Fish Oil Caps

Overview

Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids—essential fats the body can’t manufacture on its own. In addition to cardiovascular, brain function and mood benefits, fish oil may help prevent or alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). According to women’s health expert Christiane Northrup, M.D., over 60% of women experience PMS symptoms, such as cramps, bloating, breast tenderness and mood swings. Obtaining fish oil through food and/or supplements may reduce these symptoms and promote overall wellness.

Benefits

Since fish oil is associated with reduced bodily inflammation, regular consumption may prevent or alleviate bloating and pain caused by PMS. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), women who take fish oil supplements regularly report fewer menstrual cramps than women who do not. The omega-3 fats present in fish oil also improve brain function, which contribute to mood balance and emotional health. For this reason, fish oil may help reduce the severity and frequency of mood swings associated with PMS.

Sources

Fish oil known to ease PMS symptoms and promote overall wellness stems from coldwater, or “fatty” fish, including salmon, albacore tuna, lake trout, sardines, herring, halibut and mackerel. According to the UMMC, fish oil supplements may provide equal benefits. Strict vegetarians or vegans and anyone who prefers not to eat fish or fish products can reap omega-3 benefits from alternate sources, such as ground flaxseed, walnuts, flaxseed oil and canola oil.

Dosage

For best results in reducing PMS symptoms through fish oil, a woman may opt to consume coldwater fish at least twice weekly and/or take daily fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplements contain both healthy acids that fatty fish provide–EPA (eicosapentaenoic) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). The UMMC suggests basing fish oil dosage on EPA and DHA content rather than amount of fish oil contained for best results. Standard fish oil supplement provide approximately 180 mg (milligrams) of EPA and 120 mg of DHA. The UMMC recommends a maximum daily dosage of 3 grams of fish oil for most adults, as excessive intake can increase bleeding.

Time Frame

The time required for fish oil supplements to provide benefits varies among women. However, regular intake is suggested, as fish oil taken once in a while or only at the start of menstruation is less likely to provide benefits. 

Suggestions

Fish oil and the omega-3 fatty acids they contain are recommended for women who regularly experience PMS symptoms and as a means of promoting women’s wellness in general. Northrup suggests regular intake of essential fatty acids through foods—such as nuts, seeds and coldwater fish—in addition to fish oil supplements, for many women. Regular physical activity, a nutrient-rich diet sufficient in calories, reducing caffeine intake and relaxation techniques may also prevent, reduce or alleviate symptoms. Severe PMS symptoms may indicate underlying medical conditions. For this reason, PMS symptoms that detract from a woman’s ability to function normally should be addressed with a health care provider.

You can get your Ultra Refined Omega-3 Fatty Acids from A-M B-Well Omega-3 PGFO Capsules and Liquid Form.  A-M B-Well Omega-3 Fish Oil Products have been through 6 manufacturing processes so that the fish oil is virtually contaminant-free.  Each capsule contains 400 mg. of EPA and 200 mg. of DHA which is twice the amount of Omega-3s found in regular fish oil containing 180 mg. of EPA and 120 mg. of DHA.

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A-M B-Well inc. is thrilled to introduce its newest product called A-M B-Well™ Omega-3 Liquid Gold! It is a welcome addition to the A-M B-Well Inc. product line.

Omega-3 Liquid Gold is identical to our Omega-3 PGFO capsules (as they are both triglyceride *40:20 TG) except that it is in liquid form and has a natural mandarin orange taste.  It is manufactured exclusively for A-M B-Well Inc. by the same manufacturer as its Omega-3 PGFO capsules.  It has also been third party tested according to parameters established by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (“CRN”) and the World Health Organization (“WHO”) for its potency and purity by the International Fish Oil Standards Program (“IFOS”) http://www.ifosprogram.com and receives a 5 star rating under Lot 21824.

We are now in the process of updating our shopping carts. To find out how to order your Omega-3 Liquid Gold, please click our Main Order Page for more exciting information.

You can bite into citrus fruit before you take the liquid oil, or once you have swallowed the liquid, you will have a taste of mandarin orange in your mouth.  Because our Omega-3 Liquid Gold is triglyceride (TG – natural), rather than ethyl esther (EE – ethyl esther), it is thicker in texture.  I ensure that there is no fish oil on my lips by wiping with a napkin so I am not walking around smelling like a sardine.  I then take a drink or bite into something and the taste is completely gone.  If I get any oil on my hands, I wash immediately because you will start to smell it on your hands once it hits the air.  This is because there is no gelatin capsule to protect the oil from oxidation.

