RibosCardio™ with CardioPerform™
Medical Food with Bioenergy Ribose, L-Carnitine, Acetyl L-Carnitine, Malic Acid and Magnesium GET ALL THE GREAT INGREDIENTS OF BIOENERGY CORVALENM PLUS MORE!
Special Dietary Usefulness as a Medical Food
Under a physician’s direction, RibosCardio™ may have special dietary usefulness for individuals suffering from energy-draining conditions, such as heart disease, Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and Lyme disease. Published research has also shown D-Ribose effective in extending endurance exercise & increasing exercise tolerance, and muscle recovery from high intensity exercise.
RibosCardio™ has been designed to support serious energy needs of patients. The product has been formulated with CardioPerform™, a potent blend of L-carnitine (transports fuel into the heart to be burned as energy) and Acetyl L-carnitine (improves heart & brain health, protecting against oxidative damage), plus the patented form of D-Ribose, malic acid and magnesium gluconate to optimize energy production and synthesis.
Published research shows our patented form of D-ribose may be an effective adjunct in promoting cardiovascular, skeletal muscle, and neurological health. With heart patients, D-ribose has been found effective in restoring energy, improving ventilatory efficiency, oxygen uptake, stroke volume, diastolic function, physical performance, and quality of life. In neuromuscular disease, D-ribose helps to reduce pain, overcome fatigue, increase exercise tolerance, and help patients live more normal, active lives.
RibosCardio™'s magnesium gluconate and malic acid help your body use energy more efficiently. Your cells use magnesium in over 300 enzyme reactions, and it distributes energy evenly throughout the cell so it is available when and where it is needed. Malic Acid helps your mitochondria recycle the energy you have, maximizing cellular energy output.
D-Ribose Research Highlights
Cardiovascular Function: Scientific and clinical studies have repeatedly shown that our patented D-Ribose can restore energy and improve function in ischemic, hypoxic, and failing hearts. Oxygen deprivation causes hearts to use energy faster than it can be replaced through normal processes of tissue energy turnover. The result is a depletion of cellular energy reserves translating to a loss of heart function.
Mid-study results of an ongoing double blind, crossover trial with congestive heart failure patients were recently reported. Results showed conclusively that when patients were given ribose (15 grams per day for three weeks) they had improved diastolic heart function, increased physical function score and enhanced quality of life score. Echocardiographic studies of these patients showed that ribose administration enhanced relaxation of the left ventricle and improved the efficiency of filling from the left atrium. No such improvements were found during placebo administration (3).
RibosCardio™ increases cardiac energy to help fuel the heart. For patients, this can mean more energy and a higher quality of life.
Sports Nutrition:
In skeletal muscle, high-intensity exercise can lead to a loss of up to 26% of cellular adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. One consequence of this energy drain is an increase in free radicals in affected muscle. Free radicals attack cell and mitochondrial membranes and can destroy the genetic material that helps muscle tissues synthesize proteins.
RibosCardio™ helps in three ways:
First, if enough ribose is present in the cell or the circulating blood, energy compounds can be saved, or salvaged, before they wash out of the cell and are lost.
Second, ribose accelerates energy synthesis, so if energy compounds are lost, they can be quickly replaced.
Finally, by keeping the energy compounds in the cell, RibosCardio™ reduces free radical formation and preserves the energy the tissue needs to make proteins essential for maintaining muscle health and performance. This energy improvement has been shown to increased performance over time.
A study published in the journal, Current Therapeutic Research, showed that male recreational bodybuilders experienced a significant improvement in both muscular endurance (20% increase over the four weeks versus a 12% for the placebo group) and muscular endurance (3.2% increase over the four weeks versus a 1.7% for the placebo group) following 28 days of our patented D-Ribose supplementation(1).
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
The muscle in patients with FMS and CFS is generally severely energy starved. This lack of energy leads to a number of physiological reactions within the muscle cell, ending in debilitating fatigue, muscle pain, soreness, and stiffness. By increasing the energy level in affected muscle, our patented D-Ribose helps patients overcome fatigue, and lessens the pain associated with their conditions.
