Aging Vitamin D, Omega-3, and Exercise

 A major study out of Switzerland was recently published reporting that vitamin D, omega-3 fats, and exercise all slow the rate of aging. This three year study found that this combination slowed the aging process by almost four months. The report concluded, "In summary, our trial indicates a small protective effect of omega-3 treatment on slowing biological aging over 3 years across several clocks, with an additive protective effect of omega-3, vitamin D and exercise based on PhenoAge." The effect of omega-3 fats was the key nutrient they looked at, but the observation was made that vitamin D and exercise added benefit in an attempt to slow the aging process.

Over 2,000 individuals were involved in this trial. The researchers had done earlier studies showing the benefits of each of the measures in improving aging. This study looked at each of the factors individually and also all three collectively. The conclusion was that these health measures resulted in epigenetic changes to the genes. In other words, the genes themselves were not altered, but the manner in which they functioned was.

The researchers observed that "omega-3 alone reduced the rate of infections by 13% (ref. 22) and the rate of falls by 10% (ref. 23), and all three interventions combined had a significant additive benefit on reducing prefrailty by 39% (ref. 24) and incident invasive cancer by 61% (ref. 25) over a 3-year follow-up."

Amazing results like these provide a strong motivation to exercise and obtain adequate intake of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. The vitamin D intake was 2,000 IU per day and the daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids was 1,000 mg per day. Exercise was done at home.

Reference:

Link to article of aging and omega-3. Bischoff-Ferrari, Heike A., et al., Individual and additive effects of vitamin D, omega-3 and exercise on DNA methylation clocks of biological aging in older adults from the DO-HEALTH trial, Nature Aging, February 3, 2025.

The Second Brain

Eating is usually a great joy for most people-- especially those great holiday meals. The turkey and stuffing, ham and sweet potatoes and that lovely pumpkin pie. The only problem is that as we age the ability to digest and utilize our food often declines dramatically.

Michael Gershon has written a book entitled The Second Brain. In this book he describes how a bundle of 100 million nerve cells govern the functioning of the small intestine. This is called the enteric nervous system. The second brain operates independently from the first brain in the head. He points out that this brain will never write poetry or engage in dialogue but it independently governs the gut. He writes that when the second brain "runs the bowel well, there is bliss in the body. When the enteric nervous system fails and the gut acts badly, syllogisms, poetry, and Socratic dialogue all seem to fade into nothingness." (p.17)

Many of the neurotransmitters produced in the body originate in the gut. Nothing can make a person more miserable than when the process of digestion functions suboptimally. This has an effect not only on the stomach, but maldigestion can also impact brain function contributing to brain disorders including anxiety and depression.

Consuming more food than the digestive tract has the ability to process at a particular point in life is one of the most common triggers for the malfunctioning of the second brain. This is a wonderful time of year to remember to take Betagest for stomach acid support and Enzyme Digestive Aid for support of digestion in the small intestine. It helps prevent problems after overloading on food during the holidays and helps prevent inflammatory chemical messengers called cytokines that can make us feel miserable. Below is a list of some of NeoLife's helpful supplements for digestion:

Betagest: A stomach acid support made from beet stems and beet roots. It has a targeted delivery so it does not damage the teeth or throat and a slow release to prevent damaging the stomach lining.

Enzyme Digestive Aid: A blend of all the protein, fat, and carbohydrate enzymes necessary to digest foods. Targeted delivery assures that it does its work where it is most needed.

Fiber Powder: Fiber is the trigger for peristalsis or the worm-like motion of the small intestine. Deficiency can result in constipation. Fiber is also important as a nutrient source to feed and nourish the cells that line the digestive tract reducing the risk of "leaky gut syndrome."

Aloe Vera Drink: Years of experience have shown that this product will often benefit heartburn and promote healing of the digestive tract. I have a whole book on the healing properties of aloe in my library. The link below can tell you about some of these properties if you wish to pursue it.

Article on some of the healing properties of aloe.

Tre: Tre is an anti-inflammatory drink consisting of berry and fruit extracts. The digestive tract of many people today is in a constant inflammatory state due to excessive consumption of sugars and junk food. Tre can help reduce this problem through its blend of powerful anti-inflammatory polyphenols.

