Tufts Researchers Find That Omega-3's Can Reduce Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Also Included In: Preventive Medicine;  Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 03 Aug 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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A comprehensive review of published clinical studies by research associates at Tufts-New England Medical Center has found that increased consumption of DHA* and EPA** (omega-3's), "reduces the rates of all-cause mortality, cardiac and sudden death, and possibly stroke."

Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers identified 46 unique eligible studies on dietary omega-3 and cardiovascular disease. These included outcomes that lasted more than one year: including 14 randomized clinical trials, 25 prospective cohort studies, and seven case- control studies.

In a corresponding editorial on the review, Richard J. Deckelbaum, M.D., and Sharon R. Akabas, Ph.D., Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University, point out the importance of DHA and EPA in decreasing the accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of the artery. Additionally, they make a recommendation:

"We believe that the body of existing evidence is strong enough to suggest that in the United States, certainly, and in other countries where omega-3 fatty acid consumption is low, public health initiatives are needed to increase intakes of EPA and DHA."

Studies published in peer-reviewed journals have reported that patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression may be deficient in vital nutrients: omega-3, folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12.

According to Dr. Barbara Levine of Weill Cornell Medical College, "Increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, has been clinically shown to reduce severity of these diseases, so that patients are often able to reduce or eliminate medications that have serious adverse reactions."

Many doctors are now using Animi-3, a prescription-only product with specially formulated and highly refined omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, B6, and B12.

"In line with these findings, Animi-3 provides doctors with a reliable means of addressing the omega-3 and other deficiencies that are apparent in the diet of many Americans," said Jack Schramm, PBM Pharmaceuticals EVP and inventor of the Animi-3 formula.

PBM is currently conducting a new clinical trial on Animi-3 and its effect upon dementia. For more information, visit http://www.animi-3.com.

PBM Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
http://www.pbmpharmaceuticals.com