An Update on the Use and Benefits of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids


by: Rachel Olivier, MS, ND, PhD


As documented in my earlier paper on Omega-3 fatty acids, Cell Membrane Health – Your Door to Health,1 biological cell membranes are fluid membranes, depicted by the fluid mosaic model of phospholipids and proteins. As such, they possess both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties (amphipathic characteristics), and are able to spontaneously form bilayers. In these bilayers, the hydrophilic portions face the aqueous side, or outside, while the hydrophobic (water-repelling) core faces the inner side. As a chief component of these membranes, essential fatty acids play a major role in both the structure and function of the cell membrane.


for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) recom- mends at least 500 mg/day of combined EPA+DHA.3


The average North American population’s daily intake of EPA and DHA is currently estimated to be low, at approximately 130 mg/day. The minimal EPA and DHA intake, as proposed by an international panel of lipid experts, is 650mg/day,2


of these recommendations are considerably higher than the current intake, thus necessitating an increased intake for all populations. Considering the many benefits of increased intake, it is reasonable to recommend a greater consumption for all populations, which in turn will serve to offset the dominance of the inflammatory–mediating omega-6 fatty acids. To increase intake to a recommended amount of 1000mg/day, which is most beneficial for brain health, a fish oil containing at least 1000mg/day of combined EPA/DHA is most advantageous.


A high fatty acid consumption has been likened to “exerc- ise tolerance for the brain”. The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is highly concentrated in the brain, and has been associated with improved executive function.4


docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been noted to “offset the deleterious effects of lower amounts of physical activity.”5


reported that greater levels of omega-3 PUFAs are related to fewer white matter hyperintensities [on MRI’s] and greater gray matter volume in nodes of a corticolimbic circuitry”, which support emotional stimulation and regulation. Additionally, it is recognized that “white matter hyperintensities predict an increased risk of stroke, dementia, and death”, as well as “an increased risk of cerebrovascular events.”6


18 Additionally, “neuroimaging studies have In fact, higher intake of


while the International Society Both


DHA has also been documented to “induce cell survival, modulate the neuro-inflammatory response, [and] trigger long-term restoration of synaptic circuits.”7


demonstrated that both DHA and neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) elicited remarkable protection in aged animals. Accordingly, activation of DHA signaling might provide benefits in the management of ischemic stroke, both acutely, and long term, and thus may serve to limit subsequent disabilities. It has been demonstrated that “systemic administration of DHA after middle cerebral artery occlusion induces neurological recovery, reduces microglial infiltration, increases astrocytosis as early as 24h, and corresponds with the activation of AKT cascades as early as 4h after the onset of ischemia.”7


Two concerns with fish oil are the implied fish oil content as specified by the label, and secondly, the level of oxidation that it has undergone. Kleiner AC, et al. reported that of 45 different products analyzed, “over 70% were shown to contain less EPA and/or DHA than stated on their labels.”8


claims, manufacturers or government agencies are not adequately monitoring the quality of fish oil supplements. Thus, it has been suggested that “increased testing is needed to ensure regulatory compliance.”8


study that included 171 North American fish oil dietary supplements, available in Canada, 50% exceeded the recommended levels for markers of oxidation.11


over 15 top-selling fish oil dietary supplements in North America, many were shown to have unacceptably high levels of peroxides, with more than half not meeting label claims for EPA and DHA content.10


Additionally, in a


Elevated oxidized lipid levels, an indication of lipid decomposition, have also been documented, and “are correlated with increased cardiovascular risk.”12,13 Consequently, it would be advantageous to know that the fish utilized in the fish oil product purchased is processed in a facility that is in close proximity to the catch site, thus minimizing the chance of fish oil rancidity. Additionally, smaller fish are recognized to require less processing time and to possessing less contaminants. TOTOX values indicate an oil’s overall oxidation state, and are calculated by measuring the Anisidine value (AV) and the Peroxide value (PV). In general, the lower the PV, the better the quality of the oil. However, PV decreases as secondary oxidation products appear. The PV test is a good way to measure the amount of primary oxidation products in fresh oils.14


It is well known that fatty acids affect the size and function of the brain. BrainSpan is a company that measures the membrane bound content of Omega-3 fatty acids. They believe that dietary changes in Omega-3 fatty acids can have an effect on the size and function of the brain, and according to their website, “The BrainSpan Assessment provides patients with a clear graphical representation of the health of their cells.”15


both a simple blood spot test and a 15-minute online The assessment includes


THE ORIGINAL INTERNIST MARCH 2018 (Continued on page 20)


unacceptably high levels of oxidized lipids, an indication of lipid decomposition, were found in over 80% of more than 35 fish oil dietary supplements from New Zealand, with only 8% meeting international standards for acceptable peroxide and total oxidation levels.”9


In Furthermore, It has been


In addition to unattained label


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