Also ensure that you are taking the fish oil with a meal, as the liquid will enter the bloodstream a lot faster, because your body does not have to breakdown the gelatin capsule first.  It takes approximately 60 minutes for a capsule to dissolve.

Well I know this is more than what you asked for, but it’s just some tips I have found that work.  Please let me know what you think of the Omega-3 Liquid Gold once you receive it.

Montreal, June 21, 2010

Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil Capsules

The use of Omega-3 supplements is effective among patients with major depression who do not have anxiety disorders, according to a study directed by Dr. François Lespérance of the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier at the Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), head of CHUM’s Department of Psychiatry and a professor at the Université de Montréal. The study was published June 15 in the online Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

This was the largest study ever conducted assessing Omega-3′s efficacy in treating major depression. It was carried out in conjunction with researchers from centres affiliated with the UdM’s Réseau universitaire intégré de santé (RUIS), from McGill University, Université Laval in Quebec City and Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. The study was supported by the European firm isodisnatura, the Fondation du CHUM and the CRCHUM.

Initial analyses failed to clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of Omega-3 for all patients taking part in the study. Other analyses, however, revealed that Omega-3 improved depression symptoms in patients diagnosed with depression unaccompanied by an anxiety disorder. Efficacy for these patients was comparable to that generally observed with conventional antidepressant treatment.

From October 2005 to January 2009, 432 male and female participants with major unipolar depression were recruited to take part in this randomized, double-blind study (neither patients nor researchers knew which capsules patients received). For eight weeks, half of the participants took three capsules per day of OM3 Emotional Balance, a fish oil supplement containing high concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The other half took three identical capsules of a placebo consisting of sunflower oil, flavoured with a small quantity of fish oil. In contrast with typical clinical studies designed to assess the effectiveness of antidepressants, this study included a high proportion of patients with complex and difficult-to-treat conditions, including patients resistant to conventional antidepressant treatments and patients also suffering from an anxiety disorder. The aim was to assess the value of Omega-3 supplementation in a group of individuals more like those treated in outpatient clinics.

Need to assess the impact of Omega-3 supplements

Some 11% of men and 16% of women in Canada will suffer from major depression at some point in their lives, making this disorder one of our society’s leading public health issues. Depression, which is now the world’s fourth leading cause of morbidity and death is expected to move up to the number two position by 2020. “Despite significant progress in neuroscience over the past two decades, depression is difficult to treat,” Dr. Lespérance noted. In view of the large number of patients who stop taking their medications in the first few months of treatment and those who refuse such treatment due to fear of stigmatization or side effects, it comes as no surprise that a large number of patients suffering from major depression use alternative treatments offered outside the healthcare system. “Many of these treatments have not been adequately evaluated. That is why it was important to assess the efficacy of Omega-3, one of the most popular alternative approaches,” he added.

Epidemiological and neurobiological studies have suggested that a relative deficit in polyunsaturated fatty acids of the Omega-3 group may predispose individuals to psychological disorders such as depression. Further, several preliminary clinical studies based on small numbers of patients have suggested that Omega-3 supplements with high concentrations of EPA can help to reduce symptoms of depression among patients who fail to respond to an initial antidepressant treatment. These studies have not, however, convinced the entire scientific community. A broader study was needed to acquire further knowledge about the properties and efficacy of high-quality Omega-3 supplements among patients suffering from major depression.

“We are proud that OM3 Emotional Balance, with its high concentration of EPA at unexcelled levels of purity delivers the dose of EPA needed for effective treatment,” said Claire Bertin, head pharmacist for isodisnatura, the laboratory producing the Omega-3 supplement used in the study.

It is important to note that the study assessed use of Omega-3 for eight weeks, at doses of 1050 mg of EPA and 150 mg of DHA each day. It is currently unknown whether taking higher doses or taking supplements over a longer period would yield different results.

These encouraging results show that use of EPA is effective among patients with unipolar depression unaccompanied by an anxiety disorder. Additional research directly comparing Omega-3 with conventional antidepressants could more clearly confirm their usefulness for patients suffering from depression.

