Molecule

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS?

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) are omega-3 essential fatty acid found in seal oil. Fish oil only contains EPA and DHA.  Although DPA, EPA and DHA work together to ensure the proper functioning of the human body, scientific research has shown that each of these fatty acids have unique advantages.

Advantages of DPA

10 X MORE EFFICIENT

Repairing damaged vessels

A scientific study has shown that the maximal stimulation of endothelial cell migration by DPA pre-treatment was achieved using only 1/10 of the required EPA concentration.

These data suggest that the effect of EPA on endothelial cell migration occurs via DPA, and that DPA plays an important role in repairing damaged vessels.

OPTIMIZES OMEGA-3 INTAKE

Absorption of epa and dha

A study conducted in 2010 has shown that the beneficial effects of seal oil supplementation were superior to those of fish oil.  The two types of oil used for the experiment contained a similar amount of Omega-3. However, the fish oil was containing much more DHA, less EPA and a very small amount of DPA.  After 14 days of supplementation, the total level of Omega-3 in healthy subjects increased by 41% for the those eating fish oil and 63% for those consuming seal oil.  The results of this study suggest that DPA, either directly or through retro conversion through EPA, may be more effective in increasing the levels of Omega-3 in human body.

BOOSTS ALL KEY OMEGA-3’s : DPA, EPA & DHA

Molecule

The models of absorption for DPA and EPA are quite distinct. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition in 2013 shows that in just 14 days of supplementation, DPA has increased the proportions of EPA (by 3.1 times), the proportions of DHA (by 3.1 times ) and the proportions of DPA (by 2.3 times) in the triglycerides. The study also showed that unlike DPA, EPA did not alter the proportions of DPA and DHA in any lipid fraction. 

Advantages of EPA

Cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular Health

Numerous large-scale epidemiological studies suggest that people at risk for coronary artery disease can benefit from an omega-3 supplementation. The benefits of EPA and DHA on the cardiovascular system led the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow a health claim linking the consumption of EPA and DHA to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. It is recommended that people who have survived a myocardial infarction should consume about 1g per day of EPA and DHA for cardio protection purposes. The mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease is still under study. [lii]

Reduces joint inflammation

In joint and muscle tissue, EPA naturally supports healthy inflammatory levels. According to the results of a scientific study, it was recommended that patients with arthritis consume 3 to 6 g per day of dietary supplements containing n-3 fatty acids for more than 12 weeks. Supplements should not replace standard therapeutic medical treatment, but should instead be added to it. After taking omega-3 supplements for 3-4 months, patients may try to reduce their dose of medication under the supervision of a doctor. However, it is important to note that there are many forms of arthritis and that clinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of Omega-3 have been performed only in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.[liii]

Reduces joint inflammation

Advantages of DHA

Brain boosting

Brain boosting

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition reported a correlation between higher levels of DHA and improved cognitive performance in middle-aged adults. [liv] Several other scientific studies have shown that people who consume more DHA in their lifetime have better cognitive function as they age.

Pregnancy and breast feeding benefits

DHA is essential in the development of the brain, eyes and nerves during pregnancy and the first years of child’s life. However, pregnant women who eat raw or partially cooked fish are at risk of developing a food-borne illness, such as listeriosis. A high quality Omega-3 oil is therefore an ideal solution and is safe for pregnant women. Canada has established specific standards for all natural health products, including fish oils and marine oils. Some research have shown that mothers who consume Omega-3 have a smooth labor experience and keeps a good morale after giving birth. In addition, the child has a better immune system and performs better in a variety of tests. [lv] [lvi] [lvii]

Pregnancy
Combat Mood disorders

Combat mood disorders

Since Omega-3 levels are highly concentrated in the brain, they have a significant impact on mental health. Sixty percent (60%) of our brain is fat and DHA alone accounts for about 20 percent (20%) of the cerebral cortex. [lviii] The results of a scientific study suggest that during depression, there is an abnormal metabolism of omega-3 in our brain. [lix] This is why a DHA supplementation can have a beneficial effect since we depend on our diet to get the necessary Omega-3 fatty acids in order to improve and protect our brain function.

