The recent publication in the Journal of American College of Cardiology about Marine Omega-3s and Atherosclerosis was widely reported by the media.   The consumer response to good news about dietary supplements typically results in increased sales of the supplement or ingredient that is the object of the news.  Remember when the first news about lycopene was published mainstream?  After the news came out that lycopene may help with heart health and prostate cancer, the dietary supplement industry scrambled to showcase lycopene in vitamins and functional foods as fast as they could…and the public bought those products as fast as they hit the shelves.

Now that the first ever multi-ethnic study regarding the correlation between heart disease and intake of omega-3s from fish oil is out, a similar response can be seen across the country.

You may ask, “So what?  What’s the problem!?   We all know that omega-3s from fish oil are good for us…this news emphasizes the heart healthy benefits”

Well, here’s the problem.  The dietary supplement industry is HUGE…really, HUGE!!!  Its literally billions of dollars in the US alone.  When good news comes out regarding the consumption of omega-3s from fish oil, a majority of people see the headlines and go to their grocer, health food store, or big box mart and start buying and consuming fish oil supplements.

But, what are they buying?

Unfortunately, cost is king and many dietary supplements are formulated with a focus on cost, not efficacy and health.  The majority of fish oil supplements sold today contains approximately 30-50% omega-3 PUFAs.  That means that in order to get the average daily recommended dose of omega-3s, on would have to take upwards of 3,333 mg total fish oil.  That amount would provide 1000 mg Omega-3 PUFAs, but also 2,333 mg of non-Omega-3 FAT…fat that represents unwanted calories, the potential for stomach upset, and, as some emerging research shows, may actually negatively impact blood lipids.

That is why we formulated our omega-3 products with the highest concentration Omega-3s available.  At 86% omega-3s, LIPIDEME™ and OMEGANOL™ provide over 1000 mg EPA/DHA/other Omega-3 in each serving.  The remaining fat content is mainly omega-6 and some omega-9, with only minimal other fats.  And, not only do you get less FAT in our products, you also get more value for your money.

At 86% concentration, we supply greater than 1000 mg of omega-3s in each serving.

For more information, please Visit www.omega3math.com where we show you how to read your omega-3 label and do the math.

So, next time you hear some good news about a supplement, take it seriously and read the article, understand the article, and do you homework before you arbitrarily buy.

Wishing you the best health,
PanGenex

Fishing for ways to protect your heart? The first international study is out that compares omega-3 levels in Japan and the west.

The August 5, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) reports that Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty or oily fish appear to prevent clogged arteries, even in middle aged men with risk factors.

This new research indicates a seafood rich diet high in tuna, sardines, salmon, and other fatty fish appears to protect against clogged arteries regardless of other cardiovascular risk factors. In the article, it is reported that Japanese men, living in Japan, on average had twice the blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids. This finding was independently linked to low levels of atherosclerosis.

Akira Sekikawa, M.D., PhD, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh, PA, and an adjunct associate professor at Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan stated, “The death rate from coronary heart disease in Japan has always been puzzlingly low” and ”Our study suggests that the very low rates of coronary heart disease among Japanese living in Japan may be due to their lifelong high consumption of fish.”

An earlier study by Dr. Sekikawa’s team reported that Japanese men had less cholesterol build up in their arteries as compared to white men living the in the US, regardless of similar blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure readings, and similar rates of diabetes. Very surprising was the fact that rates of cholesterol buildup were less even though Japanese men have a much higher incidence of cigarette smoking! In previous studies it was not clear whether the low levels of clogged arteries was due to strong genes, increased consumption of fish, or some other factor.

To determine the answer to that question, the ERA JUMP Study (Electron-Beam Tomography, Risk Factor Assessment Among Japanese and U.S. Men in the Post-World War II Birth Cohort) signed up 868 randomly selected men from ages 40-49. Study participants were examined and had blood work to evaluate cardiovascular health. Lab tests measured the blood levels of fatty acids and the omega-3 fatty acids that come from fish (EPA, DHA, DPA).