The Efficacy of Omega-3 Supplementation for Major Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial, The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry-François Lespérance, MD, PhD; Nancy Frasure-Smith, PhD; Élise St-André, MD; Gustavo Turecki, MD, PhD; Paul Lespérance, MD, MSc; and Stephen R. Wisniewski, PhD.

Source: DigitalJournal.com

There are three types of fish oil:

• Cod liver oil

• Health grade fish oil

• Pharmaceutical grade fish oil (“PGFO”)

What is Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil?

Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil standards are as follows:

• At least 60% of the long-chain fatty acids must consist of EPA and DHA (40:20 TG).

• AA/EPA ratio must be less than .04.

• PCBs per gram of oil should have a much lower level of 45 ppb.

Omega-3 PGFO

A-M B-Well Omega-3 PGFO is a highly concentrated triglyceride base fish oil that uses only the finest quality raw materials of fish oils from ocean fish like anchovies, mackerel and sardines. The oil is then put through an exclusive 6-step manufacturing process for extracting the Omega-3s from the fish oil and refining them. In numerous studies, the absorption of Omega-3 fatty acids in their natural triglyceride form are superior to the synthetic ethyl ester form that is common in other concentrated Omega-3 products. Each bottle contains 90 capsules. Each 1,000 mg. capsule contains a minimum of *400 mg. of EPA and *200 mg. of DHA (both as triglyceride, TG), for a minimum summed total of 600 mg. of Omega-3s per capsule.  The remaining 400 mg. is made up of glycerin, purified water, and 10 I.U.s of Vitamin E for oxidative stability.  Our pharmaceutical grade fish oil has been purified using advanced molecular distillation to make it virtually contamination free of PCB’s, mercury, dioxins, and furans, often  present in related products containing Omega-3 fatty acids. Our pharmaceutical grade fish oil is also gluten free!

How to Select 5 Star Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil:

• Check that your bottle of pharmaceutical grade fish oil has a Lot Number that has been posted on an official IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards) consumer report site such as IFOS.

• Check to ensure that you are buying a TG (natural) PGFO and not an EE (synthetic) PGFO.

• Check the ingredient label to ensure that the pharmaceutical grade fish oil has a 60% Omega-3 concentration and complies with the CRN and WHO standards.

• Ask your supplier for a Certificate of Analysis and look for its 5 star rating to confirm that the pharmaceutical grade fish oil has exceeded these international standards.

A Certificate of Analysis for each batch of A-M B-Well Omega-3 PGFO has been posted at IFOS under Consumer Reports.

If you would like to read more about Fish Oil Oil please visit my website Anne-Marie.ca. You will find it full of information.

Where to get your Omega-3 PGFO:

Click here for our Main Order Page for Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil and Liquid.

Return to FishOil Blog.ca

Omega-3 fatty acids are also called essential fatty acids (“EFAs”).  As with some vitamins, the body cannot synthesize Omega-3s so therefore they must be introduced with the diet.

Recently published clinical literature has shown that Omega-3 fatty acids can:

• Lower total cholesterol and increase good cholesterol “HDL”, helping to keep the heart healthy

• Reduce  triglycerides to 40%

• Lower blood pressure

• Improve memory, concentration and learning

• Keep  skin healthy and vital and fight aging

• Fight the formation of thrombi

• Reduce the risk of heart attack

• Lower the risk for some cancers

• Decrease symptoms of angina and heart palpitations

• Be helpful in pregnancy

• Improve mood and fight depression

• Strengthen the immune system

• Improve the symptoms of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s Disease, ADD, ADHD, Crohn’s disease or lupus, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, premenstrual syndrome and painful periods

• Reduce the risk of macular degeneration of the eyes

• Make cell membranes more fluid, prevent stiffness and deterioration (replacing saturated fats)

• Be useful for the hormonal system

• Help the body to maintain its temperature

The best diet is one that is rich in fish, preferably small in size, at the bottom of the food chain.  This will help prevent contamination from mercury, PCB’s and other toxins in medium to large fish.

The minimum daily requirement of Omega-3s as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (“FAO”) is 1.5% of daily caloric needs.  For example, if you consume 1,800 kcal per day of food, you should ingest at least 3 grams of Omega-3s.  This amount is hard to reach because foods rich in these fats are not very attractive, and not everyone wants or can eat fish every day.  If you cannot reach the recommended daily amount of Omega-3s from food, it then becomes crucial to choose an Omega-3 supplement.

