Warren Maginn Omega Power for a Healthy Heart Interview

Warren Maginn Omega Power for a Healthy Heart Interview

Omega-3 levels have been associated with living an extra two-plus years, according to a world-first study from the Harvard School of Public Health and University of Washington.

The groundbreaking study found that omega-3 essential fatty acids, found in fish, can significantly support heart health and may guard against cardiovascular disease.

On National Heart Week, Nordic Naturals spokesperson Warren Maginn remarked, the study demonstrates the strongest scientific evidence to date that omega-3s support heart health.

'This important research found people with the highest bloods levels of omega-3s lived an average of 2.2 years longer than their counterparts with lower levels," Maginn said.

The study examined data across 16 years on 2,700 participants aged 65 or older, who were surveyed in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Cardiovascular Health Study.

In the study, researchers used blood biomarkers to measure omega-3 levels and expanded the focus of study beyond heart health alone to look at lifespan and mortality rates.

With 400,000 Australians unaware of their heart health risk, National Heart Week is a great time to kick-start simple lifestyle changes.

The study shows that reducing your risk of heart disease may be as simple as including high quality omega-3 fish oil in your diet.

Placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown daily intake of the two main omega-3s, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for almost a year helped support cardiovascular health.

Nordic Naturals® EPA product is an omega-rich formula that contains a high concentration of EPA, the component of fish oil which research has shown supports cardiovascular health. With 1230 mg of total omega-3s per serving, the product delivers high omega-3 concentration in fewer soft gels.

Like all Nordic Naturals products, EPA is in the natural triglyceride form which research shows is 70% better absorbed than the ethel ester form and is vital for the body's proper utilisation of omega-3s.

Nordic Naturals, the leading manufacturer of omega-3 supplements, is a research-driven company that has been setting standards for purity, freshness, taste, and sustainability since 1995. With a reputation for efficacy and potency, Nordic Naturals fish oils are regularly chosen without solicitation by research institutions and universities, including Stanford, Duke, UCLA, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, for their independent research.

To date, 25 studies using Nordic Naturals products have been published, including 15 clinical trials, and more than 30 are in progress. These studies add to the large and growing body of scientific evidence showing benefits of marine omega-3 essential fatty acids for a variety of health concerns.

Distributing to over 30 countries on 6 continents, Nordic Naturals is the #1 selling fish oil in the United States, offering over 150 products in a variety of flavours, concentrations, and delivery forms. Through science and innovation, Nordic Naturals is committed to delivering the world's safest, most effective omega oils.

For information visit www.nordicnaturals.com or call 1800 110 158.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional.

Interview with Nutritional Medicine Practitioner Warren Maginn

Question: What is Nordic Naturals Omega Power?

Warren Maginn: Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) form the cornerstone of good health. As nutrients required for the proper function of all living cells, they cannot be constructed within the body and must be obtained through the diet.

In the body, omega-3s are found in cell membranes. Membranes are the 'housing" or outer structure that encases what is inside the cell. The health of cell membranes is vital for all living biological processes. Getting enough omega-3 helps to keep cell membranes healthy and working properly. Without sufficient supply of omega-3 essential fatty acids, cells become less flexible, compromising cell function and overall health. Cells also become less permeable, which impacts the release of waste products

There are a number of different types of EFAs including omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 amongst others. When talking about the -power' of omegas, we are essentially talking about the power of omega-3s, as they are by far the most powerful to our health. Our bodies do need both omega-3 and omega-6. Because omega-3s are nearly absent in the standard modern diet, most of us are significantly deficient in omega-3 and often highly excessive in omega-6. When it comes to omega fatty acids, balance is key. Omega-6, which promotes inflammation, can be found in processed foods like refined vegetable oils and take-away food. Because we consume so much omega-6, we need to obtain abundant sources of omega-3 to balance out our essential fatty acid levels for optimal health.