Ultrasounds and EB-CT scans were also used to measure cholesterol buildup and intimal-medial thickness and calcification (calcium deposits, coronary arterial calcification (CAC)), respectively.

The study found that total levels of fatty acids were similar across the represented groups, however the percentage of fish based omega-3 fatty acids was two-fold higher in Japanese men living in Japan (9.2%) when compared to white men (3.9%) and Japanese-American men (4.8%) residing in the US.

The data from the study showed significant correlation between the percent of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood and intimal media thickness of arteries, incidence of atherosclerosis, and overall cardiovascular risk in Japanese men, living in Japan. Also, it was shown that coronary arterial calcification (CAC) went down as omega-3 fatty acids levels went up, but the relationship was not statistically significant.

“Our study clearly demonstrated that whites and Japanese-Americans have similar levels of atherosclerosis, which are much higher than in the Japanese in Japan,” Dr. Sekikawa said. “This indicates that much lower death rates from coronary heart disease in the Japanese in Japan is very unlikely due to genetic factors.”(1)

This article is the latest in a plurality of reports that underscore the importance of fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids in reducing the risk for heart disease. Science Daily (2) reported comments from William W. Harris, Ph.D. and senior scientist and director of the Metabolism and Nutrition Research Center, Sanford Research/University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls. “Japanese men in Japan have equally bad or worse cardiovascular risk profiles as Americans, but less heart disease. How can this be?” said Dr. Harris, who was not involved in the ERA JUMP study. “What really distinguishes the Japanese men from the Americans is the fact that blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acids are twice as high in Japan as they are in the West.”

Article written by Jim Mosbaugh, Vice President with PanGenex Corporation. Visit www.PanGenex.com for more information.

1. Sekikawa et al. Marine-Derived n-3 Fatty Acids and Atherosclerosis in Japanese, Japanese-American, and White Men: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Am Coll Cardiol, 2008 52: 417-424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2008.03.047
2. Japanese Diet Rich In Fish May Hold Secret To Healthy Heart: Omega-3 Fatty Acids From Fish Appear To Prevent Clogged Arteries ScienceDaily (July 29, 2008)

A new STUDY published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2008; 26(3):484-91 discusses the association between vitamin K-dependent protein “osteocalcin” and the incidence of low bone mass in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The study showed that a high vitamin K status in both healthy and diseased children was correlated with markedly better bone properties whereas a low blood concentration of vitamin K was associated with significant impairment in bone quality.

Vitamin K2, menaquinone-7, has been the subject of much research over the past decade. For instance, in the Rotterdam Study , it was shown that diets high in vitamin K2 had a significantly positive effect on bone health and showed a reduction in soft tissue calcification. In the Rotterdam Study, it was found that high natural vitamin K2 consumption reduces the risk of fatal cardiovascular events by as much as 50%. Coronary calcification, once thought of as a passive process that occurred subsequent to a disease, is now accepted as a reversible condition and significant early predictor for cardiovascular disease.

Much of the US population is deficient in vitamin K. Dr. Leon Schurgers, one of the authors of the recent study stated that “Unfortunately …the Western diet is insufficient in K vitamins for bone and cardiovascular health. Supplementing the diet with natural vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7, either in food enrichment or dietary supplements, seems to be the obvious solution to promote human health.” The mean dietary intake of K vitamins are currently significantly lower than it was just 5 decades ago as a result of dietary changes.(1) This shift in diet may shed some light on the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Per a press release put out by PL Thomas and NattoPharma (distributor and manufacturer of natural vitamin K2, respectively) vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is found in leafy green vegetables and vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods including cheese and in small amount in egg yolks and meat.