Is It Enough to Buy Pills at the Supermarket?

It seems easy to maintain health and prevent many diseases by just supplementing daily with a capsule or more of Omega-3s purchased at a supermarket.

Buyer Beware : 90% of products sold by supermarkets, herbalists, pharmacies and online stores are at the least ineffective, if not harmful to one’s health!

A highly publicized brand sold in pharmacies has 17 grams of Omega-3 (also referred to as EPA and DHA) per 100 grams of product…in short, only 17%!

In another brand sold at the supermarket, there is only 12%…

This means that to receive the minimum recommended amount of Omega-3s (an average of 3 grams daily), one would have to supplement with at least 27 capsules!

You Only Have 1 Health: I then tried checking the 2 brands on their respective websites (try it yourself) to find an independent Certificate of Analysis to find out what was in the remaining 90% of the capsule, and especially to understand the quality of the fish oil used, but without results…

How To Choose A Quality Supplement :

Fortunately, there are high quality fish oil supplements that contain a high percentage of Omega-3s (minimum of 60%) and are tested by an independent institution recognized by the world’s leading manufacturers of Omega-3. This institute is called the International Fish Oil Standards (“IFOS”) based at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.  On its website under Consumer Reports you can find the updated list of companies that receive 5 stars for their fish oil product as well as their product analysis.

A high quality fish oil with a minimum of 60% Omega-3s is virtually 100% pure.  In fact, it takes 100 gallons of health grade fish oil to make 1 gallon of pure oil.  This type of pure fish oil is commonly referred to as Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil (“PGFO”) which is an anecdotal term and not a medical or scientific term. Harmful substances such as PCBs or DDTs are reduced to very low levels by using an advanced molecular distillation.  The superior distillation process also excludes the possibility of suffering a gastrointestinal upset which is often associated with lower quality fish oils containing contaminants and saturated fat.

A less purified fish oil causes an accumulation of toxic impurities that have been proven to damage the hormonal system, causing annoying intestinal disorders such as gas formation, abdominal pain and diarrhea and, in some cases, even cancer!

Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil Standards Are As Follows:

PURITY

If the fish oil has not been subjected to a multiple molecular distillation process, there is a high probability of the presence of PCBs, mercury, dioxins, furans and heavy metals.

Only a pure fish oil can be taken for long periods of time and at high dosages.

CONCENTRATION

At least 60% of the fish oil should consist of Omega-3 fatty acids containing a ratio of 40:20 EPA/DHA or a minimum of 400 mg. EPA and 200 mg. DHA, with a low percentage of saturated fatty acids  to be digested QUICKLY. In the economic supplements the concentration is between 15% and 30% and contain an high percentage of saturated fatty acids.

Remember that it takes 100 gallons of health grade fish oil to make 1 gallon of PGFO.

The oil should be in the form of natural triglyceride (“TG”)  to ensure bioavailability up to 250% higher than the synthetic form of ethyl ester (“EE”) that is common in other concentrated Omega-3 products.

QUALITY CERTIFIED

Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil (“PGFO”) must be certified by an independent institution using the most stringent parameters in the world like International Fish Oil Standards (“IFOS”) based at the University of Guelph in Ontario Canada.  The Certificate of Analysis should have the highest rating of 5 stars which confirms the exceptional quality. These parameters set by IFOS are hundreds and even thousands of times below the limits allowed by law in the United States.Only the best brands of fish oil in the world have a 5-star IFOS certification.  The list of companies and Certificates of Analysis are available here at the IFOS.

A-M B-Well™ Omega-3  Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil:

Of the 15 companies or so that sell Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil certified by IFOS, the best buy is Omega-3 PGFO from A-M B-Well Inc. because:

Prices are discounted up to 40% compared to its competitors.  This is because it is cheaper to buy by the case (12 bottles) rather than 1 bottle and the wise customer is buying directly from A-M B-Well Inc. without any additional costs to increase the price as a result of dealing with intermediates or the “middle man”.

It produces the purest form of fish oils.  Its traceability amounts of PCBs (toxic pollutants like dioxins) are significantly lower than its competitors, and thousands of times lower than the parameters established by the World Health Organization (“WHO”).  Even with such harmless and very small amounts, the presence of PCBs in an Omega-3 supplement can help one to understand the purity of raw materials (fish caught in low polluted oceans) and the quality of the production process of refining. A-M B-Well Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil oil is sourced from anchovies, sardines and mackerel caught off the coast of Peru in the clean Pacific Ocean.

