MaxDHA - The Main Omega-3

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• The Dynamic Omega-3 Combination of DHA and EPA

• Best Rate of Absorption of Any Omega-3 Supplement

• Purified by Molecular Distillation-Free of Contaminants

• Supports Brain, Eye, Heart and Neurological Health

The Dynamic Omega-3 Combination of DHA and EPA

Fat, of course, gets a bad rap. The harmful propensities of several types of fat are now well known. Considerable confusion has existed, however, since the 1970’s, when essential fatty acids from fish oil were found to be beneficial. Indeed, we can thank Greenland Eskimos for this discovery, because it was their high fat diet from cold water fish that made their very low rate of coronary artery disease noteworthy.

Two members of the Omega-3 family of fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are particularly noted for their cardioprotective properties and positive impact on certain unwanted immune actions and by-products. DHA, in particular, plays a key role in the proper formation, development, and functioning of the brain, retina and central nervous system.

Max DHA™ - The Dynamic Omega-3 Combo

In spite of the special merits of DHA, typical Omega- 3 fish oil products are usually formulated with higher concentrations of EPA and less DHA. Jarrow Formulas® Max DHA is not at all typical. It is a special molecular distillate of fish oil that provides highly concentrated amounts of DHA along with EPA. Max DHA’s molecular distillation process ensures the removal of mercury, PCBs and other contaminants.

DHA and Brain/Central Nervous System Function

DHA is selectively incorporated into the nerves, retina and gray matter of the brain, that is, tissues responsible for nerve transmission. In fact, DHA makes up 60% of the lipids in the brain and nerve tissue. The prevalence of DHA in brain cell membranes results in a powerful impact on the fluidity and function of the cell walls. According to Dr. Paris Kidd, “membranes are the major ‘work’ surfaces of all known cells, and nerve cells especially carry out their specialized functions.” The benefits of a compound such as DHA may be a result of its capacity to regulate proteins found in cell membranes. Some researchers have suggested that mental abnormalities which increase in prevalence as we age could be related to a life-long deficiency of essential fatty acids, in particular DHA.

DHA and EPA for Cardiovascular Health

Beginning in the 1970’s, researchers studying the diet of Greenland Eskimos noted two things. First, their diet, much like that of all Americans, contains a high percentage of fats. This observation seemed paradoxical in that their incidence of coronary ailments is surprisingly low. The difference was that their diet included lots of fish, the oils of which contain DHA and EPA.

Subsequent studies have demonstrated that DHA and EPA decrease triglycerides and increase HDL (high density lipoprotein, the “good” cholesterol) levels. EPA, in particular, appears to decrease blood clotting and stabilize heart rhythm. Various other studies suggest that DHA may positively influence blood pressure.

DHA and EPA for Heart & Tissue Protection

DHA and EPA work synergistically to reduce immune damage to tissues, yet each exerts its influence in different ways. EPA promotes the production of beneficial eicosanoids (hormone-like substances), which counteract the production of excessive arachidonic acid. DHA, on the other hand, takes action during the early physiological phase of the process in which free radicals damage tissues. Results are significant––the FDA allows that “supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.”

DHA and EPA for Pregnancy/Lactation

As a major structural component of the brain and central nervous system, DHA is essential for proper development of the growing fetus and infant. Consequently, sufficient intake of DHA and EPA during pregnancy is vitally important, especially during the last trimester when brain and eye development are at their highest. Some research suggests that maternal stores of DHA should be maintained as early as three months prior to conception to ensure an adequate supply for the fetus. Conversely, maternal diets containing trans-fatty acids negatively affect the amount of DHA available to the growing fetus. DHA is naturally found in mother’s milk. Scientists believe this to be the primary reason why breast-fed children tend to have higher IQ scores and better visual acuity than formula-fed children. Research has shown that increased maternal intake of DHA leads to higher breast milk DHA concentrations.