Vitamin K2 is also a key ingredient in PanGenex’s Calci-CLEAR AM supplement, which was developed to address soft tissue calcification. At 45 micrograms, the amount of K2 shown in the Rotterdam Study to be safe and effective, Calci-CLEAR AM is one of the only truly comprehensive nutraceutical products on the market today that provide that level of K2 menaquinone-7. For more information on Calci-CLEAR, visit www.HeartHealthyWorld.com.

Article written by Jim Mosbaugh, Vice President with PanGenex Corporation. Visit www.PanGenex.com for more information.

References:

(1) Prynne CJ, Thane CW, Prentice A, Wadsworth ME. Intake and sources of phylloquinone (vitamin k(1)) in 4-year-old British Children: comparison between 1950 and the 1990’s. Public Healthy Nutr. 2005;8(2):171-80

This month’s issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine contains an article linking prehypertension in young to middle aged adults to the future development of calcium buildup in the coronary arteries.  Calcification of the coronary arteries is one sign of atherosclerosis and a stong predictor of heart attack and or stroke.

Researcher Mark J. Pletcher, MD, MPH, of the University of California, San Fransisco stated in a news release that “Our findings suggest the possibility that pre-hypertension itself is harmful, and not just because it is associated with subsequent [high blood pressure].  People with a lot of calcium in their coronary arteries are more likely to have heart attacks and strokes, and these outcomes might be avoidable by keeping blood pressure low when you’re young.”

The correlation between high blood pressure earlier in life and future cardiovascular disease has been well established for decades, however this new research pinpoints that even slightly elevated blood pressure increases the risk for vascular calcification which in turn increases the risk for heart disease.

The study, which analyzed 15-20 years of blood pressure readings from 3,560 adults aged from 18 to 30, culminated in CT scans to evaluate levels of coronary arterial calcium, or calcification.  The results showed that nearly 1 out of every 5 people developed prehypertension prior to turning 35 years old and that prehypertension was significantly associated with calcification later in life.   The study also showed that the longer a young person had prehypertension, the more significant the build-up of calcification.   The study reports that the top number, diastolic, was more predictive than the bottom number, systolic.

The researchers stated in the article that “Prehypertension during young adulthood is common and is associated with coronary atherosclerosis 20 years later.”  The study indicated that certain population segments elucidated trends that showed those who were African-American, male, overweight, and of a low socioeconomic status were more likely to develop  prehypertension while those with a college degree, makin over $25,000 per year were 50% less likely to develop prehypertension.

Additionally, the study showed that people who develop prehypertension prior to turning 35 also exhibited a stronger likelyhood to develop diabetes, have low HDL, and high blood pressure later in life.

The American Heart Association puts forth recommendations regarding hypertension that includes; watching your weight, eating a healthy, balanced diet, and getting regular exercise to help keep your blood pressure in check and prevent hypertension.

In addition, various dietary supplements may be beneficial in addressing cardiovascular health.  For instance, the American Heart Association also indicates that omega-3 fatty acids from fish may help reduce the risk of heart disease and sudden death by major cardiac event by as much as 50%.   Emerging research shows that Coenzyme Q10 may have a beneficial impact on blood pressure in addition to its potent antioxidant activity.  Phytosterols, plant sterols, have been shown to help prevent the absorption of cholesterol from the diet, thereby lowering total cholesterol levels, and emerging research shows that tocotrienols act on the enzyme that makes LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the liver.

PanGenex, in conjunction with its physician partners, has combined these 4 ingredients in LIPIDEME, promoting heart health the advanced way.   One serving of LIPIDEME provides the amount of each ingredient as recommended or endorsed by the US Food and Drug Administration and American Heart Association.  Visit www.HeartHealthyWorld.com to learn more, for your health and for your heart!

Article written by Jim Mosbaugh, Vice President with PanGenex Corporation.  Visit www.PanGenex.com for more information.

The above article written referencing the full report titled “Prehypertension during Young Adulthood and Coronary Calcium Later in Life.” It is in the 15 July 2008 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine (volume 149, pages 91-99). The authors are M.J. Pletcher, K. Bibbins-Domingo, C.E. Lewis, G.S. Wei, S. Sidney, J.J. Carr, E. Vittinghoff, C.E. McCulloch, and S.B. Hulley.

