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Omega-3 and Seal Oil Headlines & Research

Bob Rae: Bill Maher Should Stop Singling Out Seal hunt

The Huffington Post Canada
Althia Raj

July 17, 2012

Liberal Leader Bob Rae defends Canada's sustainable and humane seal harvest against Bill Maher.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Promising Possible Treatment for Meniere's Disease and Other Inner Ear Disorders of Unknown Origin?

Medical Hypotheses

2012 July 14 [Epub ahead of print)

Despite the absence of such a proposal in the English literature, a reliable solution could derive from the supplementation of the intake of a nutritional principle as Omega-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that seem to theoretically fulfil all the requirements necessary to achieve a homeostasis of the inner ear.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Help to Reduce the Physical Pain Caused by Smoking

Eureka Alert - http://www.eurekalert.org

April 20, 2012

The study, carried out in Greece, assessed the effect of four-week oral treatment with 2 g/day of omega-3 fatty acids on the arterial wall properties of cigarette smokers. The results showed that short-term treatment with omega-3 fatty acids improves arterial stiffness and moderates the acute smoking-induced impairment of vascular elastic properties in smokers.

Red Blood Cell Fatty Acids Are Associated with Depression in a Case-Control Study of Adolescents

Prostalandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids

2012 March 28 [Epub ahead of print)

These findings support the hypothesis that adolescent depression is associated with a reduced omega-3 index.

Can Enhanced Recovery Programmes Be Further Improved by the Addition of Omega Three Fatty Acids

Irish Journal of Medical Science

2012 March 22 [Epub ahead of print)

Taking omega-3 post-surgery may improve recovery by reducing inflammation.

Association of Plasma Phospholipid Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids with Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults: the Cardiovascular Health Study

Circulation
March 2012, Vol. 6; 125(9): 108-1093

In older adults, higher circulating total long-chain omega-3 levels were associated with lower risk of incident irregular heart beat. These results highlight the need to evaluate whether increased dietary intake of these fatty acids could be effective for the primary prevention of irregular heart beat.

Science Eyes Secrets of Centenarians DNA
The Sydney Morning Herald
April 7, 2012

Charlene Levitan, the leader of the Sydney centenarian study at the University of NSW, said genetic inheritance accounted for one-third of the likelihood of living to extreme old age, with diet, particularly consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, and lifestyle and psychological characteristics contributing.

Marine Omega-3s May Reduce Depression Symptoms: Study
Nutra-Ingredients-USA
April 6, 2012

Increased intakes of the marine omega-3s EPA and DHA may be associated with a decrease in the number of depressive symptoms, say researchers from the University of Rochester, New York.

FULL ARTICLE

Omega-3 May Reduce Depression Symptoms in the Elderly: Study
Nutra-Ingredients-USA
May 11, 2011

Daily omega-3 supplements may reduce the occurrence of the symptoms of depression in elderly women, says a new study from Italy that adds to the ongoing debate over omega-3 and mood.

FULL ARTICLE

Omega-3s: Substantial Past, Impressive Future
Nutra-Ingredients-USA
April 1, 2012

Heart health. Cognitive health. Joint health. Healthy skin. The list of benefits for omega 3 fatty acids goes on, and the body of science continues to expand rapidly.

FULL ARTICLE

Omega-3s May Improve Health of Blood Vessels: Meta-Analysis
Nutra-Ingredients-USA
March 29, 2012

Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may improve the function of blood vessels and support vascular health, says a new meta-analysis of 16 studies.

FULL ARTICLE

97% of Dietitians Recommend Supplements: CRN Survey
Nutra-Ingredients-USA
March 29, 2012

Dietitians are regularly using dietary supplements and almost all of them have recommended supplements to their clients at some time, says a new survey from the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).

FULL ARTICLE

Intentions to Consume Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Comparison of Protection Motivation Theory and Ordered Protection Motivation Theory

Journal of Dietary Supplements
June 2011, Vol. 8, No. 2, Pages 115-134

Study stresses the importance of supplementing with omega-3 to protect against disease and reduce health risk

Effects of Zinc and DHA on the Epigenetic Regulation of Human Neuronal Cells
Cell Physiol. Biochem.
2012; 29(1-2): 87--98

Study highlights the epigenetic regulation of human neuronal cells and highlight the potential benefit of dietary intake of DHA for management of neurodegenerative disease

Seal Hunt Double Standards

SunNews - Prime Time
March 19, 2012

David Menzies attended an anti-seal hunt rally, asked some not-so-tough questions and got bizarre answers.