OTHER OMEGA-3 BENEFITS

CARDIOVASCULAR INFLAMMATORY/ JOINTS BRAIN
  • Heart attack
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Cholesterol
  • Hypertension
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Reduces triglyceride levels
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Inflammation
  • Alzheimer
  • Cognitive decline
  • Mood & anxiety
  • Depression
  • Concentration
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
 PREGNANCY/INFANT DEVELOPMENT  CANCER  OTHERS
  • Pregnancy
  • Breast feeding
  • Immune system of the baby
  • Postnatal health
  • Language
  • Learning
  • Prostate health
  • Colon health
  • Breast health
  • Lung health
  • Enhances muscle performance
  • Maintains power drop
  • Diabetes
  • Immune system
  • Respiratory health
  • Eyes health
  • Skin (Psoriasis, Acne, Eczema)

  • [1] Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ: Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: new recommendations from the American Heart Association. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2003, 23: 151– 152.
  • [2] Flock M, Kris-Etherton P. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010: implications for cardiovascular disease. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2011 Dec; 13(6): 499-507.
  • [3] Laidlaw M, et al. A randomized clinical trial to determine the efficacy of manufacturers’ recommended doses of omega-3 fatty acids from different sources in facilitating cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Lipids Health Dis 2014 Jun 21; 13:99.
  • [4] EFSA 212 : European Food Safety Authority. Scientific Opinion: Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). EFSA Journal 2012;10(7):2815. [Internet]. [Consulté le 8 juillet 2013]. Disponible à : http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/doc/2815.pdf
  • [5] Hartweg J, Perera R, Montori V, et al. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Jan 23; (1):CD003205.
  • [6] Oh R. 2005. Practical applications of fish oil (Ω-3 fatty acids) in primary care. The Journal of the American Board of Family Practitioners 18(1):28-36.
  • [7] Balk E, Chung M, Lichtenstein A, Chew P, Kupelnick B, Lawrence A, DeVine D, Lau J. 2004. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular risk factors and intermediate markers of cardiovascular disease. Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 93. AHRQ Publication No. 04-E010-1. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
  • [8] Kremer, J.M. 2000. n23 Fatty acid supplements in rheumatoid arthritis. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71(suppl):349S–51S.
  • [9] Olendzki B, Leung K, Van Buskirk S, et al. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with marine and botanical oils: influence on serum lipids. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 201; 2011: 827286.
  • [10] Volker D, Fitzgerald P, Major G, Garg M. 2000. Efficacy of fish oil concentrate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The Journal of Rheumatology 27(10):2343-2346.
  • [11] Gadoth, N. On fish oil and omega-3 supplementation in children: The role of such supplementation on attention and cognitive dysfunction. 2008. Brain Dev. 30: 309-312.
  • [12] Fontani G, Corradeschi F, Felici A, Alfatti F, Migliorini S, Lodi L. 2005a. Cognitive and physiological effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in healthy subjects. European Journal of Clinical Investigation 35(11):691-699.
  • [13] van de Rest O, Geleijnse JM, Kok JF, van Staveren WA, Dullemeijer C, OldeRikkert MGM, Beekman ATF, de Groot CPGM. 2008. Effect of fish oil on cognitive performance in older subjects: a randomized, controlled trial. Neurology 71(6):430-438.
