Fats of Life

A Closer Look

The strongest evidence for the use of fish oil-based omega- 3 fatty acids is in the support of heart health. In fact, the American Heart Association states, “Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart health of healthy people, and those at high risk of – or who have – cardiovascular disease.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, both large-scale human epidemiological studies and randomized trials have shown that the intake of recommended amounts of DHA and EPA fatty acids can lower both triglycerides and blood pressure.

In addition, the National Institute on Aging (of the NIH) reports that the beneficial effects of fish oil (or eating fish more frequently) also include reductions of heart rate and increases in HDL cholesterol, called the “good” cholesterol. Together, these benefits can reduce the risk of death from heart attack, heart attack itself, abnormal heart rhythms, strokes, and hardening of the arteries.

Mayo Clinic medical experts are impressed with the published evidence on fish oil in the following areas:

1. reducing excess triglyceride levels;
2. reducing the recurrence of heart attacks;
3. reducing blood pressure;
4. preventing heart disease;
5. relieving the pain of rheumatoid arthritis;
6. and protecting the recipients of organ transplants.

As you see, the first four are concerned with the heart and circulation. Concerning triglyceride levels, unless fat calories are used immediately, the body converts them into triglycerides, blood fats. An excess of triglycerides makes the blood sticky and is linked to the development of heart disease. Some other diseases, such as diabetes, show high triglyceride levels as a symptom. Based on human trials, Mayo Clinic experts conclude that EPA and DHA from fish or fish-based supplements significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels.

It follows that certain aspects of immune function also appear to show favorable responses to fish oil supplementation. There are many other disorders where the scientific evidence indicates benefits. These include preventing or treating: stroke, atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart beat), angina, cancer (breast, colon, prostate), kidney trouble, skin diseases, asthma, mental disorders, menstrual pain, cystic fibrosis, and diabetes.

Additional benefits have been attributed to fish oil, including various inflammatory diseases. For example, fish oil supplements have been studied as complementary or alternative treatments for irritable bowel diseases (including Crohn’s disease). Results vary, but in one study, 59 percent of Crohn’s patients taking fish oil supplements maintained their remission, compared to less than half that number in the control group.

Some studies also suggest that fish oil helps to improve mood and decrease depression. This again underscores the connection between the fatty acids DHA and EPA and proper neurological function. This effect is especially helpful to children with ADD and ADHD, plus showing new indications for Alzheimer’s disease.

New Super Fish Oil

At least 50 times more powerful – milligram for milligram – than any other fish oil supplement, here we introduce a superior product that takes fish oil supplements to a whole new level. The use of food grade salmon and a patented low heat process has resulted in an exceptional, stand-alone supplement of remarkable quality. This product delivers guaranteed purity, improved stability, and greatly enhanced bioavailability.

Vectomega isn’t just better, it establishes a new paradigm in fish oil supplementation.

"I wanted to share some my positive experience with Vectomega.  After treatments I often feel like I am in a brain fog....after using Vectomega, I feel like the brain neurons are connecting again.  Thank you for making this product!"   - Susan N, Chicago, IL

Purity & Safety

The way any fish is grown and/or processed impacts the quality of the end-products. Handling fish oil products is particularly sensitive. Mercury and other chemicals can accumulate in fish. It is important to know that the fish is grown, harvested, and processed in a responsible manner. Careful quality controls throughout the production of Vectomega, as well as rigorous laboratory testing assure that these supplements are safe.

Potency, purity, and safety all begin with the raw materials. Salmon is an especially rich source of omega-3, containing about 10 times as much essential fatty acid as the same weight of many other fish. VECTOMEGA is processed from pure, food grade salmon, raised in the cold waters of Norway and Scotland. A French patented enzymatic extraction process is used. The salmon tissue is never subjected to chemical solvents or high temperatures. (Heat destroys essential fatty acids, which means some supplements produced under less careful conditions are less effective.) The resulting supplement is a phospholipid peptide complex, containing more available omega-3 than found in salmon fillets.