DHA in ADHD and Mental Aging

ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a term used to describe otherwise normal children who exhibit hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive behavior. Typically, ADHD is treated with prescription drugs. Long-term aspects of these drugs, however, are unknown in children. Current studies indicate a possible link between essential fatty acid deficiencies and ADHD. Blood samples from ADHD children have been shown to reflect significantly lower levels of several essential fatty acids, including DHA. Although research in this area continues, these preliminary findings suggest that essential fatty acid supplementation may be beneficial to these children because of the roles EFAs play in nerve development. According to “EFA supplementation in children with inattention, hyperactivity, and other disruptive behaviors,” supplementation has led to improvements in a number of areas associated with ADHD Lipids 2003 Oct;38(10):1007-21. There is also some evidence that maternal consumption of trans fatty acids adversely affects infant levels of important long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids Am J Clin Nutr 2001 Sept;74(3):364-8.

The memory damaging condition known as Alzheimer’s involves the development of abnormal deposits in the brain and damage where nerve cells connect Docosahexanoic acid protects from dendritic pathology in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model Neuron 2004 Sept 2;43(5):633- 45. Decreased DHA blood levels are found not only in Alzheimer’s, but with aging-related cognitive impairment.

Bioavailability-- Not all fish oils are alike!

Studies have been done to examine the bioavailability of Omega-3 products. Although many people are under the impression that the DHA and EPA concentrations are the only thing to scrutinize in a product, clinical research shows that not all fish oils are equal. Max DHA, which employs a glyceride form of fatty acids, is 50 to 100% better absorbed than other Omega-3 formulas that use free fatty acids or ethyl esters.

Jarrow Formulas® Max DHA, Omega-3 fatty acids from ultra purified fish oil and concentrated by its molecular distillation, delivers more DHA than other Omega-3 fish oil products on the market. It’s your best value for this vitally essential fatty acid.

Because of industrial pollution, many individuals are concerned about contaminants in their fish oils, such as lead, mercury and arsenic. The specialized molecular distillation process ensures that there is no presence of toxic contaminants in Max DHA. Not only is Jarrow Formulas® Max DHA completely free of any toxic contaminants, but it is also the most economical source of DHA.

Usage and Safety

Overall, DHA from fish oil in supplement form is a relatively safe compound. Caution should be noted for anyone taking coumadin/warfarin or any other type of oral blood thinner. In adults, the typical amount of fish oils that has been used in clinical studies ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 mg per day. In infants and children, the recommendation has been 40 mg/ kg of body weight. 5 mg of gamma tocopherol and 2 mg of ascorbyl palmitate are added to Max DHA for protection of the long-chain fatty acids. In general, any increased intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids warrants supplementation with additional vitamin E due to the susceptibility of these oils to oxidation and free radical damage.

References

Kristensen, S.D., Schmidt, E.B. et al. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Prevention
and Treatment in Vascular Disease (Bi and Gi Publishers), Chapter 20.
Harris, W.S. (1999). Nonpharmacologic treatment of hyper
triglyceridemia focus on fish oils. Clin Cardiol 22 (6): II 40 - 3.
Gerster, H. (1998). Can adults adequately convert alpha-linoleic acid to
eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid? Int J Vitam Nutr
Res 68 (3): 159 - 173.
Burgess, J.R. (2000). Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in children
with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Am J Clin Nutr 71: 327S
- 330S.
Decsi T et al. Inverse association between trans isomeric and long-chain
polyunsaturated fatty acids in cord blood lipids of full-term infants.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Sep;74(3):364-8.
Litman BJ, Niu SL, Polozova A, Mitchell DC. The role of docosahexaenoic
acid containing phospholipids in modulating G protein-coupled signaling
pathways: visual transduction. J Mol Neurosci. 2001 Apr-Jun;16(2-
3):237-42
Chung BH et al. Effects of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic
acid on androgen-mediated cell growth and gene expression in LNCaP
prostate cancer cells. Carcinogenesis. 2001 Aug;22(8):1201-6.
Ringbom T et al. Cox-2 inhibitory effects of naturally occurring and
modified fatty acids. J Nat Prod. 2001 Jun;64(6):745-9

Source: Jarrow Formulas