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Fish oil may protect against new type of cholesterol

Doctors are now warning against triglycerides, a previously overlooked type of blood fat that increases the risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attacks. A healthier diet and less alcohol are useful ways of lowering your risk, but studies show that supplements of fish oil can also benefit.

For decades doctors have been warning patients about the dangers of elevated cholesterol levels but another type of blood fat called triglycerides has been lurking in the dark all along and it seems to pose a much greater health risk. Just like cholesterol, triglycerides increase the risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attacks, and it it may come as a surprise that one in five women and more than every third man are estimated to have too much triglyceride in their blood. Two of the main reasons for this are unhealthy diet and too much alcohol, but according to studies the essential omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may offer good protection by lowering triglyceride levels and preventing some of the potential damage.

Effective reduction
Last year, Canadian scientists published a meta-analysis of 15 clinical studies that document a dose-dependent triglyceride-lowering effect of omega-3, and according to Finnish researchers fish oil supplements are every bit as effective as fresh fish. When scientists from the University of Kuopio compared the two they found that, within a few weeks, triglyceride levels had been significantly reduced in both the group that ate 4-5 fish meals weekly and the group that took supplements of Bio-Marine.

Stealth threat
The thing to be concerned about is that it is possible to have elevated triglyceride levels even if cholesterol levels are within the healthy range. Leading cardiologists consider triglycerides to be even more dangerous than LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), the type of cholesterol that is normally viewed as the main culprit, and for that reason they call for increased focus on triglycerides in the future.

Sources: Nutr Rev. 2010 Mar;68(3):155-67. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1996;50:765-771

Facts about triglycerides

• Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food as well as in the body

• Calories that are not used to make energy right away are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. Alcohol is one of the main calorie sources

• A large intake of fatty foods and alcohol raises your triglyceride levels. However, elevated triglyceride levels may also be a hereditary problem

• Increased triglycerides raise the risk for atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack

• There are no symptoms of elevated triglycerides

• The doctor can use a simple blood test to determine a patient's triglyceride status

Facts about Bio-Marine Plus
Bio-Marin Plus is a fish oil preparation with a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Together with fish oil folic acid and vitamin B12 help to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

The omega-3 content is in the form of "free" fatty acids that are known to provide better and faster absorption because the body is able to absorb them directly in the digestive system and utilize them right away. Normally, omega-3 fatty acids have to be converted first by the digestive enzyme lipase.

The fish oil in Bio-Marine Plus is PureMax^TM certified which means that the content of heavy metals and other environmental toxins (that are normally found in fresh fish) is substantially lower than the official threshold values that apply to fish and fish oil products. PureMax^TM is one of the world's leading and most advanced techniques for purification of fish oil and other oils for human consumption.

Calls continue for a hike in the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D.  Read here for more info...

Why governments are selling vitamin D short

A Financial Times article takes a critical look at why governments are reluctant to adjust vitamin D recommendations, even though there is plenty of scientific evidence indicating that higher intake of the nutrient has health benefits and is safe.

In the 1950s and 1960s, when (American) dietary guidelines first specified vitamin D intakes of up to 400 IU for adults, little was known about this potent nutrient. Based on the fact that 200 IU of vitamin D could effectively prevent rickets in children, health authorities felt convinced that the general population was in the safe range. That viewpoint, however, has been questioned in recent years.

Reluctance to update guidelines
The Financial times has taken a critical look at the whole problem with government reluctance to update the guidelines for vitamin D despite the enormous amount of scientific evidence supporting increased intakes of the nutrient. One of the world's leading vitamin D experts, Professor Reinhold Vieth, University of Toronto, is quoted as saying: "The evidence favoring vitamin D is probably as good as the evidence showing smoking is bad for you."

Among some of the highlights are:

• A 2007 analysis of vitamin D studies showing up to 50% reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer

• A 2007 study demonstrating that 1,100 IU of vitamin D per day together with calcium reduced overall cancer risk in women by 60 per cent

• A recent review of the health records of more than 13,000 Americans finding that those with the lowest vitamin D levels were 26% more likely (in an eight-year period) to die, compared with those who had the highest levels.