Bioavailability & Effectiveness

The VECTOMEGA® phospholipid peptide complex delivers omega-3 fatty acids in a form that is highly accessible for use by the body. The name Vectomega comes from the patented “vectorization” process. The fatty acids are vectored (carried) very effectively to human cells by the phospholipids and peptides. An independent lab test showed that normal digestion releases the Vectomega omega-3 fatty acids from the product. In addition, the all-important EPA and DHA fatty acids showed much higher bioavailability than ordinary fish oil.

In a human clinical trial, people taking two Vectomega tablets per day, with a combined total of only 43.2 mg of omega-3, achieved results in the reduction of triclycerides and cholesterol comparable to those achieved by people taking approximately 78 times that dosage of a typical fish oil product (3,370 mg). The label indicates the product is “up to 50 times more effective than fish oil.” This is because the vectorized EPA and DHA fatty acids are up to 50 times more absorbable via cell membranes than typical fish oil supplements.

In-vitro tests with Vectomega showed an increase in the number and quality of connections between human neurons, and also the protection of neurons from protein toxicity. In another Vectomega clinical trial, healthy people reported improvements in their memory, mental vivacity, concentration, and quality of sleep. Also, there was a reduction in agitation and in visual fatigue. These studies point to the need for more thorough tests of effectiveness for treating neurological and mental disorders.

There are five phospholipids in Vectomega. Two of them are familiar: phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine.4 Besides carrying the EFAs, the phospholipids convey some benefits of their own. For example, phosphatidylcholine (PC) assists in bringing DHA into the heart muscle. It protects the energy-producing mechanisms in the cells from free radical damage. This reduces the effects of aging on hearing and sight. Together, the phospholipids in the preparation may have additional benefits, especially in protecting nerves.

"A family member told me of their success with the Vectomega product and I am here to testify to the fact that after taking this product, I have noticed a difference.  Currently it has been four months and counting.  I noticed improvements during the first month of taking Vectomega."    - M.H., Fort Myers Beach, FL

 

Palatability

There are a number of complaints associated with ordinary fish oil supplements. These include bad breath, belching, burping, stomach upset, and diarrhea. Frequently, a fishy taste and smell can reflux back up the esophagus. Who doesn’t find this annoying? In fact, before I was introduced to Vectomega, I took fish oil supplements with a digestive enzyme. One of the advantages of Vectomega tablets is that this does not happen – a happy benefit of using this superior product.

Participants in a Vectomega clinical trial noted excellent tolerance. No negative side effects were reported, including no belching and no reflux of fishy smells. In the study, an unprecedented 100% of the participants complied with the dosage they were assigned.

Stability

In Vectomega, the patented phospholipid process protects DHA and EPA from oxidation (rancidity). Oxidation is also reduced by the natural occurrence of vitamin E and astaxanthin (a powerful marine antioxidant) from the salmon. Over time, oxidation can damage other types of fish oils while some are already oxidized from the high temperatures used during extraction. Oxidation releases dangerous free radicals.

Can DHA Curb the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease? An obvious clue to the interaction of DHA with the central nervous system is the necessity of feeding DHA to infants and children for brain and eye development. In 2005, researchers with the Department of Veterans Affairs and UCLA fed VECTOMEGA to mice. DHA dramatically slowed the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by cutting the harmful brain plaques that mark the disease. The results appeared in the online edition of the Journal of Neuroscience. Studies show that people who eat more fish are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. This has motivated the National Institute of Aging of the NIH to initiate the “Effects of DHA in Slowing the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease”. This is a multi-center, doubleblind, placebo-controlled study of 400 persons with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Scheduled for completion in spring, 2008, participants receive either two grams per day of DHA orally, or placebo, and continue with their Alzheimer’s medications.

Please note: Some of the disease conditions mentioned in the newsletter are potentially very serious. As with all new therapies, consult your physician about what is best for your individual circumstances, especially if you have medical conditions or are taking other medications. Large amounts of fish oil can increase the risk of bleeding. The information shared here is not intended as specific medical advice.