietary data from more than 1 million people participating in 5 other major cohort studies. After controlling for age, body mass index, education, physical activity, other diseases, and intake of vitamin E and carotenoids, results showed that greater omega-3 PUFA consumption was associated with a reduced risk for ALS.

Both alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can be found in plant sources and nuts, and marine omega-3 PUFAs contributed to this association. Intake of omega-6 PUFAs was not associated with ALS risk.

Lead author, Kathryn C. Fitzgerald, MSc, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, explained to Medscape Medical News that the researchers decided to study the intake of PUFAs because basic science studies have suggested that they are incorporated into cell membranes and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are thought to be involved in ALS."

That being said, there are vast differences between the usual omega supplements and Qomega, and that is by design! First of all, we use both marine and plant sources, and as the article states having both ALA (flax seed), DHA, and EPA (salmon/marine) omega-3 essential fatty acids is key to the prevention of ALS as well as other conditions, including heart disease and dementia. ALA is often called the "forgotten omega-3" because fish oils have gotten so much attention that supplements are turned out without considering this important component. Secondly, Qomega is fully phospholipid-activated, meaning that the additional ingredients (DMAE, citicholine, inositol, lecithin, and lipase) supercharge the omega-3s and lead to greatly increased absorption, digestion, and assimilation into the blood stream and tissues. At the brain level, for example, omega - 3s without these components will not have the targeting aspects that direct the essential lipids to the cell membranes and brain areas where they can make lasting positive changes.

I have included the following information on these key ingredients, plus some amazing clinical study information, so that you can see for yourself not just why omega supplements are so important, but why Qscience's Qomega is simply the best there is. There is NO OTHER omega supplement that contains this combination of ingredients - remember, this is really 3 products in one!

·       DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) Normally found in small amounts in our brains, supplemental DMAE converts into the vital neurotransmitter acetylcholine. DMAE has been demonstrated to elevate mood, increase intelligence, and improve memory and learning. It helps prevent aging of cells in the nerves, brain, and skin.

·       Citicoline - a rare type of choline that activates biosynthesis of phospholipids in nerve membranes, increases brain metabolism, and protects the brain and nerves from low oxygen and free-radical damage. Research at the University of Utah in 2011 showed that healthy women between the ages of 40 and 60 years who were randomly assigned to receive low-dose citicoline had improved attention scores compared to placebo.

·       Lipase - a fat-digesting enzyme that helps break down omega 3s and other fats.

·       Lecithin - helps emulsify (break up) omega fatty acids for easy absorption.

These additional components are what make Q Sciences omega formula the best there is. They take the natural benefits of omega-3s and supercharge them by improving digestion, absorption, metabolism and potency at the cellular level. DMAE and citocholine work synergistically with the oils to directly enhance the health of cells in the heart, brain, skin, and organs.

Here are some of the health benefits from regular use of Q Omegas as a potentiated complex of vital omega essential fatty acids and co-factors:

·       Reduces risks for heart disease by 45% and diabetes

·       Improves back and joint pain as well as arthritis by cutting inflammation

·       Helps prevent dementia and Alzheimer's by preserving brain function and volume

·       Improves mood by relieving both depression and anxiety

·       Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides

·       Acts as a blood thinner to prevent plaque formation in the arteries

·       Nourishes skin and hair

·       Enhances organ metabolism, especially in the liver

·       Provides high quality fuel for energy production

·       Prevents postpartum depression

·       Reduces ADHD symptoms

Can be taken at anytime, by anyone—taking it in the evening is the preferred method for many as it helps promote restful sleep, relieving anxiety and working through the night to enhance cell and organ function.

Lipase and other components help break down the oils and reduce or eliminate fishy after-taste.

Eat cruciferous vegetables—vitamin K purposely not included so that those on blood thinners may also benefit from this remarkable formula.

Clinical Research Studies on Omegas:

Fish Oil May Protect Against Alcohol-Related Dementia

More Evidence Omega-3 Rich Diet May Protect Aging Brain

Total normal brain and hippocampus volumes were directly associated with levels of omega-3 fatty acids in a study of more than 1000 postmenopausal women.

The study, published online in Neurology on January 22, was conducted by a team led by James Pottala, PhD, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls.

"These results are consistent with the idea that higher omega-3 levels may slow the loss of brain volume that occurs as we age," senior author, William Harris, PhD, also from the University of South Dakota, told Medscape Medical News.

Women's Health Initiative Memory Study

To examine the association between the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the body and brain volume, Dr. Pottala, Dr. Harris, and colleagues used data from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study Magnetic Resonance Imaging (WHIMS-MRI) that evaluated the effects of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women in which blood samples had been frozen and brain MRI scans recorded.