A money issue
According to Professor Vieth, one of the obstacles preventing large-scale studies that may convince governments to revise the current guidelines, is lack of funding. Vitamin D is not a proprietary compound and for that reason, there is little interest among large companies to invest in it.

Pharma Nord Vitamin D products:

D-Pearls - contains 20 mcg (800 IU) vitamin D3

For some time now we have been aware that a huge percentage of the population have a vitamin D deficiency.

Indeed, our nutritional consultant, Gareth Zeal believes:

"Vitamin D3 is one of the most important supplements you could ever take"

Recently, BBC Radio 4 featured a broadcast specifically on Vitamin D as part of The Food Programme. Read on...

A growing body of evidence suggests we may need more Vitamin D. But since access to the sun is limited and people are wary of skin cancer, should we be fortifying more foods with Vitamin D or consuming supplements?

Health professionals have been appalled at the return of rickets in some communities and studies have shown that infants can be at risk of heart failure if the mother is lacking in Vitamin D. Current guidelines are based on the avoidance of rickets rather than on an optimal amount of Vitamin D for health. Why is the UK apparently behind other countries in its recommendations and in supplementation and fortification of foods - and does this need to change?

Producer: Margaret Collins.

If you would like to listen to the broadcast simply search for "The Food Programme" on google.

From BBC NEWS online...

Pregnant women in the UK should be told to routinely take vitamin D supplements, researchers say.

The team at University College London Institute of Child Health says official bodies currently offer conflicting advice.

Writing in the British Journal of Nutrition, they say there is a "strong case" for a daily dose of vitamin D in pregnancy.

But one leading expert said more evidence was needed.

The Department of Health advises pregnant women to ensure they receive a certain level of vitamin D - 10 micrograms per day. The researchers say this in effect endorses use of supplements, because diet and the sun provide too little.

But the National Institute of health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) said in its guidance that it did not support supplements.

It has instead said that women should simply "be informed" about the importance of having adequate vitamin D levels during their pregnancy and while breastfeeding - adding that some women may choose to do this via supplements.

Additionally, pregnant women on low incomes are entitled to a range of nutrients - including vitamin D - as part of the Healthy Start Scheme.

'Unacceptably high'

The paper said the UK was the only one of 31 countries examined which did not recommend that women of reproductive age took a vitamin D supplement, and that it also fails to endorse a daily supplement for expectant mothers.

Dr Elina Hypponen, co-author of the paper, said: "The incidence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women in Britain is unacceptably high, especially during winter and spring.

"This is compounded by a lack of exposure to sunlight and the limitations of an average diet to meet the optimal need.

"In the most severe cases, maternal vitamin D deficiency can be life threatening to a newborn.

"We believe that the routine provision of a daily supplement throughout pregnancy would significantly decrease the number of mothers who are clearly vitamin D deficient, reducing related serious risks to their babies."

Dr Hypponen said past evidence showed a proactive approach to supplements coincided with a much lower incidence of deficiency linked diseases such as infantile hypocalcaemia [also known as William's syndrome, which affects development], and rickets [which weakens bones].

One in four

The authors say women from some ethnic minorities are recognised to be at greater risk because their darker skin means they do not absorb as much sunlight.

But they add that the problem is also common among white women, even when they live in southern England.

Women are more likely to be vitamin D deficient than men, and a previous study found one in four pregnant mothers has been found to be vitamin D deficient during winter and spring

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends only women at risk of vitamin D deficiency should take a supplement.

Patrick O'Brien, a spokesman for the college, said: "There is gradually accumulating evidence that universal vitamin D supplementation in the UK might be beneficial for the whole population.

"But more research is needed on the balance of risks and benefits in women at low risk of vitamin D deficiency, and on the correct dosage to use."