Jar Size:
421 grams (15 oz) 28 day supply
Directions:
RibosCardio™ may be taken with other foods approved for your diet. Add one level scoop (two and 1/2 teaspoonfuls) to 4-8 ounces of your favorite juice, stir briskly and drink. As an alternative, sprinkle on cereal, fruit or applesauce.
Dosage:
Normal dosage is twice daily. Up to 4 doses per day may be taken as needed. If moderate to severe symptoms are present (as frequently seen in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome) it is recommended that at least three doses per day be taken for the first two weeks before reducing dosage to twice per day. For best results, all doses should be taken no later than 3:00PM. Continued use is required to maintain the benefits of RibosCardio™.
Source:
Ribose is a fermentation process. The initial source is corn syrup. However, as the product is processed, all traces of corn are removed.
Cautions:
Insulin-dependent diabetics, pregnant women or patients with elevated uric acid levels should consult their physician before use.
Research Papers
1) Van Gammeren D, D Falk, J Antonio. The Effects of Four Weeks of Ribose Supplementation on Body Composition and Exercise Performance, Current Therapeutics Research 2002;63(8):486-495.
2) Jacob E. Teitelbaum, MD, CA Johnson, JA St.Cyr MD,PhD. Effective Treatment Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And Fibromyalgia With D-Ribose J Alt Comp Med, 2006;12(6):857-862.
3) White Paper: D-Ribose in Congestive Heart Failure and Ischemic Disease Bioenergy Life Sciences.
Showing posts with label heart disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart disease. Show all posts
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Corvalen & CorvalenM New Product Label
We recently learned that Bioenergy is no longer selling these products directly to patients and have given up control of the distribution of these products to Douglas Laboratories. They have new packaging but this is still the same product as before when under Bioenergy. Corvalen Ribose and CorvalenM can still be purchased through health care practitioners or on the internet.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
No nutrient is more important for decreasing cardiovascular death—and more lacking—than omega-3
Monday, August 11, 2008
From Fish Oil to Medicine
No nutrient is more important for decreasing cardiovascular death—and more lacking—than omega-3
By Bernadine Healy M.D.
With all the talk about fat being bad—whether it's on our bodies or in our diet—we have failed to take seriously a significant nutritional fat deficiency that afflicts most Americans: We have too little omega-3s of the kind found in oily fish, which cannot be made by the human body yet are essential to metabolism. Even though we need only a small dose, our western diet runs woefully low, forcing our cells to run their engines slightly off balance. Over time, this takes its toll. The deficiency significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac death, and mounting evidence suggests omega-3 shortages contribute to problems as disparate as premature birth, neurological disorders, mental illness, autoimmune disease, obesity, and certain cancers. This is no fish story: Raising omega-3s could be as important to public health as lowering cholesterol.
Think about that comparison. Reining in our nation's cholesterol levels over the past 40 years has yielded great benefit to health and longevity. The change was a grass-roots effort driven by individuals—patients motivated by test results and doctors who helped monitor and manage them. The National Cholesterol Education Program even launched a "know your number" campaign. But who knows their levels of omega-3s?
Well, we should. Omega-3 compounds, eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, become embedded in the membrane of each of the trillions of cells that make up the body, and from that perch influence cell structure and function, including cell-to-cell communication and electrical stability. On demand, they also generate a reservoir of hormone like molecules to help blood vessels relax, tame inflammation, and reduce blood clotting. All cells feel the pinch of omega-3 deficiencies. Like a car that's out of tune, they run at a suboptimal level and are more prone to breakdown.
Based on what we currently know, says William Harris, director of metabolism and nutrition research at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, S.D., there is no nutrient more important for decreasing risk of cardiovascular death—and more lacking—than omega-3. And its benefit to other organs is rapidly taking shape.
It is possible to measure a person's omega-3 levels, but the tests are used mainly for research. We don't yet know the range of acceptable values (as was the case for cholesterol), so there is a compelling need to determine optimal levels for age, sex, or medical condition. Knowing one's personal blood levels are too low would motivate dietary change or supplement use, and repeat testing would measure the patient's progress. Though the test is not covered by most insurance, individuals can get their numbers at boutique labs for $100 to $200.
Taking aim. For now, people use dietary targets rather than blood-level goals—that is, if they think about omega-3s at all. The recommendation of several public health organizations that everyone eat fish twice a week just isn't on the radar screens of most homes or doctor's offices. Moreover, not everyone responds the same way to a meal of omega-3s. Genes influence levels of omega-3s in the body, much as they do cholesterol. Some people, such as women of childbearing age, seem to be more effective in generating EPA and DHA from a lesser source, called alpha linolenic acid, found in certain plant oils. And, of course, not every fish meal delivers the same dose of nutrients. Nevertheless, the Japanese, who consume eight to 15 times more fish than we do—and have higher omega-3 blood levels to prove it—experience less heart disease and greater longevity despite smoking more.
Though the medical and nutrition communities generally believe eating fatty fish is the way to go, refined fish oil supplements with specified doses of EPA and DHA can make for a more certain prescription, and one that alleviates concerns about fish being contaminated with mercury or PCBs. (Nasty fish burps can be avoided by freezing the gel capsules and taking them at bedtime. And vegans can find supplements derived from algae, the fishes' omega-3 source.) The FDA, which oversees supplements, advises that patients should not take more than 2 grams without physician guidance. There is now a highly refined prescription form of omega-3 called Lovaza that can deliver the DHA and EPA at levels of 4 grams or more.
That's right. The FDA has approved an omega-3 pill as a medicine. So, we have a treatment and we have a blood test. Before long, your personal omega-3 index just could be the new cholesterol—the number you want to brag about.
Which fish oil do you use? How does it stack up to Metagenics EPA/DHA? Did you know Metagenics EPA/DHA is less expensive gram per gram than most professional brands, and have you seen Metagenics multiple purity assays? Please give us a call to see how your oil stacks up! JES 208-325-9292 www.jescollection.meta-ehealth.com
From Fish Oil to Medicine
No nutrient is more important for decreasing cardiovascular death—and more lacking—than omega-3
By Bernadine Healy M.D.
With all the talk about fat being bad—whether it's on our bodies or in our diet—we have failed to take seriously a significant nutritional fat deficiency that afflicts most Americans: We have too little omega-3s of the kind found in oily fish, which cannot be made by the human body yet are essential to metabolism. Even though we need only a small dose, our western diet runs woefully low, forcing our cells to run their engines slightly off balance. Over time, this takes its toll. The deficiency significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac death, and mounting evidence suggests omega-3 shortages contribute to problems as disparate as premature birth, neurological disorders, mental illness, autoimmune disease, obesity, and certain cancers. This is no fish story: Raising omega-3s could be as important to public health as lowering cholesterol.
Think about that comparison. Reining in our nation's cholesterol levels over the past 40 years has yielded great benefit to health and longevity. The change was a grass-roots effort driven by individuals—patients motivated by test results and doctors who helped monitor and manage them. The National Cholesterol Education Program even launched a "know your number" campaign. But who knows their levels of omega-3s?
Well, we should. Omega-3 compounds, eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, become embedded in the membrane of each of the trillions of cells that make up the body, and from that perch influence cell structure and function, including cell-to-cell communication and electrical stability. On demand, they also generate a reservoir of hormone like molecules to help blood vessels relax, tame inflammation, and reduce blood clotting. All cells feel the pinch of omega-3 deficiencies. Like a car that's out of tune, they run at a suboptimal level and are more prone to breakdown.
Based on what we currently know, says William Harris, director of metabolism and nutrition research at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, S.D., there is no nutrient more important for decreasing risk of cardiovascular death—and more lacking—than omega-3. And its benefit to other organs is rapidly taking shape.
It is possible to measure a person's omega-3 levels, but the tests are used mainly for research. We don't yet know the range of acceptable values (as was the case for cholesterol), so there is a compelling need to determine optimal levels for age, sex, or medical condition. Knowing one's personal blood levels are too low would motivate dietary change or supplement use, and repeat testing would measure the patient's progress. Though the test is not covered by most insurance, individuals can get their numbers at boutique labs for $100 to $200.
Taking aim. For now, people use dietary targets rather than blood-level goals—that is, if they think about omega-3s at all. The recommendation of several public health organizations that everyone eat fish twice a week just isn't on the radar screens of most homes or doctor's offices. Moreover, not everyone responds the same way to a meal of omega-3s. Genes influence levels of omega-3s in the body, much as they do cholesterol. Some people, such as women of childbearing age, seem to be more effective in generating EPA and DHA from a lesser source, called alpha linolenic acid, found in certain plant oils. And, of course, not every fish meal delivers the same dose of nutrients. Nevertheless, the Japanese, who consume eight to 15 times more fish than we do—and have higher omega-3 blood levels to prove it—experience less heart disease and greater longevity despite smoking more.
Though the medical and nutrition communities generally believe eating fatty fish is the way to go, refined fish oil supplements with specified doses of EPA and DHA can make for a more certain prescription, and one that alleviates concerns about fish being contaminated with mercury or PCBs. (Nasty fish burps can be avoided by freezing the gel capsules and taking them at bedtime. And vegans can find supplements derived from algae, the fishes' omega-3 source.) The FDA, which oversees supplements, advises that patients should not take more than 2 grams without physician guidance. There is now a highly refined prescription form of omega-3 called Lovaza that can deliver the DHA and EPA at levels of 4 grams or more.
That's right. The FDA has approved an omega-3 pill as a medicine. So, we have a treatment and we have a blood test. Before long, your personal omega-3 index just could be the new cholesterol—the number you want to brag about.
Which fish oil do you use? How does it stack up to Metagenics EPA/DHA? Did you know Metagenics EPA/DHA is less expensive gram per gram than most professional brands, and have you seen Metagenics multiple purity assays? Please give us a call to see how your oil stacks up! JES 208-325-9292 www.jescollection.meta-ehealth.com
Saturday, November 10, 2007
D-Ribose Offers New Option for Boosting Energy
Press Release
UNIQUE SUGAR NOW FEATURED ON ANDREW WEIL, MD WEB SITE
D-Ribose Offers New Option for Boosting Energy
UNIQUE SUGAR NOW FEATURED ON ANDREW WEIL, MD WEB SITE
D-Ribose Offers New Option for Boosting Energy
MINNEAPOLIS, MN, October 8, 2007—Now, millions of people worldwide who rely on the medical expertise of Andrew Weil, MD, can learn about the benefits of D-ribose at http://www.drweil.com.
In a Q &A, Dr. Weil, America's trusted health advisor, explains the science behind this breakthrough, natural supplement. D-Ribose, a naturally occurring five-carbon sugar, is made by the body to synthesize many important compounds, including DNA, RNA, and most importantly, ATP, the "energy currency" of the cells. ATP is critical to health and maintaining normal energy-dependent body functions. Ribose is the essential component in the making of ATP. Weil says, "Because ATP is rapidly used by muscles in high intensity workouts and because RNA is important in protein synthesis, ribose supplements and energy drinks containing ribose are being promoted for energy enhancement and better exercise performance."
Visitors to Dr. Weil's site also will discover other life enhancing benefits associated with D-ribose. For example, Dr. Weil says that "emerging evidence does suggest that they [ribose supplements] benefit patients with congestive heart failure . . . In a study at the University of Bonn, ribose appears to improve heart function and quality of life among these patients by increasing levels and availability of ATP."
In addition to its restorative properties for heart health Dr. Weil points out that "ribose may ease the pain and fatigue of patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Referencing a study published last year in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Dr. Weil says that "patients who took five grams of ribose three times a day for an average of 28 days reported less muscle soreness and stiffness, better ability to overcome fatigue, and simply feeling better." He also indicates that "further studies suggest that ribose may also help improve exercise tolerance in high intensity activities."
Dr. Weil recommends for those who find ribose beneficial that they limit their intake to no more than five grams three times a day. Although ribose is made naturally inside the body, its production is slow and limited by several enzymes that are in short supply in heart and muscle cells. Normally, this is not a problem except when hearts or muscles are challenged by the stress of exercise or lack of oxygen due to cardiovascular disease, circulatory disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia. If the energy metabolism process isn't working properly, it drains energy reserves and depletes the cellular energy pool. This frequently leads to pain, soreness, stiffness and an overall feeling of fatigue. Supplementing these stressed cells with D-ribose restores cellular energy.
The ribose Q&A appeared on Dr. Weil's home page (http://www.drweil.com) on October 5 through and October 7, 2007. After that, visitors can find the information by conducting a search on the site for "ribose.”
###
Bioenergy Inc.—The Ribose Company— www.bioenergy.com is a privately held, Minneapolis-based life sciences company whose core technology lies in the development and commercialization of products based on the physiological benefits of D-ribose in health and wellness. Bioenergy's clear mission is to develop products that increase the quality of its customers' lives by improving their metabolic health. Bioenergy Life Science, Inc., its subsidiary, markets ribose-based products to the functional food and clinical nutrition markets. Bioenergy Life Science products include Bioenergy RIBOSE™ , a functional ingredient in the active lifestyle market; Corvalen®, and CorvalenM®, clinical nutrition products giving metabolic support to patients with heart and muscle disease.
Bioenergy Ribose is non-GMO certified. The product is also manufactured under the supervision of the Kashruth Division of the Orthodox Union. Toll-free order line is 1-866-267-8253.
In a Q &A, Dr. Weil, America's trusted health advisor, explains the science behind this breakthrough, natural supplement. D-Ribose, a naturally occurring five-carbon sugar, is made by the body to synthesize many important compounds, including DNA, RNA, and most importantly, ATP, the "energy currency" of the cells. ATP is critical to health and maintaining normal energy-dependent body functions. Ribose is the essential component in the making of ATP. Weil says, "Because ATP is rapidly used by muscles in high intensity workouts and because RNA is important in protein synthesis, ribose supplements and energy drinks containing ribose are being promoted for energy enhancement and better exercise performance."
Visitors to Dr. Weil's site also will discover other life enhancing benefits associated with D-ribose. For example, Dr. Weil says that "emerging evidence does suggest that they [ribose supplements] benefit patients with congestive heart failure . . . In a study at the University of Bonn, ribose appears to improve heart function and quality of life among these patients by increasing levels and availability of ATP."
In addition to its restorative properties for heart health Dr. Weil points out that "ribose may ease the pain and fatigue of patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Referencing a study published last year in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Dr. Weil says that "patients who took five grams of ribose three times a day for an average of 28 days reported less muscle soreness and stiffness, better ability to overcome fatigue, and simply feeling better." He also indicates that "further studies suggest that ribose may also help improve exercise tolerance in high intensity activities."
Dr. Weil recommends for those who find ribose beneficial that they limit their intake to no more than five grams three times a day. Although ribose is made naturally inside the body, its production is slow and limited by several enzymes that are in short supply in heart and muscle cells. Normally, this is not a problem except when hearts or muscles are challenged by the stress of exercise or lack of oxygen due to cardiovascular disease, circulatory disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia. If the energy metabolism process isn't working properly, it drains energy reserves and depletes the cellular energy pool. This frequently leads to pain, soreness, stiffness and an overall feeling of fatigue. Supplementing these stressed cells with D-ribose restores cellular energy.
The ribose Q&A appeared on Dr. Weil's home page (http://www.drweil.com) on October 5 through and October 7, 2007. After that, visitors can find the information by conducting a search on the site for "ribose.”
###
Bioenergy Inc.—The Ribose Company— www.bioenergy.com is a privately held, Minneapolis-based life sciences company whose core technology lies in the development and commercialization of products based on the physiological benefits of D-ribose in health and wellness. Bioenergy's clear mission is to develop products that increase the quality of its customers' lives by improving their metabolic health. Bioenergy Life Science, Inc., its subsidiary, markets ribose-based products to the functional food and clinical nutrition markets. Bioenergy Life Science products include Bioenergy RIBOSE™ , a functional ingredient in the active lifestyle market; Corvalen®, and CorvalenM®, clinical nutrition products giving metabolic support to patients with heart and muscle disease.
Bioenergy Ribose is non-GMO certified. The product is also manufactured under the supervision of the Kashruth Division of the Orthodox Union. Toll-free order line is 1-866-267-8253.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Fatty Acid Tied to Depression and Inflammation
Last Updated: 2007-04-17 11:50:28 -0400 (Reuters Health)
By Anne Harding
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The imbalance of fatty acids in the typical American diet could be associated with the sharp increase in heart disease and depression seen over the past century, a new study suggests.
Specifically, the more omega-6 fatty acids people had in their blood compared with omega-3 fatty acid levels, the more likely they were to suffer from symptoms of depression and have higher blood levels of inflammation-promoting compounds, report Dr. Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser and her colleagues from Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus. These compounds, which include tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6, are "all-purpose 'nasties' for aging," and have been tied to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and other ailments, Kiecolt-Glaser told Reuters Health.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as fish, flax seed oil and walnuts, while omega-6 fatty acids are found in refined vegetable oils used to make everything from margarine to baked goods and snack foods. The amount of omega-6 fatty acids in the Western diet increased sharply once refined vegetable oils became part of the average diet in the early 20th century.
Hunter-gatherers consumed two or three times as much omega-6 as omega-3, Kiecolt-Glaser's team notes in their study, published in Psychosomatic Medicine, but today Westerners consume 15- to 17-times more omega-6 than omega-3.
The researchers investigated the relationship among fatty acid consumption, depression and inflammation in 43 older men and women. The 6 individuals diagnosed with major depression had nearly 18 times as much omega-6 as omega-3 in their blood, compared with about 13 times as much for subjects who didn't meet the criteria for major depression. Depressed patients also had higher levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and other inflammatory compounds. And as levels of depressive symptoms rose, so did the omega 6 and omega 3 ratio.
The effects of depression and diet enhanced each other, the researchers found. "It was more than additive," Kiecolt-Glaser said. "People who had few depressive symptoms and/or a good diet were generally fine." However, when depressive symptoms increased and diets become worse, "we really saw big differences."
Depression alone is known to increase inflammation, the researchers note in their report, while a number of studies have found omega-3 supplements prevent depression.
Following recommendations for a healthy diet -- and eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel or sardines every now and then -- could go a long way to promote a healthier omega-6/omega 3 balance, Kiecolt-Glaser said. "If people actually had more fruits and vegetables in their diet, they probably would have less omega-6."
SOURCE: Psychosomatic Medicine, online March 30, 2007.
By Anne Harding
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The imbalance of fatty acids in the typical American diet could be associated with the sharp increase in heart disease and depression seen over the past century, a new study suggests.
Specifically, the more omega-6 fatty acids people had in their blood compared with omega-3 fatty acid levels, the more likely they were to suffer from symptoms of depression and have higher blood levels of inflammation-promoting compounds, report Dr. Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser and her colleagues from Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus. These compounds, which include tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6, are "all-purpose 'nasties' for aging," and have been tied to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and other ailments, Kiecolt-Glaser told Reuters Health.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as fish, flax seed oil and walnuts, while omega-6 fatty acids are found in refined vegetable oils used to make everything from margarine to baked goods and snack foods. The amount of omega-6 fatty acids in the Western diet increased sharply once refined vegetable oils became part of the average diet in the early 20th century.
Hunter-gatherers consumed two or three times as much omega-6 as omega-3, Kiecolt-Glaser's team notes in their study, published in Psychosomatic Medicine, but today Westerners consume 15- to 17-times more omega-6 than omega-3.
The researchers investigated the relationship among fatty acid consumption, depression and inflammation in 43 older men and women. The 6 individuals diagnosed with major depression had nearly 18 times as much omega-6 as omega-3 in their blood, compared with about 13 times as much for subjects who didn't meet the criteria for major depression. Depressed patients also had higher levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and other inflammatory compounds. And as levels of depressive symptoms rose, so did the omega 6 and omega 3 ratio.
The effects of depression and diet enhanced each other, the researchers found. "It was more than additive," Kiecolt-Glaser said. "People who had few depressive symptoms and/or a good diet were generally fine." However, when depressive symptoms increased and diets become worse, "we really saw big differences."
Depression alone is known to increase inflammation, the researchers note in their report, while a number of studies have found omega-3 supplements prevent depression.
Following recommendations for a healthy diet -- and eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel or sardines every now and then -- could go a long way to promote a healthier omega-6/omega 3 balance, Kiecolt-Glaser said. "If people actually had more fruits and vegetables in their diet, they probably would have less omega-6."
SOURCE: Psychosomatic Medicine, online March 30, 2007.
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