"The blood samples were taken at the start of the study and the MRI scans were performed 8 years later. While this is not necessarily the perfect design, that's what was available," Dr. Harris noted.

They used the red blood cell omega-3 index as a measure of omega-3 status. This index is the percentage of omega-3 fatty acids — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — of the total fatty acids in red blood cell membranes.

Results showed that overall brain size was slightly but significantly smaller in the women in the lowest quartile of omega-3 index compared with those in the highest quartile. And specifically, the hippocampus, which is the area of the brain related to cognitive function, was also significantly smaller in the lowest vs. the highest quartile of omega-3 index. This was after controlling for age, lipid levels, glucose, blood pressure, education, and hormone therapy.

The hippocampal volume difference between the highest and lowest quartiles of omega-3 levels was about 2.5%. For comparison, other studies have shown that patients with fairly severe Alzheimer's disease have hippocampus volumes about 40% smaller than people without dementia, Dr. Harris said. "So it is a small effect but it is interesting that there was any detectable effect at all."

The women in the lowest omega-3 quartile had an omega-3 index of 3.4% compared with 7% for those in the highest quartile. "For reference, Japanese people, who generally eat a lot of fish, have an omega-3 index of around 10%," Dr. Harris noted. "It would be possible to move from an index of 3% to one of 7% by taking about 1000 mg of EPA + DHA every day or by eating a small portion of salmon or sardines every day. So it's not difficult to do."

In the paper the researchers write, "Changes in the omega-3 index that can be achieved through diet modification and/or supplementation are similar to those associated with 1 to 2 years of normal, age-related brain atrophy."

Another Piece of the Puzzle 

Dr. Harris commented: "This is another piece of the puzzle, but this is a difficult puzzle to put together. There have now been many studies showing an association of omega-3 fatty acids with brain health but also some that have not found such a link. However, the weight of the evidence is in favor of a positive association." "It could be something else that is causing both omega-3 levels to go up and benefiting the brain—perhaps some other constituent of fish, and omega-3 could just be a marker of how much fish you eat. Or people who eat more fish may not be eating so much of something else that is harmful," he said.

People who eat high quantities of fish may lead healthier lifestyles in general, he added. "But then when we look at the whole picture, omega-3 fatty acids are a major component of brain tissue and they are metabolized to anti-inflammatory compounds that could reduce brain cell death. We can certainly make a good story to support the idea that omega-3 fatty acids are good for the brain."

He notes that a previous study using Framingham data suggested that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with deficits in cognitive function, and some studies have suggested a benefit in cognitive performance of supplementing with omega 3 fatty acids. But these have been quite small so far, and larger studies are needed.

Some larger studies are now underway. One in the United States—called VITAL—is looking at the effect of supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D on heart health and brain health in 20,000 individuals, with results due in 2016/2017.

In the meantime, is there enough evidence to support supplementation? Dr. Harris says there may be.

"I do think you could make a case for omega-3 supplementation," he said. "There is the issue of cost, but this isn't massive and if everyone decided to take supplements there may be a resource issue as this would challenge fish stocks. But there is no evidence for harm and certainly some suggestion for benefit so the risk/benefit ratio is good."

The study was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Dr. Harris owns OmegaQuant Analytics, LLC, and is a senior research scientist at Health Diagnostic Laboratory Inc, both of which offer red blood cell fatty acid tests. He is also a scientific advisor to Omthera Pharmaceuticals and Aker BioMarine Antarctic. 

Neurology. 2014;82:435-442. Published online January 22, 2014. Abstract

High Omega-3 PUFA Intake Reduces Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Fish Consumption and Incidence of Diabetes

A higher level of serum long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)—an objective biomarker of fish intake—is linked to a lower long-term risk for type 2 diabetes, according to the results of a new prospective, population-based cohort study.

Among dietary factors, the long-chain omega-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), from fish and other seafood have gained special interest because of their beneficial effects on the risk for cardiovascular diseases and several risk factors for diabetes, including inflammation, adiposity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, explained Jyrki K. Virtanen, PhD, adjunct professor of nutritional epidemiology at the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, and colleagues in their article published in the January issue of Diabetes Care.

But findings from most previous studies have been mixed in relation to whether long-chain omega-3 PUFAs have a beneficial or detrimental effect on type 2 diabetes risks per se, they note: The current study differs from most previous trials in using an objective biomarker as a measure of exposure to serum omega-3 PUFAs, and the fact "that few prior studies have used an objective biomarker may partly explain their diverse findings," Dr. Virtanen pointed out.