Click here to view the complete article: http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/summary/149/2/91

While over 64 million Americans deal with Cardiovascular Disease, Sudden Cardiac Arrests (Heart Attack) claim the lives of more than 310,000 people each year; an astounding 850 deaths per day! If you look at the numbers, that’s more deaths per year than breast cancer, stroke, and AIDS combined.

Research has provided us with some clearly defined risk factors and profiles for developing heart disease. It is still very difficult however to accurately predict first time cardiac events. In fact, it is often stated that the number one indicator of heart disease is in fact a Heart Attack.

Recent articles in Newsweek magazine regarding the untimely and tragic death of news correspondent Tim Russert discusses the fact that Mr. Russert was exercising and taking medication for asymptomatic coronary heart disease and that he had performed well in a stress test just two months prior to his cardiac arrest. We were still reflecting the loss of Russert when comedian George Carlin died of sudden heart failure and shocked us even further.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) nearly 17 million people around the world die of cardiovascular disease (CVD) every year, with more than half of those deaths being women. The WHO predicts CVD to be the leading cause of death in developing countries and by the year 2020 CVD will claim upwards of 25 million people per year. The mortality rates in the more developed countries are somewhat better due to access to health care lifestyle; however it is clear that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer.

What can a person do to decrease there own risk of heart disease and especially Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

The American Heart Association lists guidelines for decreasing your risk of CVD such as exercising regularly, not smoking, taking a low dosage of aspirin or use cholesterol lowering drugs such as statins as directed by a physician. Reduction of stress is also critical in managing heart health.

Certain dietary supplements have also been shown reduce the risk of CVD and death by sudden cardiac event. Dietary supplements are not regulated in the same manner as pharmaceutical drugs. Therefore, typically dietary supplements are not allowed to state that they treat, cure, or prevent diseases or conditions….as that would make them a drug and therefore subject to the procedures for pharmaceuticals. However, as data and clinical research substantiating a medical benefit for a dietary supplement ingredient grows, the US Food and Drug Administration have the right to issue an authorized health claim. This is the case for two such natural ingredients that have been shown to lower the risk of developing coronary heart disease and reducing the risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Omega-3 fish oils from fatty fish such as sardines and anchovies have been proven to lower triglycerides and reduce the risk of sudden death by cardiac arrest by between 50-70% per the American Heart Association. The recommended daily serving is to be greater than one gram per day Omega-3s.

Phytosterols are derived from plants and are analogous to cholesterol. The data shows that by ingesting phytosterols, you reduce the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed from your diet. This results in lower cholesterol, which means a lower risk for developing CVD.

When taken together, phytosterols and Omega-3s, in the correct dose, may significantly lower the risk of developing CVD and reduce the risk of dying from a sudden cardiac arrest-even if there are no symptoms of cardiovascular disease.

Europe and certain Asian countries seem to be much farther along regarding the use of Omega-3s, phytosterols and other heart healthy, cardio-protective nutraceuticals. Take for example the many Italian hospitals that automatically provide a prescription for fish oil (Omega-3s) for every person who has experienced a heart attack. In the US, the post-heart attack patient is typically administered a battery of pharmaceutical drugs such as statins, beta-blockers, and blood thinners even though Omega-3s from fish oil have been proven to improve survival and may reduce lethal arrrythmias. However, the times do appear to finally be changing. For example, the Larry King Cardiac Foundation has recently begun offering Omega-3 supplements to all its participants.

It is clear that heart health should be a great health concern. Pure, concentrated Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and phytosterols should be considered by anyone who wishes to proactively address heart health and to reduce the risk of CVD and Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Article written by Jim Mosbaugh, Vice President with PanGenex Corporation.  Visit www.PanGenex.com for more information.