Anti-Seal Hunt Rallies
SunNews - Prime Time
March 17, 2012

The inimitable David Menzies takes a look at the logic, or lack thereof, behind the anti-seal hunt rallies being held in Canadian cities.

The Yuck Factors? US Survey Reveals Consumer Demand for Omega-3s...Minus Fish

Nutra-Ingredients-USA
March 21, 2012

Market study finds the most common complaints about fish oil are: bad taste, bad aftertaste, fishy burps, bad smell, and large capsule size.

DPA GOLD Omega-3 has virtually no taste, aftertaste, or smell. It does not cause fishy burp, and the capsules are half the size of most fish oil capsules.

FULL ARTICLE

Omega-3 supplementation lowers inflammation and anxiety in medical students: a randomized controlled trial.
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
2012 Nov; 25(8): 1725-1734.

University study finds omega-3 supplementation may lower inflammation and anxiety in medical students.

Molecular Targets of Omega-3 and Conjugated Linoleic Fatty Acids - "Micromanaging Cellular Response"

Frontiers in Physiology
2012, 3: 42.

Essential fatty acids cannot be synthesized de novo by mammals and need to be ingested either with the diet or through the use of supplements/functional foods to ameliorate cardiovascular prognosis.

Fatigue, Inflammation, and ω-3 and ω-6 Fatty Acid Intake Among Breast Cancer Survivors

Journal of Oncology
March 12, 2012, published before print: 10.1200/JCO 2011.36.4109

Study finds that omega-3 supplements may reduce inflammation among breast cancer survivors.

Dietary Linoleic Acid Elevates Endogenous 2-AG and Anandamide and Induces Obesity
Obesity (Silver Spring) Feb. 2012

New study suggests that omega-3 may reduce food cravings and promote fat loss.

Omega-3 May Reduce Risk of Irregular Heart Beat: Harvard Study

Nutra-Ingredients-USA
March 12, 2012

Increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation, the most common irregular heart beat (chronic arrhythmia) in adults, by about 30%, says a new study.

Greater Arthritic and Knee Inflammation and Damage Associated with Lower Serum Omega-3

www.prohealth.com
March 9, 2012

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) have anti-inflammatory effects whereas omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-6 PUFAs) have, on balance, proinflammatory effects.

Omega-3 has the Potential to Treat Nerve Damage: Study

www.empowher.com
March 7, 2012

New research conducted at Queen Mary, University of London, shows that omega-3 fatty acids have the potential to not only treat nerves that have been damaged as a result of an accident or impact, but also play a significant role in preventing that nerve damage from happening in the first place.

Omega-3 for Bipolar Disorder: Meta-Analyses of Use in Mania and Depression

Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
March 2012, 73(1): 81-86

The meta-analytic findings provide strong evidence that bipolar depressive symptoms may be improved by adjunctive use of omega-3.

Omega-3 Rich Diet Could Protect Against Brain Aging: Study

Nutra-Ingredients-USA
March 5, 2012

High intake of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) could help protect the aging brain, according to research.

Omega-3 Reduces Inflammatory Marker to Offer 'Multiple' Health Benefits

Nutra-Ingredients-USA
March 2, 2012

Increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce a specific marker of inflammation and confer heart and anti-cancer benefits, according to two new studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Early Omega 3 May Protect Against MI

Irish Medical Times
March 2, 2012

Cardiologists from Sydney University and the University of California found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in early childhood prevented the association of impaired foetal growth with arterial wall thickening.

UA Professor Finds Link in Children With Autism
NBC Alabama - www.2alabamas13.com
February 29, 2012

A University of Alabama professor has found a possible similarity in children with autism - omega-3 deficiency.

Reduced Omega 3 Speeds Brain Aging

MedPage Today
February 27, 2012

Researchers from the University of California Los Angeles linked larger, smarter brains with a higher intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids.

Omega 3s Are a Girl's Best Friend

Toronto Sun
February 19, 2012

Researchers contribute to existing proof that omega-3 may reduce heart disease and cholesterol.

DPA n-3, DPA n-6 and DHA improve lipoprotein profiels and aortic function in hamsters fed a high cholesterol diet.

Atherosclerosis
January 12, 2012

Chinese researchers show that omega-3 containing DHA and DPA may reduce cholesterol by up to 50%, and also improve aortic heart functions.