The research also looked at the influence of mercury exposure on incidence of diabetes and whether contamination of this kind modifies any effects of long-chain omega PUFAs. "Despite relatively high exposure to methylmercury, mainly through fish consumption, mercury exposure did not affect the risk of type 2 diabetes in our study population," he told Medscape Medical News.

Highest Omega-3 PUFA Intake Lowered Diabetes by 33% 

Type 2 diabetes is on the rise in Finland, precipitating a need for greater prevention, the researchers explain. Given the prior conflicting data, "We wanted to seek some clarification of the association between serum long-chain omega-3 PUFAs and type 2 diabetes," said Dr. Virtanen.

In 2012, a meta-analysis of data from 438,000 individuals in 12 independent prospective cohorts with an average 11-year follow-up ( Diabetes Care. 2012;35: 930-938) concluded that there was no inverse association of fish or fish-oil intake with incidence of diabetes. Variation was seen between Eastern and Western diets, however, with lower risk for type 2 diabetes in Asian and higher risk in US study populations. Dr. Virtanen explained that it was not well understood why the results from different studies varied, but the geographical differences may be associated with genetic differences or may be due to types of fish consumed or how the fish was prepared.

In their cohort, involving around 2000 men aged 42 to 60 years from the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD), who were free of diabetes at baseline in 1984–1989, the researchers used serum omega-3 PUFA and hair mercury levels as biomarkers for exposure, as well as dietary intake, assessed with 4-day food recording.

They correlated the findings with the incidence of type 2 diabetes, which was assessed by self-administered questionnaires and glucose tolerance tests, with blood glucose measurements at 4, 11, and 20 years after the baseline, and by record linkage to hospital-discharge registry and the reimbursement register on diabetes medication expenses.

Dr. Virtanen explained that circulating omega-3 PUFAs offer an objective biomarker for exposure in preference to dietary-assessment methods because this avoids reliance on memory about food intake. "Random error from dietary-assessment methods used in some studies can attenuate associations in studies and thus could explain null findings."

After an average follow-up of 19.3 years, 422 men (19.2%) had developed diabetes, and those in the highest quartile of serum long-chain omega-3 PUFA concentrations (>5.33% total serum fatty acids) had a 33% lower risk for incident type 2 diabetes compared with men in the lowest quartile (P for trend = .01).

In contrast, dietary fish or EPA plus DHA intakes, assessed with 4-day food recording, were not associated with the risk. "This most likely reflects the inability of the 4-day food recording to accurately assess intakes of foods that are usually consumed at most 1 to 2 times per week, such as fish," the researchers observe.

Heart disease and omega

Gissi-P

The largest of these, the GISSI-P (GISSI-Prevention) study (n=11,324 randomized to omega-3 PUFAs within three months of MI), [16] demonstrated relative risk reductions in overall mortality, cardiac mortality, and SCD of 20%, 30% and 45%, respectively, with 1 g/day of highly purified omega-3 acid ethyl esters (Omacor®) over a 3.5-year period. Absolute risk reductions over the same period were 2.1%, 2% and 1.6% for overall mortality, cardiac mortality and SCD, respectively. Significant benefits of supplementation emerged within three to four months and were most marked in those with more extensive left ventricular dysfunction. Considered together, these data suggest a reduction in ventricular arrhythmia as the likely mechanism of benefit.

Low Omega-3 in Kids Linked to Behavior, Cognitive Deficits

Blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in school-aged children in the United Kingdom (UK) are well below the minimum recommended for good cardiovascular health in adults, according to a new study.

The research also found that low levels of omega-3, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is found in fish, seafood, and some algae, are associated with worse performance on reading tests and working memory, and more symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the children, even after controlling for sex and socioeconomic status.

"The blood omega status in these kids is worryingly low, given what is known about omega-3 and its benefits for brain development, and cardiovascular and immune system health," said study author Alexandra J. Richardson, DPhil, a senior research fellow at the University of Oxford, UK, and founder-director of the charity Food And Behaviour Research.

The study was published in PLoS ONE. The study was funded by Martek Biosciences Inc.

DOLAB Study

This study formed the screening stage of a previously published randomized controlled intervention study that included 362 healthy children aged 7 to 9 years from primary schools in Oxfordshire, a large county in the UK, who had low reading scores. The DOLAB study reported that supplementation with 600 mg DHA daily for 16 weeks improved reading and behavior in children with the lowest 20% of reading scores.

The DOLAB study followed a 2005 study—the Oxford Durham Study—that showed "highly meaningful" benefits for reading and spelling from long-chain omega-3 supplementation, said Dr. Richardson.

The current cross-sectional analysis, which included 493 children, aimed to determine the status of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in these children and its relevance for cognition and behavior.

