OMEGAVAIL 1250 120 CAPS ID: 3004
Designs for Health - AU
- - Hi strength, ultra-pure Omega 3 fish oil
- - Concentrated source of premium fish oil
- - Superior fish oil oxidation parameters.*
- - Sourced from sustainably caught wild sardine and anchovy
- - Zero carbon footprint product
- - Non-GMO
Education
Concentrated fish omega-3 triglycerides (Fish oils) contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are long-chain polyunsaturated essential fatty acids with a wealth of research regarding their impacts on overall health and targeted therapeutic benefits. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are comprised of two groups of essential fatty acids, omega-6’s (linoleic acid) and omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid), with the latter, subsequently converting to eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
They are classified as essential because the rate of EPA and DHA biosynthesis from ALA is very low (8% and 1%, respectively); consequently, maintaining optimal endogenous levels to support physiological functional processes effectively requires regular intake from dietary sources. However, a broad body of evidence confirms that the intake of EPA and DHA across many sub-population groups in many Western countries is inadequate. This is a consequence of both inadequate omega-3 intake and excessive omega-6 consumption. EPA and DHA are also classified as essential because of the many important physiological functions they are involved in, including supporting heart health and brain and cardiovascular function.
Pharmacokinetics
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are hydrolysed to monoglycerides and free fatty acids in the intestines. These by-products form part of micelles that are then absorbed via passive diffusion into the enterocytes.1,2 Free fatty acids are then involved in chylomicron formation. Chylomicrons enter the circulation and are distributed throughout tissue to be metabolised or stored. Metabolism of n-3 PUFAs can take place via several processes, including beta-oxidation, enzymatic biotransformation, as well as the production of lipid mediators. N-3 PUFAs are then incorporated into the phospholipid cell membrane where, upon stimulation, are released and converted to 20-carbon eicosanoids such as prostaglandins, prostacyclins and thromboxanes which go on to have some very influential biological effects in the immune and cardiovascular systems. N-3 PUFAs stored in this way in the brain contribute to the structure of the neuronal membrane and the myelin sheath. When not stored in cell membranes, dietary fats are stored in fatty tissues until they are oxidised and enter the Kreb’s cycle.
Mechanisms of Action
Inflammation
EPA and DHA are responsible for the partial inhibition of multiple inflammatory processes, including the production of prostaglandins, leukotrienes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. EPA and DHA compete with arachidonic acid for the enzymes involved in producing pro-inflammatory mediators, inhibiting the inflammatory cascade. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) is responsible for stimulating prostaglandins at inflammatory sites. DHA specifically reduces COX-2 expression and activity, resulting in reduced inflammation.
Part of the anti-inflammatory action of EPA and DHA is due to its ability to inactivate pro-inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor-kB. This action in turn, reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, as well as the activation of anti-inflammatory transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. N-3 PUFAs have the same effect as antioxidants by these same anti-inflammatory mechanisms, helping to prevent damage to endothelial cells and even cell death.
Eye Health
DHA is shown to have an integral role in maintaining the structure and function of the retina. DHA is a major structural element of the outer membrane of the retinal photoreceptor. High PUFA intake is shown to improve the response of the retinal cells to oxidative and inflammatory damage in animal studies.
Nervous System
EPA and DHA are useful in supporting nervous system health and function via maintaining the nerve cell membranes. DHA is the most prevalent PUFA in the central nervous system and is required during brain and central nervous system development. Research has shown that a reduction in DHA can result in a reduced capacity to process sensory input.
There is growing evidence that n-3 PUFAs protect against demyelination through their anti-inflammatory actions, including inhibition of microglia activation by inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).
Cardiovascular Function
A significant body of evidence has demonstrated an association between endogenous levels of EPA and DHA and cardiovascular health, which is attributed to a significant number of cardioprotective mechanisms of actions that omega-3 fatty acids are involved in. Such mechanisms include antioxidant, antiplatelet, promoting healthy blood lipid levels, cell membrane and vascular endothelial function, as well as reducing pro-inflammatory mediator concentrations (eicosanoids, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and resolvins).
This has translated into clinically relevant outcomes, with findings from a broad body of evidence demonstrating a dose-dependent beneficial effect of omega-3 supplementation for improving cardiovascular health as measured by several clinical and biological endpoint subtypes.
N-3 PUFAs can reduce endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. Oxidative stress can induce endothelial dysfunction by reducing nitric oxide bioavailability – NO is essential for healthy vasodilation and has an anti-atherosclerotic action. It is thought that the positive effect of n-3 PUFAs on blood lipids is due to their ability to inhibit the production of very low-density lipoprotein (vLDL) in the liver
Cognitive Function
DHA is highly prevalent in the brain. It is estimated that 20% of the brain's dry weight is comprised of PUFAs. Optimal levels are necessary for normal brain structure, function and health at all life stages. Specific mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acids that are involved in supporting healthy brain function include being a key cell membrane component, thus promoting optimal membrane fluidity, neurogenesis, intracellular signalling, synaptic transmission and repair processes, as well as inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediator-driven neuroinflammation.
Omega-3 enhances neurotransmitter signalling and binding in the brain by improving membrane fluidity in the lipid bilayer. Furthermore, low DHA intake may impact neurotransmitter production in the brain, including acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, norepinephrine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Clinical evidence demonstrates a beneficial effect of omega-3 supplementation in young and middle-aged adults and older individuals. A comprehensive systematic review found that omega-3 supplementation improved endogenous fatty acid profiles, reading abilities (phonologic decoding time and visual analysis time) and enhanced neurocognitive function in young adults. Whilst other research into healthy ageing subjects notes that n-3 PUFAs may even help to slow cognitive decline. Improvements observed in middle-aged adults included enhanced memory functionality and brain structure (white matter microstructural integrity and grey matter volume), while omega-3 supplements protected against neurodegeneration in older individuals. Animal studies have shown that diets rich in n-3 PUFAs also maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, which is associated with better cognitive function
Vivo Mega
Two vital factors to consider when ingesting therapeutic quantities of omega-3 fatty acids is purity and environmental impact. Extracted using urea technology, OmegAvail™ 1250 has superior oxidation parameters. It also has exceptional environmental parameters, being sustainably certified by IFFO Global Standard for Responsible for Supply and Friend of the Sea
Directions to use:-
Adults: Take 1-2 capsules per day or as directed by your healthcare practitioner
Allergen Information:-
- No Added: Gluten, Dairy, Seeds, Eggs, Yeast or Nuts.
- Free From: Artificial Colours, Artificial Flavours, Benzoates, Sorbates.
- Contains fish and sulphites
Prescribing Information:
- Caution advised in individuals with bleeding disorders –use under professional supervision.
- Theoretically, concomitant use with antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution advised.
