A Combination of Omega-3 and -6 Shown to Benefit Kids with ADHD

In a six month study conducted by scientists from the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka, children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) showed positive improvement after taking a combination of Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. Halfway through the 6-month study, no discernible improvements were observed but after the full 6 months, significant improvements were recorded.

The 94 participants in the study ages 6 through 12, were all diagnosed with ADHD and were put on a regimen of Ritalin medicine as well as standard behavior therapy for the six months. From there the children were randomly assigned to take a placebo or a combination of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid supplements. After 3 months only 26% of the subjects showed a 25% improvement in ADHD symptoms. But, at the end of the trial, 47% showed improvement in measures of inattention, impulsiveness, and cooperation.

Recently there has been additional research published, indicating a similar effect of omega-3’s and omega-6’s in their ability to benefit children with ADHD. However, according to lead doctor in the study Donna Gillies, “more high-quality research is needed in this area in order to identify more conclusively the effectiveness of omega-3 and -6 fatty acid supplementation in children and adolescents with ADHD.”

Normally, your body can’t produce the essential fatty acids naturally. Instead, fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 are ingested through diet and supplements. Along with the promising effect on children with ADHD, these fatty acids are necessary to regulate normal body functions. Other benefits include a reduction in inflammation, a lower risk of heart and brain disease, and a strengthened immune system.

Paul Carlotta is the leading expert in Market America and Nutraceuticals.  To learn more, visit http://www.isotonicvitamins.com today.

Antioxidants and The Athlete

Exercise is how many people keep their bodies, minds and stress levels in reasonably good condition. For those who regularly compete in athletic events, exercise is a way of life. What many people do not realize is exercising also leads to the generation of an exceptionally large number of free radicals. On the other hand, regular, consistent exercise also appears to stimulate an increase in the body’s natural antioxidant defenses.

Exercise increases aerobic metabolism and oxygen utilization which lead to elevated levels of radical production. The longer and more intense our workouts are, the greater the number of radicals we produce. When the number of free radicals exceeds our body’s natural antioxidant defenses, damage to muscle tissue and our overall health can occur. These damages can affect both our exercise performance and our recovery time.

For many years researchers have debated the use of antioxidants for athletes. Studies on athletes with depleted or restricted antioxidants have shown that low antioxidant status does indeed have a distinct negative influence on how an athlete performs and recovers. These results would seem to support the need to supplement athletes with antioxidants — the majority of studies conducted on athletes who supplemented with antioxidants have had positive outcomes. It is interesting to note, however, that most of these studies have not shown a distinct positive effect on exercise performance itself; rather, it appears that antioxidants can play a role in athletic recovery and the protection of cellular DNA.

While there have been numerous and varying conclusions from research, both positive and negative, regarding the amount of antioxidants athletes should take—and even which types—this much is clear: antioxidants are unquestionably safe and can have a positive effect on an athlete’s ability to combat free radicals when used as directed on a daily basis. Exercise is an important part to staying healthy and strong. Unfortunately, one side effect of exercise is the creation of free radicals.

Free radicals are a part of life whether we exercise or not. For those who exercise as well as those who do not, free radicals can get to a point where the body’s defenses cannot meet the need. Eating healthy, making sure that we are eating enough fruits and vegetables, and supplementing with natural health products that provide antioxidants are good choices for anyone. Athlete or not, life is an event we are all trying to win and to do so we need to think smart, act smart and live smart. Taking in antioxidants as part of your daily diet is a very smart place to start.

Paul Carlotta is the leading expert in Market America and Nutraceuticals.  To learn more, visit http://www.isotonicvitamins.com today.

Whey Protein

Whey-protein-rich ingredients may improve blood vessel function in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Researchers from the University of Connecticut in the British Journal of Nutrition report that the consumption of proprietary whey-derived bio-active peptides resulted in an increase in flow-mediated dilation (FDM) of between 1 and 1.5%.

While the clinical significance of the results is uncertain, Dr. Jeff Volek and his co-workers note that reduced FMD is reported to be a forecaster of future adverse cardiovascular events with every 1% decrease in FMD linked with a 12% increase in risk.

