Studies show benefits of ‘Omega-3 PUFA’

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) derived from deep-sea fish can combat different dreaded diseases, notably heart attack and stroke, according to various well-conducted studies.

A study by the renowned Gruppo Italiano por lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell’ Infarto Myocardio (GISSI) based in southern Italy, reported that omega-3 PUFA improves clinical outcome in heart patients by decreasing total deaths by 40 percent, heart-related deaths by 30 percent, and sudden deaths by 20 percent. The study was published in the Lancet, a prestigious international medical journal.

Omega-3-PUFA has the capacity to reduce the risk of heart-related diseases in several ways. First, when inside the body, omega-3 produces a substance called prostacyclin that prevents blood from being sticky and prevents blood clot that can cause heart attack and stroke. It also enhances the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) which is also known as the good fat, preventing the blocking of the arteries of the heart and brain.

"People who have suffered heart attacks can reduce their risk of heart-related death by 30 percent through an intake of fish oil capsule everyday," said Dr. Roberto Marchioli, head of the GISSI study.

2-year study

The GISSI study, which lasted for two years, enrolled 11,324 patients surviving a heart attack in the preceding three months. The subjects were divided into four groups and were randomly given supplementation of omega-3 PUFA, vitamin E or none at all.

In the same study, subjects who were given vitamin E supplementation showed no significant cardiovascular benefit.

Considered as a landmark on cardiovascular treatment, the GISSI study corroborated previous works on the beneficial effect of omega-3 to the heart.

Dietary supplement

Physicians from around the globe are one in saying that omega-3 PUFA is an important dietary supplement for various heart-related illnesses. It is therefore not surprising to know that omega-3 is so popular among health buffs and health practitioners alike.

A daily dose of two to three softgels of omega-3 supplement is highly recommended for those who suffered previous heart attacks and those who have risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and strong family history of heart disease.

In the Philippines, one of the most doctor-prescribed omega-3 brands is Omegabloc which is taken by many for the prevention of heart attack and other heart-related illnesses. It is available as an over-the-counter food supplement at Mercury Drug Store outlets nationwide.

Aside from its beneficial effects for the heart, Omegabloc is also an ideal supplement for the prevention of brain function deterioration in the elderly, brain development of babies breastfed by their mothers, alleviation of the symptoms of depression and other stress-related disorders and reduction of arthritic pain and swelling.

Omegabloc is manufactured by Now International, one of the leading manufacturers of food supplements in the United States. It is locally distributed by Trianon International Inc.