Down in the Dumps? Omega-3s May Help Lift Mood

August 23, 2007 - Stress, lack of sleep and little time to relax and enjoy life can all lead to frazzled nerves and poor mood. If you're not eating right and exercising regularly, bad moods may occur more frequently, or be more intense, for you. Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), found in fresh, coldwater fish such as salmon and tuna, are known to play a part in brain health. Researchers believe these important nutrients may also contribute to mood. Please read more here >>>

There were several very interesting articles published recently in the medical literature. In the August 2007 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers did a cross-sectional study of 891 men and women 65 years or older in Italy1. Muscle strength was tested in this population. It was found that older adults with lowest selenium blood levels were twice as likely to have poor muscle strength with flexion of the hips, grip and knee extension compared to the group with highest selenium levels. 

Researchers suggested low selenium blood levels may be one factor for age-related muscle weakness, although they cautioned that it was too soon to recommend selenium supplements for stronger muscles. They noted that the body incorporates proteins called selenoproteins which act as antioxidant enzymes that help protect the body from damage. Individuals with the lowest selenium levels seem to have sub-optimal amounts of selenoprotein activity in their muscles. 

This makes me recall a recent study showing sufficient levels of Vitamin D as we age are required to maintain healthy balance, bones, immunity and muscle strength. Like vitamin D, I'm sure the RDA/DV and typical dietary levels of selenium are way too low for optimal health. I recommend 1,000 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day along with 200 to 400 mcgs per day of selenium in the form of selenomethionine.

There was yet another study on the benefits of vitamin D2. Patients with abnormal cellular growth of the rectum were noted to have lower blood levels of vitamin D in comparison to control subjects. It was found that overall risk of abnormal cellular growth of the rectum was about 4.6 times greater in men with lowest levels of vitamin D (compared with those of the highest levels) and 2.7 times greater for women. Interestingly, in this study, there didn't seem to be any benefit for higher vitamin D levels in regard to abnormal cellular growth of the colon, although there have been other studies showing benefit in the colon.

There was another small double-blinded placebo-controlled study concerning the natural anti-aging hormone DHEA3. Twenty patients with elevated blood sugar were enrolled in the trial and randomly assigned to receive either 50 mg a day of DHEA or placebo. Twenty healthy sex-and age-matched subjects with normal glucose levels served as controls. DHEA was given for a total of 12 weeks. It was found that oxidative stress parameters were significantly higher in those with elevated blood sugar compared to the control group. However, DHEA supplements appeared to improve oxidative imbalance and secondarily appeared to inhibit AGE formation, which many scientists believe is the cause of cell damage in patients with elevated blood sugar. As we age, blood sugar levels tend to increase and DHEA levels decrease. This is very deleterious. Numerous studies indicate DHEA has benefits for promoting healthy cardiovascular and neurological function. The typical dosage used in studies for women is 10 to 50 mg per day and for men 25 to 50 mg per day.

There was a review article published on benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and poor mood in the July 2007 edition of Journal of Clinical Psychiatry4. Researchers reviewed ten clinical trials lasting four weeks or longer which used both EPA and DHA to promote healthy mood. When researchers pooled all the data from these trials they found significant positive effects on mood with use of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Researchers indicated that the findings, however, must be interpreted with caution until a more large-scale, well-controlled study is carried out. They do note that omega-3 fatty acids are safe and have many other health benefits. I recommend 2,000 mg per day of EPA and DHA per day based on the studies supporting benefits including promoting healthy cardiovascular function, joint health and neurological function. 

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A nice selection of studies this week, if I do say so myself. Changing topics completely, I'd like to mention an interesting new product just released by NSI® called Young Tissue Extract (YTE). I'm quite excited by the potential benefits. It appears to have three principle positive effects regarding sexual health, energy/stamina and as a sports nutrition product. There was a Norwegian study involving 31 volunteers between ages 38 and 65. Individuals apparently suffered from reduced sexual desire and performance but were said to be otherwise healthy5. The study was randomized and placebo-controlled for 12 weeks. Interestingly, every two weeks patients switched treatment without any washout. During the two weeks they received the nutrient, 58% of all participants experienced a significant increase in sexual desire.

In another study performed in Sweden, almost 84% of men who took this product during a three-week period noted a favorable effect on their sexual activity6. This also seems to have beneficial effect with women. This nutrient may help stimulate the body's own production of testosterone, which may contribute to the development of muscle mass, increase in strength and stamina. It should be noted that YTE is completely safe. It's made from an extract of pre-embryonic fertilized eggs which, at a critical stage of incubation contain the high molecular weight substances which have been shown to possibly increase sexual desire in both men and women. There are no known side effects from this nutrient other than those associated with persons who otherwise suffer with egg allergies. Although it's made from pre-embryonic fertilized eggs, it's virtually cholesterol-free. This looks like a nutrient definitely worth trying.

In regard to the articles noted above, I'd recommend the NSI® Synergy line of products which contain excellent doses of the organic form of selenium, vitamin D3 and many other powerful vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients at levels far higher than found in other multi-vitamins. One new Synergy product I highly recommend contains our core version 10 capsules combined with 200 mg per day of our patent-pending superior ToC oQ10™ and two Mega EFA softgels per day in convenient packets. 100% of customers have said they'd recommend this product and the rating is 4.9 out of 5 stars.

To review over 20 versions of NSI® Synergy multi-vitamins click here.

1. Lauretani F, Semba RD, Bandinelli S, Ray AL, Guralnik JM, Ferrucci L. Association of low plasma selenium concentrations with poor muscle strength in older community-dwelling adults: the InCHIANTI Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Aug;86(2):347-52. 
2. Otani T, Iwasaki M, Sasazuki S, Inoue M, Tsugane S. Plasma vitamin D and risk of colorectal cancer: the Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study. Br J Cancer. 2007 Jul 31;97(3):446-51. Epub 2007 Jul 10. 
3. Brignardello E, Runzo C, Aragno M, Catalano MG, Cassader M, Perin PC, Boccuzzi G. Dehydroepiandrosterone administration counteracts oxidative imbalance and AGE formation in type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetes Care. 2007 Aug 17; [Epub ahead of print]. 
4. Lin PY, Su KP. A meta-analytic review of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids. J Clin Psychiatry. 2007 Jul;68(7):1056-61.
5,6. Eskeland B, Thom E, Svendsen K. Sexual Desire in Men: Effects of Oral Ingestion of a Product Derived from Fertilized Egg. J Int Med Research. 1997; 25: 62-70.