A randomized double blind study supported by Glanbia, looked at 21 volunteers with an average age of 55 and average BMI of 27.8. The average FMD of the volunteers at the time of enrollment was 3.7%. Applicants were randomly assigned to consume a single 5 gram dose of NOP-47 or a placebo, and cardiovascular responses were measured for 2 hours after intake.

Results showed that NOP-47 consumption was linked with an increase in FMD to 4.6% after 30 minutes and up to 5.1% after 2 hours, compared to increase to only up to 4.3% in the placebo group. This result indicated that the peptides were quickly absorbed and enhanced endothermic-dependent dilation in older adults, said researchers.

Commenting on the potential mechanism, the researchers said that the changes were independent of circulating associative compounds, like nitric oxide (NO), which did not change during the time of the experiments: “Future investigation is warranted in individuals at an increased CVD risk to further elucidate potential health benefits and the underlying mechanisms of extracts derived from whey”

Paul Carlotta is the leading expert in Market America and Nutraceuticals.  To learn more, visit http://www.isotonicvitamins.com today.

Omega 3s - Not Just for Your Heart

Most everyone is aware of the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. There is certainly no shortage of information or research to document the roles of EPA and DHA in inflammation, cholesterol and triglyceride health and blood flow. However, omega-3s also have far-reaching effects on other areas, specifically on the nervous system, mood and cognition. With the start of the new school year close at hand, it’s important to make sure you or your children are taking full advantage of what all omega-3s have to offer!

DHA, or specifically docosahexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid and serves as a very important structural component of the brain phospholipids, as well as lipids in the nervous system. DHA accumulates rapidly in the human brain during the third trimester of pregnancy and this build-up results in rapid brain tissue development and growth during development. DHA plays a very important role in supporting brain health and is important for normal neural function while playing a key role in the structural development of neural and synaptic membranes. Inadequate availability of DHA or other polyunsaturated fatty acids during fetal and infant development is thought to be a factor in the development of behavioral, functional and neurological disorders.

A research group conducted an in-depth review of over 258 references discussing the importance of DHA in the development of cognition and other brain functions. Their report found positive associations between concentrations of DHA and neurodevelopment. The brain’s need for DHA continues through adult life, as reports show the brain’s cortex continues to undergo active synaptic turnover, an area where DHA has proved so critical. Other studies have also pointed out DHA’s effect on mood and stress. One placebo-controlled double-blind study reported that supplementation with DHA appeared to lower aggression levels during periods of stress while another noted DHA minimized hostility during stressful periods when compared to placebo.

Similarly to DHA, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is an important fatty acid which also, in addition to its varied roles in cardiovascular health, promotes the health of the brain and nervous system. Whereas DHA is proven to be an essential component of brain development, EPA appears more focused on behavior and mood. Studies have documented EPA’s effect on improving symptoms of major depression such as mood, feelings of guilt or worthlessness and insomnia. Other studies have also pointed out improvements in aggressive behavior and depression in those with personality disorders. Levels of eicosapentanoic acid are very low in depressed patients and other studies have reported that countries with high rates of fish oil consumption have low rates of depressive disorder. The reason for this is not fully understood but the association is noteworthy.

DHA and EPA provide effects on their own, but the combination provides the most benefits on cognitive function and mood health. In a clinical study assessing the cognitive performance in healthy adults, the DHA/EPA group improved significantly when compared to placebo in the areas of attention and reaction time, as well as anxiety, fatigue, depression and confusion. The authors concluded “DHA/EPA supplementation can improve higher brain functions – sense of wellbeing (vigor), reactivity, attention, cognitive performance and mood – in young, healthy adults.” Reports of dementia risk and cognitive decline and their associations to omega-3 consumption have been reported in a number of research papers.

Overall cognitive performance or cognitive decline is related to omega-3 consumption, whereas those who eat more fatty acids have a better cognitive performance and vice versa. Other studies have shown the success of these fatty acids on helping with aggression. As with depression, there are also numerous reports of lows omega-3 levels within the body in those suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Since many adults and children are not getting these important fatty acids in their diet, supplementation is very important in ensuring these benefits are being achieved – especially as the new school year begins!