Prostate Cancer and Omega-3

Increasing evidence suggests that diets high in omega-6 fats tend to promote cancer while diets high in omega-3 fat inhibit its development. A recent study on the topic was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The researchers wrote, "We sought to determine whether a high omega-3, low omega-6 fatty acid diet with fish oil capsules (D + FO) decreases proliferation (Ki-67) in prostate biopsies in men with prostate cancer on AS (active surveillance)over a 1-year time period." The one year study concluded, "A high omega-3, low omega-6 diet with FO (fish oil)for 1 year resulted in a significant reduction in Ki-67 index, a biomarker for prostate cancer progression, metastasis, and death."

Intake of fish oil has also been associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer in women. "Conclusion: These results suggest that high consumption of fatty fish is associated with a reduced risk for breast cancer, and that the intake of ω-3 fatty acids from fish is inversely associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk."

A study of the value of the NeoLife Salmon Oil Plus showed that it reduced the inflammatory index by 68% in 8 weeks. The product is tested for over 200 Pollutants with a standard of zero. It is one of the cleanest and most potent fish oil products on the market. It is standardized for all 8 members of the omega-3 family rather than just two which is common with these products.

Link to Articles:

High Omega-3, Low Omega-6 Diet With Fish Oil for Men With Prostate Cancer on Active Surveillance: The CAPFISH-3 Randomized Clinical Trial

Fish oil intake and breast cancer: Fatty fish and fish omega-3 fatty acid intakes decrease the breast cancer risk: a case-control study

Statins, CoQ10 and vitamin K2

 Harumi Okuyama is a pharmacist who believes in informed consent for patients. He has done extensive research on the problems created by statins and has concluded that these drugs stimulate atherosclerosis and promote heart failure. Damage accumulates in multiple pathways. In an interview Okuyama said, "I can propose no safe and effective means to protect from the side effects of statins. Instead, I recommend those taking statins to start discussing with their doctors that they replace their statins with safer omega-3 fatty acids." Among the problems associated with statins are the fact that they interfere with synthesis of vitamin K2 in the body. This vitamin plays a role in insulin function and testosterone production. Low levels of K2 increase death from all causes. Statins also inhibit the transport of selenium in the body. Deficiency of this mineral is associated with heart failure. Statins also interfere with the production of CoQ10 which is essential for the energy production which runs the heart. One can supplement with CoQ10, but statins also interfere with Heme A which also works in the mitochondria like CoQ10 in increasing energy supply. This researcher notes that most of the medical community is acting against his recommendations, but he notes that most physicians and pharmacists are too busy to research the biochemical pathways by which statins increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart failure.

Reference:

Okuyama, Harumi ,Statins stimulate atherosclerosis and heart failure: pharmacological mechanisms. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2015 Mar;8(2):189-99. 51028 (10/2015) 

Seizure and Omega-3

 A study out of Egypt in 2015 found that supplementing children with omega-3 fatty acids improved epileptic seizure control. The interest in the anticonvulsant effects of the omega-3 fatty acids was triggered by observed effects where these oils improved irregular heart beats where the hyper-excitability of the heart is involved. The researcher saw a parallel between excessive excitability of heart neurons and of those in the brain. Omega-3 fats calm and relax nerves reducing excessive excitability. Since omega-3 fatty acids improve overall brain health and functioning this researcher suggests all neurologists should routinely supplement quality fish oils for those suffering with epilepsy.

Reference:

Diala Mohamed Ali Reda, Fish Oil Intake and Seizure Control in Children with Medically Resistant Epilepsy. N Am J Med Sci. 2015 Jul;7(7):317-21. 51036 (1/2015)

Omega-3, Resolvins and Protectins

 Whenever I think of inflammation I think of NeoLife Salmon Oil Plus. In one of the clinical trials the inflammatory index was reduced by 68% in 8 weeks. This could be important for any inflammatory disorder. Whenever a condition has "itis" at the end inflammation is usually involved as a component or factor that accompanies the problem. Thus one finds inflammation in arthritis, colitis, glomerulonephritis, and a whole host of other conditions. Walter Gronert at U.C. Berkley found that omega-3 fatty acids are involved in the production of resolvins and protectins which are important for resolving inflammatory conditions.