  • [14] Simopoulos, A. Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases. The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health, Washington, D.C (2002)
  • [15] Walton, A. J. E., Snaith, M. L., Locniskar, M., Cumberland, A. G., Morrow, W. J. W. & Isenberg, D. A. (1991) Dietary fish oil and the severity of symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Ann. Rheum. Dis. 50: 463–466
  • [16] Calder P. N-/ Plyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation, and inflammatory diseases. Am/ Clin Nutr 2006; 83:S1505-1519
  • [17] Maroon J, Bost J. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (fish oil) as an inflammatory: an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain. Surg Neurol 2006; 65: 326-331.
  • [18] Barham JB, Edens MB, Fonteh AN, et al. Addition of eicosapentaenoic acid to gamma-linolenic acid supplemented diets prevents serum arachidonic acid accumulation in humans. J Nutr 2000; 130:1925-1931.
  • [19] Seddon, J. et al. Dietary fat and risk for advanced age-related macular degeneration. 2001. Arch. Ophthalmol. 109:1191-1199.
  • [20] Mills MD. 1999. The eye in childhood. American Family Physician 60:907-918
  • [21] European Food Safety Authority. 2008. Scientific substantiation of a health claim related to Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Arachidonic Acid (ARA) and support of the neural development of the brain and eyes pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. The EFSA Journal 794:1-11.
  • [22] Hodge W, Barnes D, Schachter HM, Pan Y, Lowcock EC, Zhang L, Sampson M, Morrison A, Tran K, Miguelez M, Lewin G. 2005. Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Eye Health. Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 117. AHRQ No. 05-E008-2. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
  • [23] Mickeborough, T, Lindley M, Montgomery G. Effect of fish oil-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and immune function in athletes. Phys Sportmed 2008 Dec; 36 (1): 11-7.
  • [24] Rose DP, Connolly JM: Omega-3 fatty acids as cancer chemo-preventive agents. Pharmacol Ther 83: 217–244, 1999
  • [25] Nakamura K, Kariyazono H, Komokata T, Hamada N, Sakata R, Yamada K. 2005. Influence of preoperative administration of ω-3 fatty acid-enriched supplement on inflammatory and immune responses in patients undergoing major surgery for cancer. Nutrition 21(6):639-645
  • [26] ANTI M, ARMELAO F, MARRA G, PERCESEPE A, BARTOLI GM, PALOZZA P, PARRELLA P, CANETTA C, GENTILONI N, DE VITIS I: Effects of different doses of fish oil on rectal cell proliferation in patients with sporadic colonic adenomas. Gastroenterology 107: 1709-1718, 1994
  • [27] Belluzzi A, Brignola C, Campieri M, et al. Effect of an enteric-coated fish-oil preparation on relapses in Crohn’s disease. N Engl J Med 1996; 334:1557-1560.
  • [28] Hanebutt F, Demmelmair H, Schiessl B, et al. Long-chain poluunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) transfer across the placenta. Clin Nutr 2008 Oct; 27 (5): 685-93.
  • [29] Helland IC, Smith L, Saarem K, et al. Maternal supplementation with very long-chain n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation augments children’s IQ at 4 years of age. Pediatrics 2003; 111:39-44.
  • [30] Dunstan JA, Mori TA, Barden A, Beilin LJ, Taylor AL, Holt PG, Prescott SL. 2003. Fish oil supplementation in pregnancy modifies neonatal allergen-specific immune responses and clinical outcomes in infants at high risk of atopy: a randomized, controlled trial. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 112(6):1178-1184.

  • [31] Soderberg M, Edlund C, Kristensson K, Dallner G (1991) Fatty acid composition of brain phospholipids in aging and in Alzheimer’s disease. Lipids 26:421– 425
  • [32] Yurko-Mauro K. Cognitive and Cardiovascular Benefits of Docosahexaenoic Acid in Aging and Cognitive Decline. Curr Alzheimer Res 2010 May 1;7(3):190-6.
  • [33] Wang W, Shinto L, Connor WE, Quinn JF. 2008. Nutritional biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease: the association between carotenoids, n-3 fatty acids, and dementia severity. Journal of Alzheimers Disease 13(1):31-38.
  • [34] Da Rocha C, Kac G. High dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated acids during pregnancy and prevalence of post-partum depression. Matern Child Nutr 2012 Jan;8(1):36-48.
  • [35] Uauy, R., Hoffmann, D. R., Peirano, P., Birch, D. G. & Birch, E. E. Essential fatty acids in visual and brain development (2001) Lipids 36, 885–895.
  • [36] Marszalek JR, Lodish HF. 2005. Docosahexaenoic acid, fatty acid-interacting protein, and neuronal function: breastmilk and fish are good for you. Annual Review of Cellular and Developmental Biology 21:633-657
  • [37] Haag M. 2003. Essential fatty acids and the brain. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 48(3):195-203.
  • [38] Morris MC, Evans DA, Bienias JL, Tangney CC, Bennett DA, Wilson RS, Aggarwal N, Schneider J. 2003. Consumption of fish and n-3 fatty acid and risk of incident Alzheimer disease. Archives of Neurology 60(7):940-946.
  • [39] Mills MD. 1999. The eye in childhood. American Family Physician 60:907-918
  • [40] Appel LJ, Miller ER III, Seidler AJ, Whelton PK. Does supplementation of diet with ’fish oil’ reduce blood pressure? A meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Arch Intern Med. 1993;153:1429 –1438.
  • [41] Gow R, Matsudaira T, Taylor E, et al. Total red blood cell concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with emotion-elicited neural activity in adolescent boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2009 Feb-Mar;80(2-3):151-6.
  • [42] Maes M, Christophe A, Delanghe J, Altamura C, Neels H, Melt-zer HY: Lowered omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids and cholesteryl esters of depressed patients. Psychiatry Res 1999; 85:275–291
  • [43] Buydens-Branchey L, Branchey M, Hibbeln J. Associations between increases in plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids following supplementation and decreases in anger and anxiety in substance abusers. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2008 Feb 15;32(2):568-75. Epub 2007 Nov 1.
  • [44] Patrick L, Salik R. The effect of essential fatty acid supplementation on language development and learning skills in autism and Aspergers syndrome. Autism-Aspergers Digest 2005;Jan-Feb:36-37.
  • [45] Terry, P. et al., 2002. Nutr. Cancer 44:1-6.
  • [46] Patrick L, Salik R. The effect of essential fatty acid supplementation on language development and learning skills in autism and Aspergers syndrome. Autism-Aspergers Digest 2005;Jan-Feb:36-37.
  • [47] Soyland E, Funk J, Rajka G, et al. Dietary supplement of n-3 fatty acids to patients with atopic dermatitis. A multi-center stury. Br J Dermatol 1994; 130:757-764.
  • [48] McCusker M, Grant-Kels J. Healing fats of the skin: the structural and immunologic roles of the Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Clin Dermatol 2010 Jul-Aug; 28(4):440-51.
  • [49] Miller, E., Kaur, G., Larsen, A., Loh, S. P., Linderborg, K., Weisinger, H. S., et al. (2013). A short-term n-3 DPA supplementation study in humans. Eur. J. Nutr. 52, 895–904. doi: 10.1007/s00394-012-0396-3 < https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22729967 >
  • [50] Toshie Kanayasu-Toyoda, Ikuo Morita, Sei-itsu Murota. Docosapentaenoic acid (22:5, n -3), an elongation metabolite of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5, n-3) is a potente stimulator of endothelial cell migration on pretreatment in vitro. 54(5):319-25 (1996).
  • [51] Neil J. Mann, Stella L. O’Connell, Kylie M. Baldwin, Indu Singh, Barbara J. Meyer. Effects of Seal Oil and Tuna-Fish Oil on Platelet Parameters and Plasma Lipid Levels in Healthy Subjects. Epub (2010). <http://www.sealsandsealing.net/resources/Mann_et_al_2010.pdf>
  • [52] Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ: Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: new recommendations from the American Heart Association. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2003, 23: 151– 152.
  • [53] Kremer, J.M. 2000. n23 Fatty acid supplements in rheumatoid arthritis. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71(suppl):349S–51S.
  • [54] Greg M. Cole * and Sally A. Frautschy. DHA May Prevent Age-Related Dementia. The American Institute of Nutrition (2010) <http://jn.nutrition.org/content/140/4/869>
  • [55] Consommation d’acides gras oméga 3 et de poisson pendant la grossesse. Gouvernement du Canada. (2014) <http://canadiensensante.gc.ca/healthy-living-vie-saine/pregnancy-grossesse/general-information-renseignements-generaux/omega-3-fra.php>
  • [56] Hanebutt F, Demmelmair H, Schiessl B, et al. Long-chain poluunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) transfer across the placenta. Clin Nutr 2008 Oct; 27 (5): 685-93.
  • [57] Helland IC, Smith L, Saarem K, et al. Maternal supplementation with very long-chain n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation augments children’s IQ at 4 years of age. Pediatrics 2003; 111:39-44.
  • [58] Dunstan JA, Mori TA, Barden A, Beilin LJ, Taylor AL, Holt PG, Prescott SL. 2003. Fish oil supplementation in pregnancy modifies neonatal allergen-specific immune responses and clinical outcomes in infants at high risk of atopy: a randomized, controlled trial. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 112(6):1178-1184.
  • [59] Robert K. McNamaraa, Susan E. Carlsonb. Role of omega-3 fatty acids in brain development and function: Potential implications for the pathogenesis and prevention of psychopathology. Science Direct 8:07f / W (Jul. 2004) < http://www.tritolonen.fi/files/pdf/McNamara_Carlson.pdf>
  • [60] Maes M, Christophe A, Delanghe J, Altamura C, Neels H, Melt-zer HY: Lowered omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids and cholesteryl esters of depressed patients. Psychiatry Res 1999; 85:275–291