DESCRIPTION
EPA/GLA softgels, provided by Nutrition Dynamics,
Inc., contain a marine lipid concentrate processed by molecular distillation
and borage seed oil. EPA/GLA is a good source of both omega-3 fatty acids,
providing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 18%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 12%)
in their natural triglyceride form, as well as the omega-6 fatty acid gamma
linolenic acid (GLA).
FUNCTIONS
Typical diets in developed countries deliver large
amounts of saturated fatty acids and the polyunsaturated omega-6 linoleic and
arachidonic acids and low levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Throughout evolution,
humans were accustomed to diets providing roughly equal amounts of omega-6 and
omega-3 fatty acids. However, during the last 200 years, the ratio of dietary
omega-6:omega-3 fatty acids increased from about 1:1 to 20-25:1. Leading health
professionals now recommend ratios between 4:1 and 10:1.
A healthy balance of dietary
omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids appears to be a prerequisite for normal immune
function. Dietary linoleic acid (18:2 omega-6) is a precursor to arachidonic
acid (20:4) which in turn is a precursor for pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2
and leukotriene B4, and platelet aggregating thromboxane A2.
Although GLA is a precursor of arachidonic acid, it also competes with
arachidonic acid effectively, and may help downregulate the formation of
excessive levels of pro-inflammatory 2-series prostaglandins and other immune
mediators.
The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and
DHA provide a natural counterbalance to the effects of excess omega-6 fatty
acids, because they serve as precursors for the anti-inflammatory
prostaglandins E1 and E3, and decrease the formation of
prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane A2.
Thus, a balanced dietary intake of
all of these fatty acids appears to be
necessary to maintain a normal immune response during inflammation. The
omega-3 fatty acids also have important functions for visual acuity and
possibly in maintaining normal blood lipoprotein levels and cholesterol levels.
INDICATIONS
EPA/GLA softgels may be a useful dietary supplement
for those who do not consume enough oily fish and other sources of omega-3
fatty acids to receive desirable amounts of healthy long chain omega-3 fatty
acids. EPA/GLA may also be a useful dietary adjunct for those who wish to
supplement their diets with gamma-linolenic acid.
FORMULA (#7039)
Each
Softgel Capsule Contains:
Natural Triglyceride Marine
Lipid
Concentrate..................... 333. mg
Borage Oil.................................... 62.5. mg
Vitamin E......................................... 10. I.U.
(d-alpha
Tocopherol with Mixed Tocopherols)
Providing:
Pure
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) 60 mg
Gamma
Linolenic Acid (GLA)... 15. mg
SUGGESTED USE
Adults take 1 to 4 sofgels 1 to 3 times daily or as
directed by physician.
SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse effects have been reported.
HOW SUPPLIED
Supplied
in bottles of 120 capsules.
STORAGE
Store in a
cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
REFERENCES
Albert CM, Hennekens CH, O'Donnell CJ, et al. Fish
consumption and risk of sudden cardiac death [see comments]. Jama
1998;279:23-8.
Cerbone AM, Cirillo F, Coppola A, et al. Persistent
impairment of platelet aggregation following cessation of a short-course
dietary supplementation of moderate amounts of N-3 fatty acid ethyl esters.
Thromb Haemost 1999;82:128-33.
Christensen JH, Gustenhoff P, Korup E, et al. [n-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids, heart rate variability and ventricular arrhythmias
in post-AMI-patients. A clinical controlled trial]. Ugeskr Laeger
1997;159:5525-9.
Christensen JH, Korup E, Aaroe J, et al. Fish consumption,
n-3 fatty acids in cell membranes, and heart rate variability in survivors of
myocardial infarction with left ventricular dysfunction. Am J Cardiol
1997;79:1670-3.
de Deckere EA, Korver O, Verschuren PM, et al. Health
aspects of fish and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from plant and marine
origin. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:749-53.
Fan YY, Chapkin RS. Importance of dietary gamma-linolenic
acid in human health and nutrition. J Nutr 1998;128:1411-4.
Horrocks LA, Yeo YK. Health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid
(dha). Pharmacol Res 1999;40:211-25.
Leng GC, Lee AJ, Fowkes FG, et al. Randomized controlled
trial of gamma-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in peripheral arterial
disease. Clin Nutr 1998;17:265-71.
Simopoulos AP. Essential fatty acids in health and chronic
disease. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:560S-569S.
Takahata K, Monobe K, Tada M, et al. The benefits and risks
of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1998;62:2079-85.
Uauy R, Mena P, Valenzuela A. Essential fatty acids as
determinants of lipid requirements in infants, children and adults. Eur J Clin
Nutr 1999;53 Suppl 1:S66-77.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease.