Traditionally Eskimos, despite their high fat diet, genarally don't get heart disease. It is now thought that this is due to their high fish consumption, fish rich in omega -3 PUFAS. Numerous studies now seem to indicate that regular fish consumption (one to three servings per week) can be protective against heart disease. Further it seems that the active ingredients are EPA and DHA.
The WHO conclude that there is sufficient evidence on this correlation between fish consumption and lack of heart disease to recommend regular consumption of fish. Since fish consumption in the Western world has declined, the use of the active ingredients thought to be protective at a serving of 200-500mg of DHA and EPA (total) per day is encouraged. Indeed the American Heart Association recommends an even higher intake of 500-1800mg/day of DHA plus EPA.
Speirs emulsions depending on the food applications (see Technology) can deliver from 30mg up to over 1000mg in particular foods without fishy taste and odour. The mechanism behind these benefits has not been fully established but both anti inflammatory mediators (see later) and a lowering of triglycerides (fat) levels are thought to be involved.
Studies using our emulsion when given to people with diagnosed type 2 diabetes in the form of a low fat hummus dip (1.3 to 1.4g DHA plus EPA daily) showed statistically significant lowering of their triglyceride levels. This shows that Speirs emulsion products are biologically active.
The best documented human inflammatory disease influenced by omega -3 is rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil consumption seems to alleviate the symptoms in some people as measured by reduced stifness of joints, improved grip strength and reduced pain. These benefits are thought to be mediated by EPA/DHA. Dietary lipids are the precursors of molecules (prostaglandins and leukotrienes) that are strongly pro or anti inflammatory.
Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids can favourably alter this balance in favour of reduced inflammation. Inflammation is thought to have a role in a huge number of diseases from arthritis and asthma through heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease to stroke and Alzheimers.
DHA is the predominant omega three fatty acid found in the grey matter of the human brain. Extensive studies in animals have shown that DHA has a key role in visual development of the young infant and indeed DHA is also found in human breast milk and is added to Infant formula to make it more akin to human breast milk. DHA is also found at high levels in the retina and nerve synapses.
Again since this is an essential fatty acid continued dietary intake throughout life would seem to be advocated.Studies underway are looking to what benefits might accrue to people who take omega -3 to influence attention deficit syndrome, schizophrenia and depression.