Omega-3 Linked to Slower Eye Sight Loss in People with Retinal Disease: Study

NutraIngredients-USA
February 14, 2012

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids in combination with vitamin A supplements may slow the decline in eye sight in people with retinitis pigmentosa, says a new Study in the Archives of Ophthalmology.

The Great Decline

Northern Pen
February 13, 2012

Learn about Canada's seal harvest from Canadian sealers. This Q&A session between Newfoundland sealers and Leila Beaudouin explains the seal harvest from the perspective of the sealer - a group that relies on the annual harvest to feed their families.

Seal Hunt Can Prosper

Western Star
February 5, 2012

Gerry Byrne, Liberal MP, responds to recent questions about Canada's seal hunt. The Newfoundland MP explains that Canada's hunt is sustainable and economically viable.

Update: Politicians to Show Support of Seal Hunt in Ottawa Today
The Telegram
February 2, 2012

Canadian politicians from all political parties are united in their support Canada's sealing industry. MPs donn sealsking clothing and lapels to show that they support Canada's seal harvest.

(n-3) Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Health: Are Effects of EPA and DHA Shared or Complementary?

Journal of Nutrition
January 25, 2012

Researchers examine the relationship between EPA, DHA and DPA and how they interact. Researchers emphasize the cardiovascular benefits of DHA and DPA specifically.

Rex Murphy: On with the Seal Hunt!

National Post
January 28, 2012

Famed Canadian commentator and author Rex Murphy emphasizes the legitimacy and merits of the Canadian seal hunt.

Improved Outcome After Peripheral Nerve Injury in Mice with Increased Levels of Endogenous Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Journal of Neruoscience
January 2012

This research article suggests that omega-3 essential fatty acids may protect nerves from injury and help them regenerate.

Seal Research Languishing?

The Telegram
November 2011

This newspaper article reviews the many benefits of seal oil omega-3. The article features retired Memorial University scientist Bob Hulan explaining that seal oil-fed chickens have elevated levels of heart-healthy omega-3. Mr. Hulan explains that properly refined seal oil is superior to fish oil because it doesn't break down or oxidize as fast.

Greasing the Wheels of Managing Overweight and Obesity with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Medical Hyptotheses
December 2011, 77(6): 1114-1120

This research article explains how supplementing with omega-3 essential fatty acids may reduce the reward associated with food, and ultimately reduce obesity.

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids Help Burn Glucose and Fat

www.thediabetesclub.com
November 2011

This article reviews a study from Massey University showing that omega-3 fatty acids offer protection in preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes and heart disease by improving carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and also making insulin more effective.

Retina and Omega-3
Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism
November 2011, Volume 2011 (2011) Article ID 748361, 12 pages

This article reviews a study from Massey University showing that omega-3 fatty acids offer protection in preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes and heart disease by improving carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and also making insulin more effective.

Regulation of Osteoarthrities by Omega-3 (n-3) Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Naturally Occurring Model of Disease
Osteoarthrities and Cartilage
October 2011, Volume 19(9): 1150-1157

This article examines the substantial benefits associated with omega-3 reducing the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.

From Cardiovascular Prevention to Anti-Aging Medicine: Influence on Telomere and Cell Aging
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift
September 2011, 136(38): 1913-1916

This study demonstrates that some lifestyle changes, like adding an omega-3 supplement to your diet, may reduce atherosclerosis and also improve life expectancy. It may also offer anti-aging effects.

The Effects of Long-Term Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Cognition and Alzheimer's Pathology in Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
October 2011, October 14: (Epub ahead of print)

This study shows that omega-3 supplementation reduces the omega-3 / omega-6 imbalance and improves cognitive functions. The omega-3 / omega-6 balance is important to maintain because research shows that too much omega-6 may lead to various health concerns, including heart disease.

Dietary a-linolenic Acid, linoleic Acid, and -3 Long-Chain PUFA and Risk of Ischemic Heart Disease
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
August 2011

This study shows that high intakes of long-chain omega-3 EPA and DHA is associated with a 38% reduction in the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women. Researchers from the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Aarhus Universiy, and the University of Copenhagen, noted, "On the basis of our results we therefore conclude that higher intake of n-3 (long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) LC-PUFA, but not ALA (and the omega-6 acid) reduced the risk of IHD among a representative subgroup of Danish women and men."

Researched noted that marine, but not plant, omega-3 essential fatty acids may boost heart health.