 Male Infertility

Recent research suggests that male infertility is a common problem. Researchers have found that the higher quality omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA improve the vitality of sperm and improve male fertility. A recent analysis by Hosseini and associates concluded the following: "This meta-analysis indicates that supplementing infertile men with omega-3 fatty acids resulted in a significant improvement in sperm motility and concentration of DHA in seminal plasma."

Another study repeats the emphasis on omega-3 fats but also mentions the apparent importance of cereal grains and fruits and vegetables. These researchers wrote, "Studies have indicated that in men with idiopathic infertility, omega-3 intervention resulted in significant improvement in total sperm count as well as sperm cell density. Moreover, several studies have shown that higher intake of poultry, cereals, fruit and vegetables may play a beneficial role in male infertility." It sure sounds like ProVitality Plus with omega-3 fats, grain, fruit and vegetable extracts along with a good protein supplement might be worthy of attention for those suffering with infertility.

References:

Hosseini, Banafshe et al., (2019) The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, EPA, and/or DHA on Male Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, Journal of Dietary Supplements,2019; 16:2, 245-256,  DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2018.1431753

Hosseini, Banafshe et al., Dietary Nutrients and Male Infertility: Review of Current Evidence, Galen Medical Journal, [S.l.], v. 4, n. 4, p. 123-29, nov. 2015. ISSN 2322-2379. 

 Grass Fed

     Where possible find grass-fed animal products. Animals fed grass contain omega-3 fatty acids in their tissues. Research on the NeoLife Salmon Oil Plus showed that the product reduced the inflammatory index by 68% in 8 weeks. Such reductions in inflammation in the body decrease the risk of developing cancer and heart disease. Grain fed animals have large quantities of arachidonic acid, a fat which tends to reduce the levels of omega-3 fats in the body.

     Pastured animals have far lower levels of toxic substances in their bodies than commercial animals fed genetically modified grains. One will find these animal products rich in other nutrients including CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), carotenoids, vitamins A, E, and K.

     Grass-fed buffalo meat may well be worth a try. Not only is it rich in nutrients, but buffalo have great cancer resistance. It is difficult to find cases of cancer in bison or American buffalo.

Article on Cancer in Bison

 Omega-3 and Seizures

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition. Epilepsy is associated with irregular heartbeat which can lead to sudden unexpected death. Researchers suggest that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can not only improve epilepsy, but also decrease the risk of death from irregular heartbeat. In one study of 5 patients supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids eliminated seizure in three and reduced seizures in the other two by over 50%.

Reference:

Yuen, Alan, W.C., et al., Is omega-3 fatty acid deficiency a factor contributing to refractory seizures and SUDEP? European Journal of Epilepsy, March 2004; 13(2):104-107.

 Omega-3, Carotenoids and the Brain

     

     Scientific studies suggest that carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids contribute to brain development and brain health. There also appears to be an additive effect when the two are both supplied in adequate quantity. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids found in green leafy foods which have been shown to have an affinity for neural tissue including the eye. These carotenoids accumulate in the back of the eye protecting against macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the United States. These carotenoids are so important for eye tissue that they are found at a concentration 500 times greater than in any other tissue in the human body.

     These same carotenoids also have an affinity for brain tissue. The brain has a high requirement for antioxidants because of a high metabolic rate, the presence of many unsaturated fats, and the utilization of about 25% of the body's oxygen utilization. Carotenoids appear to concentate in the brains of infants, contributing to the rapid development of the brain in children. Infant formulas do not contain carotenoids while mother's milk does. These antioxidants are so important for brain development that researchers are now beginning to recommend the addition of carotenoids to infant formula.

     In a 4 month double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial older women showed significant increases in verbal fluency and learning ability when supplemented with both carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. These two nutrients should be considered where cognitive decline is evident.

     NeoLife Salmon Oil Plus is tested for over 200 pollutants with a standard of ZERO. It is also standardized for all 8 members of the omega-3 family. Salmon Oil Plus was shown in a clinical trial to reduce the inflammatory index by 68%. It is by far the best fish oil product available. NeoLife Carotenoid Complex is also superior. Testing by USDA researchers showed that the product reduced oxidative damage by 44%.

     Researchers believe that omega-3 fats and carotenoids benefit brain function significantly because these nutrients reduce inflammation and free radical damage. They also play an important structural in neurons assuring proper function of the synapses where memory and cognition are regulated.

References:

http://static.abbottnutrition.com/cms-prod/anhi.org/img/Johnson.pdf

Johnson EJ, McDonald K, Caldarella SM, Chung H-Y, Snodderly DM. Cognitive findings of an exploratory trial of docosahexaenoic acid and lutein supplementation in older women. Nutri Neurosci. 2008 Apr;11:75-83. doi: 10.1179/147683008X301450.

Inflammation and Hospital Stay

     A study of 689 patients hospitalized for cancer surgery found an inverse association between the anti-inflammatory properties of the diet and the length of the hospital stay. The higher the anti-inflammatory index, the shorter the hospital stay. This study is a good argument for eating a diet low in inflammatory properties such as vegetables and grass fed meats. It also suggests the value of Salmon Oil Plus which lowered the inflammatory index by 68% in 8 weeks.
Reference:
Kulig, Galas A., et al., Dietary inflammatory index (DII) as a potential determinant of a length of hospitalization among surgical patients treated for colorectal cancer, Eur J Clin Nutr, Oct 2014;68(10):1168-74.

Omega-3 and Surgery

     A recent study involved supplementing 148 patients scheduled for colorectal cancer surgery with omega-3 fatty acids for 7 days prior to surgery. This was a randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled trial. The omega-3 fatty acids reduced inflammation in the surgery patients and did not increase or decrease the risk of postoperative complications. It would appear that modest supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is not a risk factor for surgical outcome. There is concern that excessive intake of omega-3 fatty acids prior to surgery could prolong bleeding time so I have always been cautious in this regard.
Reference:
Sorensen, L.S., et al., Effects of perioperative supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids on leukotriene B4 and leukotriene B5 production by stimulated neutrophils in patients with colorectal cancer: a randomized, placebo-controlled intervention trial, Nutrients, Sept. 29, 2014;6(10):4043-57.

Junk Food and Omega-3

     A review of 180 papers suggests that fish oils can minimize the effects that junk food have on the brain. Junk food diets inhibit neurogenesis, the process of producing new brain cells. Diets high in omega-3 fats can prevent and possibly reverse this effect by stimulating the growth of new brain cells.
     The research suggests that the omega-3 fats may also help prevent the weight gain which is associated with intake of junk food. The omega-3 fats do not have a direct impact on weight loss, but they prevent some of the harmful effects on the brain triggered by junk food diets.
Reference:
Marianne A. Yon, Suzanna L. Mauger, Lucy C. Pickavance. Relationships between dietary macronutrients and adult neurogenesis in the regulation of energy metabolism. British Journal of Nutrition, 2013; 109 (09): 1573 DOI: 10.1017/S000711451200579X

Omega-3 and Prostate Cancer

     Those who examine the 2013 study which was promoted as proof that fish oil causes prostate cancer continue to find serious flaws in the study. Firstly, there was no evidence that anyone in the study group was taking fish oil supplements or eating cold water fish. Levels of omega-3 fatty acids in those supplementing or eating cold water fish average 8.42%. By contrast the levels in those with low prostate cancer risk in this study were 4.48% and the levels of those with high risk were 4.66%. This means both groups were deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and the difference in omega-3 intake was so trivial that the difference could not possibly explain the 71% increased risk o prostate cancer. The difference could be explained by a single meal of salmon the evening before the test.

     Factors poorly accounted for in the study were the following:

1. Genetics: If a father or brother develops prostate cancer the risk rises 120 to 180% or more.
2. Coronary heart disease: Associated with a 35% increase in prostate cancer risk.
3. PSA Levels: 41.1% of the high cancer group had baseline PSA levels at 3.0 mg/mL or above while only 7.3% of the no cancer group did.
4. Omega-3 Intake: A healthy diet results in blood levels of omega-3 of about 6% while supplementation can result in levels over 10%. Both study groups were below 5 indicating deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Previous studies: Numerous previous studies on omega-3 fatty acid intake and prostate cancer clearly show that supplementation decreases risk rather than increasing it.

Reference: 

Lethal risks posed by news media, Life Extension, October 2013, 32-45.

 

 

NeoLife Salmon Oil Plus

       The quality of the fish and fish oil supplements one consumes are of great importance. A 2011 study found that farmed salmon was often contaminated with persistent organic pollutants. Mice consuming this salmon developed several metabolic disorders linked to type 2 diabetes and obesity. The researchers in this study suggested that pollutants play a role in causing these diseases. 
      NeoLife tests Salmon Oil Plus for over 200 common pollutants with a standard of zero. Fish oils can provide great health benefits, but only if the product is pure. The only way to guarantee purity is routine testing because some of the worst pollutants are invisible and undetectable without doing a thorough analysis of a food or supplement.
 Reference:
Ibrahim, M.M., et al., Chronic consumption of farmed salmon containing persistent organic pollutants causes insulin resistance and obesity in mice, PLoS One, 2011; 6(9):e25170.

The Eyes

     Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most readily depleted and most likely to be deficient in the diet of mothers-to-be. Research suggests that an adequate supply of omega-3 fatty acids is essential for optimal visual development. A study of monkeys deprived of omega-3 fatty acids during prenatal and postnatal development revealed a halving of visual acuity when compared to animals supplied with these nutrients.
 References:
Birch, E., et al., Breast-feeding and optimal visual development, Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, 1993; 30(1):33-38.
Neuringer, M., et al., Dietary omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and visual loss in infant rhesus monkeys, J. Clin. Invest., January 1984; 73:272-276.

Does Fish Cause Prostate Cancer?

      The media love any story which is different. A dog biting a man is not news, but a man biting a dog makes the front page.
     Dr. Ala Kristal recently published an article in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in which he found that those with high blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids had a 43% increased risk of prostate cancer.
     There were no controls in his study. In other words, the researchers did not consider factors such as weight gain or toxin accumulation which are known to increase the risk of prostate cancers. Fish and fish oils are known to often carry a toxic load of pollutants which is why NeoLife tests their product for over 200 pollutants with a standard of ZERO.
Another factor which needs to be considered is oxidation. It has been known since 1991 that intake of fish oil can increase the risk of oxidative damage in the tissue if antioxidant intake is low. Small amounts of vitamin E have been shown to prevent this increased oxidative risk.
      Michael Savage, who has a Ph.D. in nutrition has an interview on the topic on his web site. The link is below.
     I am still taking my fish oil. News reports do not mention another study which showed that those with the highest levels of fish oil in the blood lived on average 2.2 years longer than those with lower levels.
References:
 Kramer, T.R., et al., Increased vitamin E intake restores fish oil-induced suppressed blastogenesis of mitogen-stimulated T lymphocytes, Am J Clin Nutr, 1991; 54:896-902.
Meydani, M., et al., Effect of long-term fish oil supplementation on vitamin E status and lipid peroxidation in women, J Nutr, 1991; 121:484-9.
http://www.michaelsavage.wnd.com/2013/07/dangers-of-fish-oils-and-prostate-cancer-based-on-flawed-science-says-dr-michael-savage/
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/eating-oily-fish-can-extend-lifespan-by-two-years-1.1346395


 

Omega-3 and Brain Waves

     Japanese investigator K. Myanaga studied the impact of fish oil on the speed of a brain wave called p300 which is closely linked to learning and memory. The rate of the p300 brain wave declines with age and is much slower in people with dementia. Myanaga found that supplementation with DHA, one of the primary fats in fish oil, significantly increased the p300 rate within two hours.

Reference:

Carper, Jean, Your Miracle Brain, New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2000,84-85.

Fats and Gene Expression

    Epigenetics is the study of how our nutrient intake alters gene expression. A recent paper suggests that long chain omega-3 fatty acids as found in fish promote fat burning. The omega-3 fats also decrease body fat deposition. The genes influenced by omega-3 fats are also involved with glucose metabolism. In rodent models omega-3 fats have improved insulin sensitivity.
     The same study suggests that arachidonic acid commonly found in the American food supply may promote cancer growth and the formation of new fat cells.
     This study also notes that there are a number of obstacles to obtaining sufficient intake of the long chain essential fatty acids. Vitamin B6 deficiency is a crucial inhibitor, especially in older people. Use of alcohol and drugs can also inhibit synthesis and utilization of essential fatty acids. Stress also impairs fatty acid metabolism.
Reference:
Benatti, Paola, et al., Polyunsaturated fatty acids: Biochemical, nutritional and epigenetic properties, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2004; 23(4), 281-302.