Posted on 02/05/2022 8:31:26 AM PST by ConservativeMind
Two studies discussed how the Omega-3 Index relates to red blood cell (RBC) distribution width (a measure of cellular integrity) and explored the relationship between the Omega-3 Index and a balanced immune system.
Both studies observed benefits associated with higher blood omega-3 levels (EPA+DHA) in healthy people.
RBC cell deformability (i.e., ability to change shape) increases with Omega-3 Index.
"We used the RBC distribution width (RDW) because it is a standard way of assessing RBC size heterogeneity, which is related to proper cell membrane deformability," said Michael McBurney, Ph.D.
"Although RDW is used clinically to diagnose anemia, it has recently been shown to also predict risk of death from multiple diseases—i.e., cardiovascular, SARS-COV-2, sepsis, lung disease and cancer." he said.
The researchers found a relationship. In 25,485 individuals with no evidence of inflammation or anemia, a higher Omega-3 Index was still significantly associated with a lower (i.e., better) RDW.
The neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) measures the balance between the innate and adaptive immune system. NLR is also a biomarker of systemic inflammation, and like RDW, predicts higher risk of death from numerous chronic diseases. A normal NLR is roughly 1-3, with a score above 6 indicating mild stress and above 9 signaling critical illness.
The researchers observed inverse associations between the Omega-3 index and NLR, i.e., the higher the Omega-3 Index the lower the NLR. This was especially evident among individuals with an Omega-3 Index below 6.6% (an ideal Omega-3 index is considered to be 8% or higher). In these people, the NLR clearly rose as the Omega-3 Index fell; but above an Index of 6.6%, the NLR remained relatively stable.
"A high Omega-3 Index with low (i.e., healthier) levels of two novel biomarkers—RDW and NLR—help us understand why omega-3 fatty acids are good for us," said William S. Harris, Ph.D.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Expect to better your numbers as you have more Omega-3 sources, versus Omega-6 (pro-inflammation) sources of fats.
A very good source for an Omega 3 supplement is at Sam’s Club: Member’s Mark 600mg Omega-3 from Fish Oil with 50 mcg Vitamin D3. This gives you the dosage indicated, plus 2000 IU of Vitamin D3, for $0.06/capsule. Hard to beat that if you want to supplement (vs. eating salmon, etc.).
How about canned sardines? There is some protein in there as well.
It has come to my attention that there are some indications that high dose fish oil (Omega 3’s, EPA and DHA), sometimes are associated with more arrythmias. There is a great scarcity of testing of EPA separately from DHA. I was consuming up to two grams triple strength triglyceride type fish oil, so I reduced that to one 3X EPA/DHA per day, and started taking one 500 mg EPA only also (Igennus, from England). I did have some instances of fast heart rate, up to about 130 BPM, and after some trial and error, found out that my tachycardia(?) was apparently triggered by as little as one five ounce glass of red wine. I have not consumed any alcohol in over one year, with no heart problems. I have just recently discovered Berberine, a very powerful supplement, which seems to slow my heart down a few BPM to about 60.
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/omega-3-supplements-could-elevate-risk-of-atrial-fibrillation/
These types of studies are informative, but never helpful to the layperson.
Such ‘science’ only accomplishes further reliance on the same corporate medical establishment which brought us COVIDism.
If a person doesn’t yet grasp that their own actions are undermining all efforts to boost o-3 ratios, these types of studies won’t help. In fact, the opposite is more likely to occur.
All of my research has taken a dark turn and I’m only happy that I delayed publishing my original draft to permit a rewrite under an obligatory mea culpa.
Canned sardines are a good source of omega 3 as are mackeral, salmon and a couple of other fatty fish.
I disagree, as this is the right type of study result—something a common person can practically do with a common objective test they get from a common physical to show a common supplement or food (salmon) is effecting beneficial change.
Thanks, I’ll look for it.
In terms of establishing an individual’s required intake as part of comprehensive changes under the guidance of a professional, I agree.
But to a layperson such benefits are wholly lost due to other personal choices - even a single choice - and at that point it falls under the grandiose shell game hawking fictional health benefits for corporate profit.
I’ve seen plenty of studies indicating EATING fish is good but the studies for capsule supplements seems far weaker. I’ve switched to lemon-flavored cod liver oil - tastes like a lemon bar - as an alternative. The wife and I eat salmon more than most folks but I haven’t had a physical since before COVID.
How Good For You is Fish Oil Really? | FRONTLINE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVsaDOLfQPs
Why fish oil is unnecessary and may be harmful to the body (CarnivoreMD) (I personally consider this questionable):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnlczmLGpZI
Education is an ever present concern, and then you have different understandings that wind up being shared with patients. For instance, three years ago, my brother-in-law was diagnosed with diabetes, related to a severe liver issue. The dietitian prescribed nearly 100% maltodextrin diabetic nutritional shakes for him. My sister-in-law paid big bucks for this diet approach of nearly 100% high glycemic carbs. She asked us to get a case of them for him.
I immediately told her the shakes were poison and exactly the opposite of what he needed to eat. She blew up at me, despite what we forwarded to her.
However, six months later, she admitted the dietitian was completely wrong. I still don't know what made her change her mind, but he got a lot better than he had been doing.
I agree studies have been mixed on Omega-3 sources. Some show benefits from the oils, while all positive studies show benefits from the food.
If your numbers don’t improve, then change your Omega-3 source.
Sardines also have calcium. Natural is better than pills, most of the time.
So are chia seeds, I think?
omega 6/3 ratios of near 1/1 are characteristic of people in the blue zones around the world. blue zones are area that have high concentrations of centenarians. If you don’t eat fatty fish like sardines herring mackeral and salmon daily then you have to take 3-4 grams of omega 3’s daily.
I've actually seen Omega-6 supplements at the store. People always need to do research before taking any supplements.
Omega-6 fats are also essential, but we get so many from vegetable fats that supplementing seems crazy.
Eggs are another near perfect food. If you are having your eggs and sardines, you are getting all the Omega-3 you need and do not have to worry about supplements.
How much are you paying for the the King Oscar brand?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.