DPA on the Rise
Dr. Alex Byelashov - Speaker at SupplySide West - Las Vegas, October 11, 2011
October 2011

Dr. Byelashov emphasizes that docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) - an intermediary between EPA and DHA - plays a powerful role in key health outcomes. DPA has drawn the attention of scientists because it is present in relatively high levels in the diet of Greenland Inuits, a population with exceptionally low incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Essential Fatty Acids and Psychiatric Disorders
Nutrition in Clinical Practice
August 2011, 26(4): 409-425

This study finds that omega-3 fatty acids may provide numerous health benefits. The researchers also found that changes in the concentration of omega-3 in organisms are connected to a variety of psychiatric symptoms and disorders including stress, anxiety, mood disorders, and more. The study found that supplementing with omega-3 can reduce the signs and symptoms of some psychiatric disorders.

Plasma Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Incident Diabetes in Older Adults
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
August 2011, 94(2): 527-533

Researchers found a correllation between higher intakes of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (like EPA, DHA and DPA) and lower risk of diabetes in older adults.

Lorne Gunter: Let the Euro Eco-Weenies Freeze in their Seal-Free Winter
National Post
January 14, 2011

National Post writer Lorne Gunter examines the scientific, economic and political background of Canada's seal harvest, and how it relates to the European Union ban. Mr. Gunter finds that the seal harvest is sustainable, humane and economically viable.

Effects of Seal Oil and Tuna-Fish Oil on Platelet Paramters and Plasma Lipid Levels in Healthy Subjects
Lipids
August 2010, 45(8): 669-681

A study conducted by the University of RMIT has concluded that seal oil is more effective than tuna-fish oil. Fish are a rich source of EPA and DHA, while seal oil is abundant in all three polyunsaturated fatty acids; EPA, DHA and DPA.

The blood lipid effects of the supplementation of seal and fish oil were compared to those observed in sunola oil as a control for 14 days. Both tuna and seal oil supplements elevated platelet DHA levels, but only seal oil raised platelet DPA and EPA levels.

Beneficial Effects of DPA Acid on Cognition in Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Alzheimer's and Dementia
May 2010, 1-9

A decline in memory and cognitive function is considered to be a normal consequence of aging. Memory loss is a prominent health concern for many older individuals. Prevalence estimates indicate that as many as 5.4 million older Americans have cognitive impairment without dementia.

This clinical study demonstrated that 900mg of DHA supplementation improved memory and learning in healthy, older adults with mild memory complaints. DHA plays an essential role in neuronal development and in multiple brain functions.

Comparison of Seal Oil to Tuna Oil on Plasma Lipid Levels and Blood Pressure in Hypertriglyceridaemic Subjects
Lipids
September 2009, 44(9): 827-835

An Australia study found that seal oil supplements are just as effective, if not more effective, than fish oil in lowering blood pressure and plasma lipid levels. Researchers noted that seal oil, "...is just as effective as fish oil in lowering plasma triglycerides and blood pressure."

Canadian Prime Minister Attacks Seal Hunt Critics
www.cbcnews.ca
August 18, 2009

This news article published by CBC emphasizes Stephen Harper's support of Canada's seal harvest. Mr. Harper explains that the harvest has high standards, and should not be singled out by the European Union.

ALA-DHA Conversion Negligible, Say Fatty Acid Experts
www.nutraingredients-usa.com
March 25, 2009

Shane Sterling, examining research from scientific and industry professionals, reported that ALA does not convert to DHA at levels that "confer any physiological benefits..."

Inuit Need Commercial Seal Hunt
www.liberalsenateforum.ca
March 18, 2009

Liberal Senator Charlie Watt explains his unique position about Canada's seal harvest. As an Inuk senator and hunter, M. Watt emphasizes that the commercial seal hrvest must continue in Canada. He also explains that the seal harvest provides economic benefits to various Canadian groups, and also has dietary importance for Inuit communities.

Research Proves Seal Oil Far More Beneficial Than Fish Oil
today.mun.ca
June 20, 2009

An associate professor with the Department of Biochemistry suggests that anyone taking a fish oil supplement should switch to seal oil. Dr. Sukhinder Kaur Cheema outlines the many, varied benefits of seal oil.

Seal Hunting: Political Animals
The Economist - Print Edition
May 14, 2009

The Economist explains that the European Union should focus more on European farming practices, instead of Canada's seal harvest. The article demonstrates that the seal harvest is humane, sustainable and economically viable.

Effectof Supplementation with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Micronutrients on Learning and Behavior Problems Associated with Child ADHD
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
April 2007, 28(2): 82-91

This study examines how omega-3 fatty acids can provide benefits to children suffering from ADHD and other behavioural disorders.