Other Benefits of Omega-TTM
Neurological Health
DHA is a major component of the brain and other neural tissue including the light-sensitive cells in the retina of the eye. DHA comprises approximately 20% of the lipid material in our brain. All essential fatty acids are important for normal fetal development and DHA is particularly significant because fetuses and premature infants cannot produce DHA efficiently.
Preliminary studies suggest that the omega-3 fatty acids and particularly DHA may help delay the progression of Alzheimer's. DHA is also studied for its role in fighting depression and early results appear very promising.
Joint health and arthritis
There has been considerable in vitro and animal models testing the use of omega-3 fatty acids in arthritis. This research as well as some clinical trials suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the severity of the symptoms, slow the progression of the disease and reduce the need for drug treatment. The potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids may be due to their anti-inflammatory properties. The evidence, while promising is not conclusive at this time.
In addition, there is considerable evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a severe autoimmune disease. In one study, 66 patients were randomized to receive omega-3 fatty acids or placebo. Those who received omega-3 fatty acids had clinical improvement including a decrease in the number of tender joints.
Kremer JM. Lawrence DA. Petrillo GF. Litts LL. Mullaly PM. Rynes RI. Stocker RP. Parhami N. Greenstein NS. Fuchs BR. et al. Effects of high-dose fish oil on rheumatoid arthritis after stopping nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Clinical and immune correlates. [Clinical Trial. Journal Article. Multicenter Study. Randomized Controlled Trial] Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Other diseases
Omega-3 fatty acids studies for their potential benefits in:
- Allergies and asthma
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cancer
- Crohn's and inflammatory bowel disease
The evidence is not conclusive at this time.
Nagakura T. Matsuda S. Shichijyo K. Sugimoto H. Hata K. Dietary supplementation with fish oil rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in children with bronchial asthma. [Clinical Trial. Journal Article. Randomized Controlled Trial] European Respiratory Journal. 16(5):861-5, 2000 Nov.
Hodge L. Salome CM. Hughes JM. Liu-Brennan D. Rimmer J. Allman M. Pang D. Armour C. Woolcock AJ. Effect of dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on severity of asthma in children. [Clinical Trial. Journal Article. Randomized Controlled Trial] European Respiratory Journal. 11(2):361-5, 1998 Feb.
Kjeldsen-Kragh J. Lund JA. Riise T. Finnanger B. Haaland K. Finstad R. Mikkelsen K. Forre O. Dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and naproxen treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. [Clinical Trial. Journal Article. Randomized Controlled Trial] Journal of Rheumatology. 19(10):1531-6, 1992 Oct.