If one analyzes the IFOS Certificates of Analysis over the past 12 months, one can establish a ranking of the PCBs (ie the purity of the product).  The first fish oil is A-M B-Well™ Omega-3 PGFO.  The limits of traceability are 0.32 parts per trillion.  Between the first and last fish oil product listed on IFOS, the PCBs are 116 times less for A-M B-Well Inc.  All batches of A-M B-Well Omega-3 PGFO are certified by IFOS, so the consumer can feel secure that he or she is purchasing the purest fresh fish oil that will not endanger his or her health.

A-M B-Well™ Omega-3 PGFO is produced in the form of natural triglyceride (40:20TG) to ensure bioavailability up to 250% higher than the form of ethyl ester in (40:20EE) products.  In short, you take less capsules to achieve the same results).

The TG form of PGFO which is sold by A-M B-Well Inc. achieves the same great benefits but with smaller quantities of a natural form versus the synthetic EE form.  In other words, 3 capsules of a 40:20TG PGFO achieve  the SAME results as 4 capsules of a 40:20EE PGFO! Thus, one is also getting more “Bang for their Buck” , not to mention a superior product that costs more money to manufacture than the 40:20EE PGFO.

The latest 5 Star Certificate of Analysis (virtually free of pollutants with a 66% concentration of Omega-3s) from the prestigious international Institute IFOS can be found here: Certificate Omega-3.

I am proud to say that all of the batches produced by A-M B-Well Inc. since 2005 scored the highest rating of 5 stars by International Fish Oil Standards, under the classification of “Outstanding Product”.

Further, A-M B-Well™ Omega-3 PGFO is one of the few products in the world to have been verified by the Pharmacopoeia of the United States (“USP”), the American public entity that establishes stringent quality standards worldwide.  It has also been approved by the Natural Health Products Directorate of Canada (Health Canada) and has been issued a Natural Product Number (“NPN”) 80002607, which is verifiable on its website .

Cons? A Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil has a higher cost in comparison to generic supermarket supplements. However, if one decides to supplement with Omega-3 to improve or maintain one’s health, it would not make sense to buy a poor product.

Please note that supplementing your diet with Omega-3 PGFO has a daily cost lower than buying a cup of coffee.

Visit the A-M B-Well Order Page.

A. M. El-Mowafy, a professor at Mansoura University in Egypt, studied the effects of the fatty acid Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) on solid tumours growing in mice.

The researcher also studied how this fatty acid interacts with the drug cisplatin, which is known to cause kidney damage.

El-Mowafy said: “DHA elicited prominent chemopreventive effects on its own, and appreciably augmented those of cisplatin as well. Furthermore, this study is the first to reveal that DHA can obliterate lethal cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and renal tissue injury.”

Cold-water fish oil and some vegetable oils are known to be rich in DHA.

This fatty acid is a major component of brain grey matter and of the retina in most mammalian species.

It is considered to be essential for normal neurological and cellular developments.

The authors said: “While DHA has been tentatively linked with protection against cardiovascular, neurological and neoplastic diseases, there exists a paucity of research information, in particular regarding its interactions with existing chemotherapy drugs”.

During the study, the researchers found that DHA acts by reducing white blood cell accumulation, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress at the molecular level.

The finding attains significance as all these processes have been linked with tumour growth.

El-Mowafy and his colleagues have called for greater deployment of omega-3 in the fight against cancer.

They write: “Our results suggest a new, fruitful drug regimen in the management of solid tumours based on combining cisplatin, and possibly other chemotherapeutics, with DHA.”

The study has been published in the open access journal Cell Division. (ANI)

Source

Does Fish Oil Help?

One of my friends has acne and I suggested he try some fish oil. It has been about 7 months now and we can both see the difference in his face. He seems to be much happier as well.

Needless to say I had him start with the best pharmaceutical brand I know; Omega-3 PGFO Fish Oil from A-M B-Well inc.

My Research on Fish Oil and Acne.

Hormonal disturbance in our body causes many health conditions and one of these is acne. Fish oil and acne are related to each other because of the presence of fatty acids in fish oil which can be helpful in the prevention as well as cure of acne. Two essential fatty acids – DHA and EPA – are broken down in the body to make other substances, such as prostaglandins. These substances prevent the formation of excess sebum in the hair follicles present throughout the human body, and as a result prevent acne from being emerging out.

