Go Fish
Omega-3s from fish and flax can combat mental maladies. Just as the card game “Go Fish" may offer mental stimulation, omega-3s work their magic on the brain health by protecting against cognitive decline. Fish oil is often an easy sale, as consumers are increasingly aware of the term and the benefits omegas offer.
“Omega-3 fatty acids serve many invaluable functions in brain tissue to preserve cognitive abilities," said Herb Joiner-Bey, N.D., Barlean’s scientific advisor. “Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a building block for brain nerve cell membranes, and is used for the synthesis of local hormones (neuroprotectins) that reduce brain inflammatory tendency and preserve brain tissue integrity. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is the raw materials for the synthesis of local brain hormones (e.g., prostaglandins) needed to maintain mood and mental clarity and focus. Persons suffering form Alzheimer’s and other forms of senile dementia tend to have low levels of neuroprotectins in their tissues."
Companies, such as Barlean’s, offer omega-3s, cod liver oils and flaxseed via supplements and swirls with pre-emulsified oils. Other companies, such as EuroPharma, bind omega-3s with other lipids, e.g., phospholipids.
“Partnering with mental advantage for optimal brain health is Vectomega, a bioavailable salmon extract containing omega-3s naturally bound to phospholipids as they are found in the fish," said Cheryl Myers, chief of scientific affairs and education at EuroPharma. “EPA and DHA in fish oil are attached to triglycerides, which are clumsy carriers. Vectomega is from salmon, but is not a fish oil. Studies have shown the omega absorption from Vectomega is about 50 times that of the absorption from fish oil—without calories, the necessity of big pills, ‘fish burps’ or triglycerides."