Researchers analyzed fatty acids through fingertip-prick whole-blood samples. They measured reading proficiency using the well-validated Word Reading Achievement subtest of the British Ability Scales 2nd Edition (BAS II) and working memory using the Recall of Digits Forward and Recall of Digits Backward subtests form the BAS II.

Parents and teachers rated ADHD-type symptoms, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, in the children using the long version of the Connors Rating Scales. These measurement tools are commonly used to assess behavior problems related to ADHD and have been successfully used in previous studies on the relationships between nutrient status and behavioral problems.

Although the children had been underperforming in reading according to national tests carried out at age 7 years, formal testing as part of this study showed that the actual distribution of reading scores in this screening sample was within normal population ranges. Only the children whose scores still placed them in the lowest third of the normal range were entered into the subsequent treatment trial, explained Dr. Richardson.

Low Levels of Omega-3 May Increase Postpartum Depression Risk

Low levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may moderately increase women's risk of developing postpartum depression (PPD), a literature review suggests.

Gabriel Shapiro, MPH, and colleagues from the University of Montreal and the Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada, report that the review shows several carefully conducted studies that indicate an association between the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) genotype and PPD.

"The literature shows that there could be a link between pregnancy, omega-3, and the chemical reaction that enables serotonin, a mood regulator, to be released into our brains. And many women could bring their omega-3 intake to recommended levels," they said in a release.

The 5-HTT gene modulates the re-uptake of 5-HT at brain synapses and is the main neurobiologic feature of depression. The 5-HTT gene is also the target of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Several studies that investigated depressive symptoms after delivery showed a significant positive association between depressive symptoms and either 5-HTT expression levels at 8 weeks postpartum or the presence of the short allele carrier status of the 5-HTT gene and PPD.

"Few studies have studied the 5-HTT gene and omega-3 together, so what we see are two parallel links in both of these literatures, and there is a link between omega-3 fatty acids and either depression or PPD," principal investigator Jean Séguin, PhD, Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, told Medscape Medical News.

"So the link with 5-HTT is the one we are going to look into further to see if supplementing women with proper nutrition would attenuate the risk," he added

The study is published in the November issue of the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.

Social Risk Factors

Social risk factors that predict PPD include a strained marital relationship, low social support, and stress life events. A family history of depression or mood disorders is also implicated in the development of PDD.

Beyond social influences, one key environmental factor may be nutrition, so the researchers focused on the 5-HTT genotype and omega-3 PUFA status.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are the two main families of essential fatty acids, but the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is an important building block of the central nervous system (CNS) in infants.

Its availability during pregnancy and lactation may also influence maternal mental health and, later, childhood developmental outcomes.

As for omega-3 fatty acids and PPD, the authors note that omega-3 fatty acids directly affect brain activities, including neurotransmitter uptake.

Because omega-3 fatty acids stores are transferred from the mother to the fetus during gestation and lactation, levels of maternal omega-3 fatty acids decline during pregnancy and remain low at least 6 weeks into the postpartum period.

Intake of omega-3 fatty acids in the North American diet in general is already well below recommended levels, and this is particularly true for pregnant women.

In fact, the investigators estimate that it would take a 4-fold increase in fish consumption to bring intake of several key fatty acids up to recommended levels.

Results of intervention studies in general have not demonstrated any benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy for the prevention or treatment of perinatal depression.

On the other hand, Dr. Séguin and colleagues would disagree, suggesting that clinical trials of omega-3 supplementation in patients with major depressive disorder have demonstrated clinical benefit, even if this benefit is only moderate.

The Montreal group also suggest that if pregnant women are unsure if they are getting enough omega-3 in their diet or if they are at risk for PDD, they should discuss these issues with their family doctor or obstetrician.

Health Canada, a federal department in Canada responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, has a website with a special section on omega-3 intake for pregnant women.

Nada Stotland, MD, past president of the American Psychiatric Association, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, told Medscape Medical News that the "study is important, but it's also very clear that we need to learn more about this possible link between omega-3 fatty acids and PPD."

"My concern is that people will read it as a definitive answer when the study is saying exactly the opposite of that," Dr. Stotland said.

Dr. Stotland noted that the authors themselves are suggesting there may be a link between low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and the risk for PDD, but they conclude only that this is a very fertile area for further study.

"We don't want to make people who suffer from PDD think that if only they had eaten differently, all would have been well," Dr. Stotland emphasized.

On the other hand, any intervention that could decrease the rate and severity of PDD "would be a big boon to everybody—not only to mothers but to their children and families as well."

The authors and Dr. Stotland have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Can J Psychiatry. 2012;57:704-712. Abstract