Omega 3 Maximum EPA

 
NEW ENTERIC COATED SOFT GEL OMEGA 3: Those who experience nausea or reflux from other fish oils should find this enteric coated, odor controlled softgel easier to digest.

The Natural Fish Oil Concentrate used in this softgel is manufactured under strict quality control standards.  It is tested to be free of potentially harmful levels of contaminants (i.e. mercury, heavy metals, PCB's, dioxins, and other contaminants).


The Inflammation - Disease Connection

Although inflammation is necessary in the body's healing process, current research has linked over-expression of the inflammatory pathway to the development and propagation of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, depression, immune system disorders, and cancer.

Inflammation in the body is a result of the production of "Group 2 eicosonoids" including PGE2, LTB4, IL-1, and TNF. This special class of eicosonoids is produced via the enzymatic oxidation of the omega-6 fatty acid AA. Since omega-6 fatty acids are a necessary substrate for the production of "Group 2 eicosonoids", inflammation is highly dependent on the amount of omega-6 in the body. Contrary to omega-6 fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in attenuating the inflammatory process.

The omega-3 fatty acid EPA can be oxidized into "Group 3 eicosonoids" which possess anti-inflammatory properties. Since eicosonoids are short lived chemicals it is important that the body receive a steady supply of EPA to fight inflammation. EPA and DHA also fight chronic over-expression of the inflammatory pathway through a process called competitive inhibition. Every cellular membrane has limited space available for the deposition of fatty acids. A diet high in omega-6 will result in greater amounts of AA in the cellular membrane and therefore increased production of inflammatory "Group 2 eicosonoids".

Increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet results in more omega-3 (EPA & DHA) being deposited in the cellular membrane thereby reducing the amount of omega-6. A reduction in the amount of available AA within the cellular membrane results in decreased production of the inflammatory "Group 2 eicosonoids".

Diseases linked to the over-expression of the inflammatory pathway:

Cardiovascular disease,
Arthritis,
Depression,
Immune system disorders,
and Cancer
EPA, DHA, and Neurological Function

The body's neurological system is a complex system of electrical transmissions that rely heavily on an adequate supply of omega-3 fatty acids. Both EPA and DHA play important yet different roles in proper functioning of nerve impulses.

Although not entirely understood, it is thought that DHA plays predominantly a structural role while EPA plays more of a functional role. A healthy brain and neurological system rely on a life long supply of DHA in the diet.

A deficiency in DHA has been linked to numerous neurological disorders including depression, bipolar, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and ADHD. Current research has also shown that adequate DHA levels may not be sufficient to combat neurological diseases and that increased EPA intake may play an important therapeutic role.

EPA's benefit in neurological function is believed to be due to its role in cell signaling as well as its ability to suppress the inflammatory compounds PGE2, histamine, and IL-1ß. Research has linked the over-expression of these inflammatory compounds as a pathological factor in altering brain and neurological function.