Prevent arthritis and promote healthy joints with omega-3 fatty acids

HSI has told you about the many health benefits linked to omega-3 fatty acids � eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are found in oily fish and certain plant oils � numerous times in the past (Refs. 1-3).

Let�s face it, their ability to help maintain healthy skin and joints, improve cognitive function, lower cholesterol and improve the health of your heart (by facilitating the utilization of oxygen by your heart muscle) is hardly ground-breaking news (Ref. 4).

However, getting enough omega-3s to derive these benefits isn�t as straight forward as you may think. For starters, most of us consume far less than the current UK recommendation to eat at least two portions of fish every week, including one of oily fish which is rich in omega-3s (Refs. 5 and 6).

The other obvious route to make up a short fall involves taking omega-3 supplements. However, researchers have found that the average person absorbs less than 50 per cent of the omega-3 fatty acids contained in both dietary fish oils and fish oil supplements. This is because their �long-chain� molecular structure makes them particularly difficult for your body to break down and absorb properly.

Given these problems, HSI was delighted to learn about a brand new omega-3 fatty acid supplement called JointGuard. What sets it apart from all the other fish oil supplements on the market is that it has been created using a revolutionary new manufacturing process, designed by BioCare, which enables your body to absorb double the amount of this fatty acid to help guarantee maximum health benefits.

JointGuard: Breaking down the omega-3 fatty acids is the key to JointGuard�s success

What makes the new BioCare manufacturing process so effective and unique is that it �pre-emulsifies� the omega-3 fatty acids � namely, it breaks them down to form smaller droplets, which your body finds easier to digest.

This was demonstrated recently in a scientific study, the results of which were published in Nutritional Journal (Ref. 7). Scientists split 24 volunteers into two groups: one group was fed a fat-free meal with an ordinary omega-3 oil mixture (comprising: concentrated fish oil 43 per cent, borage oil 31 per cent, and flaxseed oil 26 per cent); while the other group was given an identical meal but with the oil mixture pre-emulsified.

Blood samples were collected at 90-minute intervals for up to nine hours after the meal. Samples were then analysed to assess how well the oils were absorbed. After a 20-day �washout� period, the groups swapped over, with those who had received the pre-emulsified oil previously taking the non-emulsified oil, and vice versa. Again absorption levels were measured and assessed.

Scientists were not surprised to see that the levels of absorption of the omega 3 fatty acids naturally varied among individuals. However, the results clearly showed that in all cases there was a significant increase in absorption when the subjects took the �pre-emulsified� oil. In the case of DHA, the level of absorption was generally doubled; and in the case of EPA it was almost tripled.

The researchers concluded that pre-emulsification of an oil mixture prior to consumption greatly increases the absorption of long-chain, more highly unsaturated fatty acids � particularly EPA and DHA.

JointGuard:The pleasant tasting formula provides vital protection for your joints

Emulsifying the oils also means that they become water-soluble and this makes it possible for the manufacturer to add other nutrients to the product, such as natural fruit concentrates to make the fish oil taste more palatable.

JointGuard is flavoured with natural orange, pineapple and mango, making it pleasant-tasting; it can be taken straight from the spoon or mixed into yoghurts and smoothies.

In addition, BioCare has added glucosamine, which helps maintain the health and flexibility of your joints, to the formula. Your body naturally produces glucosamine to make new cartilage, the rubbery tissue that covers the ends of your bones, but it becomes less efficient at doing this with age.

A three-year clinical study into the long-term effect of glucosamine concluded that it is able to provide significant improvements in pain relief and joint mobility, and slows the narrowing of the spaces between the bones (Ref. 8).

JointGuard: What to take for best results

The recommended dosage for JointGuard is one tablespoon, or about 15ml, taken with food.

JointGuard is not suitable for those taking anti-blood-clotting medication, such as warfarin; and it should not be used by diabetics.

References

1. Circulation 2002, 106:2747-2757
 
2. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006, 91:439-446
 
3. Am J Clin Nutr 2006, (Suppl 83): 421-426
    
4. Acute postprandial effect of hydrogenated fish oil, palm oil and lard on plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerol and non-esterified fatty acid metabolism in normocholesterolaemic males. Br J Nutr. 2006

5. Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, Committee on Toxicity: Advice on fish consumption: benefits & risks. London. 2004
 
6. WHO Recommendations for preventing cardiovascular diseases [http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/trs916/en/gsfao_cvds.pdf]

7. Nutr J 2007 Jan 25; 6:4

8. Lancet 2001; 357: 251-256