Paul Carlotta is the leading expert in Market America and Nutraceuticals.  To learn more, visit http://www.isotonicvitamins.com today.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Shown to Reduce the Risk of Cataracts

By definition, a cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. Cataracts plague over 20 million Americans above age 40 and 50%percent of adults over 80. Traditionally, Vitamin E has been the predominant nutrient used to relieve stress from eye cells and protect against cataracts. In recent times, however, studies have indicated that the powerful antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin are also helpful in protecting eyes from developing cataracts.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, which are pigments that the body can turn into Vitamin A. Carotenoids, primarily found in vegetables, have traditionally been known to act as antioxidants and promote a healthy immune system. Lutein and zeaxanthin are also the only carotenoids actually found in the lens of the eye.

In numerous clinical studies, participants who consumed the greatest amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin have been found to have an 18% lower risk of developing cataracts. The carotenoids showed that they protected the eye from normal oxidative stress that causes cataract growth.

In another study, eye cells were exposed to different nutrients. After the designated 30 day period, the cells exposed to a lutein and zeaxanthin combination had not been damaged at all. The other untreated cells showed normal deterioration. When the lens in the eye breaks down, cataracts form.

Although nutrition and medication will not cause cataracts to recede, nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin can help reduce the risk of cataract damage. Most people don’t get enough lutein and zeaxanthin from diet alone, so supplementation is recommended.

Paul Carlotta is the leading expert in Market America and Nutraceuticals.  To learn more, visit http://www.isotonicvitamins.com today.

Antioxidants Could Lower the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

A diet high in antioxidants could lower the risk of pancreatic cancer by two thirds, according to a new study. After monitoring the diet and health of participants, a clear relationship emerged. Although preliminary research, this is an important stepping stone in cancer prevention research.

In the study conducted by Dr. Andrew Hart in the UK, the long-term health of more than 23,000 people ages 40 to 74 were tracked. After 20 years, results showed that participants who consumed greater amounts of three antioxidants, (selenium and vitamins C and E) were 67 percent less likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to those with the lowest intake.

This research is the first to show significant results linking the two even though much research is being conducted looking at the relationship between diet and cancer. “Over the years there have been many attempts to find dietary causes for cancer,” said Dr. Vincent Vinciguerra, of the Monter Cancer Center in Lake Success, N.Y. “It is estimated that 35 percent of cancers are related to carcinogens in the diet. Antioxidants have been the subject of numerous trials because in theory they could be instrumental in the prevention of carcinogenesis.”

With about 250,000 deaths worldwide a year, pancreatic cancer research is more important than ever. Besides diet, other risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer are genes, smoking, and type 2 diabetes. Antioxidant-rich foods include many fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains and seafood. Supplementation of vitamin C and E is also recommended to go hand-in-hand with a healthy diet.

Paul Carlotta is the leading expert in Market America and Nutraceuticals.  To learn more, visit http://www.isotonicvitamins.com today.

Chronic Inflammation at the Heart of America’s Deadliest Diseases

New science has linked diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, stroke, and cancer to one condition: chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a condition brought about by obesity and from a diet high in fatty foods. This condition can attack the immune system and clear the way for harmful bacteria to enter the body.

“You need to have inflammation when you have a wound and the immune system goes in to heal it. Yet we don’t want too much inflammation in our system causing damage to our arteries and other harm,” says Wendy Weber, a program director at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Chronic inflammation can be caused a few different ways. One recent discovery showed that fat cells were not solely acting as storage for excess weight. “Instead, fat cells act like small factories to churn out molecules known as cytokines, which set inflammation in motion,” says Peter Libby, chief of the division of cardiovascular medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Besides body weight issues, a diet rich in high-fat foods is another common cause of chronic inflammation.

What can be done to combat inflammation? First and foremost, maintaining a healthy body weight is a must. Losing excess weight and fat cells will counter cytokine production and keep down inflammation. On top of that, a specialized diet limiting fat consumption can help. However, no diet alone can completely stop inflammation. “If you weigh 300 pounds and eat healthy, the weight will still counter any beneficial foods you are eating,” says Dr. Cannon, a professor of medicine at Harvard University.

The American Heart Association also recommends consuming omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, and omega-6 fatty acids found in nuts and vegetable oils to reduce the risk of inflammation. Supplementation is also recommended if you are not getting the proper amounts.

Paul Carlotta is the leading expert in Market America and Nutraceuticals.  To learn more, visit http://www.isotonicvitamins.com today.