Doctors and dermatologists recommend increasing the intake of fish oil with acne. Although eating fish directly can also help prevent acne, but this is not usually advised by health experts across the globe. A healthy alternative is to buy fish oil supplements containing adequate percentages of DHA, EPA and even some other substances like vitamin E and antioxidants. These nutritional supplements are not only helpful in the prevention of acne, but are also important for your overall health and well-being.

If you are allergic to fish, you can consume flax seed oil to obtain another essential fatty acid by the name of ALA. This acid is converted into DHA and EPA in the body and can be used for many important functions. Some other vegetable oils are also recommended to people who are overweight or cannot consume fish oil with acne.

Cod liver oil, although a very rich source of DHA and EPA also contains high amounts of vitamin A and D. Excess of vitamin A in the body can also cause acne. If you experience acne because of the intake of certain oily foods and chocolate, try taking in pharmaceutical grade fish oil. I have seen it work.

Good healing!

Consumers need to do some homework before they run out and buy any type of supplement or beauty aid.

As this article reads, Many Beauty Products’ Claims are Only Skin Deep. As I have always said the “proof is in the pudding”.

According to an article in USA Today by Cindy Clark:

•Beauty vitamins. Beauty in a bottle? “I was really skeptical at first, but there are scientific studies that prove that a number of supplements can make a difference,” Wells says. For instance, “the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can help with under-eye puffiness.” Try a premixed pack or individual vitamins, such as niacin for acne or fish oil.

I have been supplementing with pharmaceutical grade fish oil since 2001, and I am what you would call a guinea pig.

I can attest to some of the wonders that Omega 3 has done for my skin. My skin is never dry (even in the winter). I used to suffer from mild outbreaks of acne on my chin and since supplementation with pharmaceutical grade fish oil, that has disappeared.

At night time I use a little bit of Vitamin E oil under my eyes. There’s nothing like enriching your skin with a very important antioxidant.

My nails are also very strong from the Omega 3s whereas before I used to have problems with them breaking and being brittle.

My lipid profiles are incredible, but that’s another blog.

Source: Many Beauty Products’ Claims are only Skin Deep

A study was done by the Neuroscience Centre, Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, St. Bartholomew’s and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, United Kingdom on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a cause of major neurological disability, and no satisfactory treatment is currently available. Evidence suggests that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could target some of the pathological mechanisms that underlie damage after SCI.

However, the type of PUFAs used in the experiment had very different outcomes.

The w-3 PUFAs -linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) injected 30 min after injury induced significantly improved locomotor performance and neuroprotection, including decreased lesion size and apoptosis and increased neuronal and oligodendrocyte survival. Evidence showing a decrease in RNA/DNA oxidation suggests that the neuroprotective effect of w-3 PUFAs involved a significant antioxidant function.

In contrast, animals treated with arachidonic acid, an w-6 PUFA, had a significantly worse outcome than controls. We confirmed the neuroprotective effect of w-3 PUFAs by examining the effects of DHA treatment after spinal cord compression injury. Results indicated that DHA administered 30 min after spinal cord compression not only greatly increased survival of neurons but also resulted in significantly better locomotor performance for up to 6 weeks after injury.

Dr. Sears has written in his book Enter the Zone that arachidonic acid is so deadly that when injected into the bloodstream of rabbits, they die within minutes, so it only makes sense that the rats treated with the arachidonic acid had a worse outcome.

The outcome of the experiment on SCI is very dramatic:

This report shows a striking difference in efficacy between the effects of treatment with w-3 and w-6 PUFAs on the outcome of SCI, with w-3 PUFAs being neuroprotective and w-6 PUFAs having a damaging effect. Given the proven clinical safety of w-3 PUFAs, our observations show that these PUFAs have significant therapeutic potential in SCI. In contrast, the use of preparations enriched in w-6 PUFAs after injury could worsen outcome after SCI.

Perhaps the rats produced too many bad eicosanoids when treated with the w-6 PUFAs as opposed to good eicosanoids when treated with the w-3 PUFAs and this also had a profound effect on the outcome of the experiment?

Note: An Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio of 1:1 is strongly recommended.

Source: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury