Nordic Naturals EPA

Supports Cardiovascular and Circulatory Health • Promotes Anti-Inflammatory Series 3 Prostaglandin (PGE-3) Nordic Naturals EPA, one of the industry’s highest concentrations of EPA from fish, is enhanced with natural lemon oil in both the soft gel capsule and oil for great lemon taste. EPA is molecularly distilled for purity and concentration, and has added rosemary extract for superior freshness. This high concentrate formula provides excellent nutritional support for the body to manufacture vital series 3 prostaglandins, and is “repeat” and “odor free.”

Suggested Use: Two soft gels daily, with food, or as directed by your health care professional or pharmacist.

General Nutrient Support:
Cardiovascular disease may be the most common cause of death in the United States. Symptoms often associated with cardiovascular disease may include high LDL “bad” cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and overall poor circulation.

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid and a precursor to the anti-inflammatory prostaglandin series 3. Much of the interest surrounding omega-3 fatty acids arose from the discovery that Greenland Inuit and coastal Japanese populations consume high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and have remarkably healthy cardiovascular systems. Since then, extensive research on omega-3 fatty acids from fish indicates that several different mechanisms of action are responsible for their possible heart healthy benefits.

The omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, play important structural roles as components of cellular membranes. Ongoing clinical studies support the role of EPA and omega-3 fatty acids in health and disease.

Ingredients: purified deep sea fish oil (from anchovies and sardines), soft gel capsule (gelatin, water, glycerin, natural lemon oil), natural lemon oil, d-alpha tocopherol, rosemary extract

Two 1000 mg Soft Gels Contain:
EPA: 850 mg
DHA: 200 mg
Other Omega-3s: 180 mg
Vitamin E: 30 IU

Research

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease anxiety feelings in a population of substance abusers  
Buydens-Branchey L, Branchey M. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2006;26(6):661–665.
 
There is mounting evidence that low levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a role in the pathophysiology of a number of psychiatric disorders. Preclinical studies have shown that n-3 PUFAs decrease anxiety-like behaviors, but there is a paucity of information about their effects on anxiety in humans. In light of our observation that substance abusers have poor dietary habits and of the strong association between anxiety disorders and substance use disorders, the possibility that the administration of supplements of n-3 PUFAs would decrease the anxiety level of a group of substance abusers was explored.

Thirteen patients were given, on a daily basis, capsules containing 3 g of n-3 PUFAS (EPA+DHA). Eleven patients received similar-looking placebo capsules containing vegetable oil. The trial was double-blind, randomized, and lasted 3 months. A scale assessing anxiety feelings was administered at baseline and on a monthly basis thereafter. Six PUFA group patients and 8 placebo group patients were followed for an additional 3 months after treatment discontinuation and administered the same questionnaire monthly.

Patients who received n-3 PUFAs for 3 months showed a progressive decline in anxiety scores. This was not the case for patients who received placebos. A comparison of the 2 groups was significant (p=.010). Anxiety scores remained significantly decreased in the PUFA group for 3 months following treatment discontinuation. A comparison of the 2 groups followed for 6 months was also significant (p=.042).

In conclusion, these preliminary data indicate that n-3 PUFA supplementation could be beneficial in the treatment of some patients with anxiety disorders.

The product used in this study was purchased from Nordic Naturals. The product name was ProEPA™/EPA™. The dose used was 5 capsules.

News - New study shows high concentrate fish oil supplementation benefits arthritic patients  

 
Watsonville, CA (April 18, 2005) Nordic Naturals, Inc., a leading supplier of fish oil and essential fatty acid (EFA) supplements, announced today the results of a human trial showing beneficial effects of fish oil on pain, as well as symptom management in people with non-surgical arthritis.

The results of this study, conducted by Joseph Maroon, MD, and Jeff Bost, PAC, at the University of Pittsburgh (PA) were presented today at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons' annual meeting in New Orleans, LA.

Adult patients with non-surgical neck or back pain under physician's care were asked to supplement with two (2) capsules daily of ProEPA™, a concentrated fish oil supplement from Nordic Naturals. Two capsules of ProEPA provide 1200 mg of omega-3 EFAs, of which 900 mg are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 200 mg are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

After supplementing with ProEPA for an average of 75 days, 60% of the respondents reported reduction in both overall pain and joint pain, and 59% discontinued taking prescription pain medications . In additional reported results, 80% of the subjects reported being satisfied with the improvement experienced from supplementing with ProEPA, and 88% reported that they would continue to take the supplement. Virtually no side effects were reported, which is noteworthy in light of the recent voluntary withdrawals of two widely prescribed NSAIDs: Vioxx® (10/30/04) and Bextra® (4/07/05).

Dr. Maroon noted that they were gratified "to see such a high percentage of patients who were able to stop taking their prescription NSAIDs after starting the omega-3 EFAs. Patient satisfaction exceeded 80%".

SurgN - Patented high EPA fish oil supplement reported effective for chronic neck and back pain  
Maroon JC, Bost JW. Omega-3 Fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory: an alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain. Surgical Neurology, 2006; 65(4):326-331.
 
Background:
The use of NSAID medications is a well-established effective therapy for both acute and chronic nonspecific neck and back pain. Extreme complications, including gastric ulcers, bleeding, myocardial infarction, and even deaths, are associated with their use.

An alternative treatment with fewer side effects that also reduces the inflammatory response and thereby reduces pain is believed to be omega-3 EFAs found in fish oil. We report our experience in a neurosurgical practice using fish oil supplements for pain relief.

Methods:
From March to June 2004, 250 patients who had been seen by a neurosurgeon and were found to have nonsurgical neck or back pain were asked to take a total of 1200 mg per day of omega-3 EFAs (eicosapentaenoic acid and decosahexaenoic acid) found in fish oil supplements. A questionnaire was sent approximately 1 month after starting the supplement.

Results:
Of the 250 patients, 125 returned the questionnaire at an average of 75 days on fish oil. Seventy-eight percent were taking 1200 mg and 22% were taking 2400 mg of EFAs. Fifty-nine percent discontinued to take their prescription NSAID medications for pain.

Sixty percent (60%) stated that their overall pain was improved, and 60% stated that their joint pain had improved. Eighty percent (80%) stated they were satisfied with their improvement, and 88% stated they would continue to take the fish oil.

There were no significant side effects reported.

Conclusions:
Our results mirror other controlled studies that compared ibuprofen and omega-3 EFAs demonstrating equivalent effect in reducing arthritic pain.

Omega-3 EFA fish oil supplements appear to be a safer alternative to NSAIDs for treatment of nonsurgical neck or back pain in this selective group.