A vast body of research (over 8,000 clinical studies to date, from researchers around the globe) supports not only the need for omega-3s for health, but also the reality that people all over the world are lacking in these essential nutrients.


Question: How can we take the omega-rich formula?

Warren Maginn: Marine-based omega-3s are the best sources of essential fatty acids. Oily fish such as sardines, salmon, cod and others are rich sources of omega-3s. Two servings a week is recommended. But even people who eat fish regularly aren't always getting enough omega-3, because much of the fish today is farmed and lacks significant amounts of EPA and DHA. Research shows that a high-quality, purified fish oil supplement is the best source of EPA and DHA.

It is important to have meaningful amounts of EPA and DHA in a fish oil supplement. An effective formula should contain somewhere between 500 and 1000 mg of both EPA and DHA per dose. (The expert-recommended minimum is 500 mg per day for adults.) It is important to choose a supplement that is readily absorbed ie has EPA and DHA bound in the natural triglyceride form, to ensure the maximum absorption and, therefore, benefit from that supplement.

EPA and DHA, occur naturally in fish in the triglyceride form. To make a concentrated fish oil product, a manufacturer must increase the amounts of EPA and DHA in the oil. This is accomplished by removing the individual EPA and DHA fatty acids from their triglyceride molecular structure before processing to concentrate the amounts of EPA and DHA.

Once the desired concentration is achieved, it is optimal for a manufacturer to reattach the EPA and DHA fatty acids in order to recreate their original triglyceride structure found in the fish, using special enzymes in a process known as 're-esterification." Some manufacturers do not take this extra step and leave the concentrates in the less readily absorbed ethyl ester form.


Question: How does Omega Power contribute to a healthy heart?

Warren Maginn: Omega-3 levels have been associated with living an extra two-plus years, according to a world-first study from the Harvard School of Public Health and University of Washington. The groundbreaking study found that omega-3 essential fatty acids, found in fish, can significantly support heart health and may guard against cardiovascular disease. The study demonstrates the strongest scientific evidence to date that omega-3s support heart health. This important research found people with the highest bloods levels of omega-3s lived an average of 2.2 years longer than their counterparts with lower levels. The study examined data across 16 years on 2,700 participants aged 65 or older, who were surveyed in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Cardiovascular Health Study. With 400,000 Australians unaware of their heart health risk, it is a great time to kick-start simple lifestyle changes. The study shows that by increasing the intake of omega-3s, one may be able to support good heart health.


Question: What are the main advantages of a diet high in omega-3 essential fatty acids?

Warren Maginn: The benefits of EPA and DHA are well established. Extensive research shows they support many areas of our health, including nervous system, heart/vascular system, immune system, joints, bones and skin. It will essentially help in optimising the health and balanced composition of every tissue in the body.


Question: How can we incorporate omega-3 essential fatty acids in our diets?

Warren Maginn: Focus on consuming wild-caught cold-water fish from as pure an environment as possible 2 times a week in order to maintain baseline levels of EPA and DHA. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based form of omega-3, is found primarily in chia, flaxseed and in some green leafy vegetables. ALA, however, must be converted by the body to EPA and DHA. Research shows that approximately 5% of ALA converts to EPA, and just 1% converts to DHA, under optimal conditions.


Question: Is it important to take an omega-3 essential fatty acid supplement, as well?

Warren Maginn: Yes. We need to supplement omega-3 beyond what we can get from our diets to ensure we acquire sufficient EPA and DHA. Supplements such as those from Nordic Naturals, the leading manufacturer of evidence-based omega-3 supplements, are proven pure, exceptionally fresh and manufactured in the triglyceride form. They meet the expert-recommended minimum of 500 mg EPA+DHA or more in each serving and are sustainably sourced.

Since the founding of Nordic Naturals, the company has always been deeply committed to the health of the oceans. This environmental stewardship includes regulated fishing in compliance with the Norwegian fisheries management system to prevent overfishing. 100% of the fish stock is wild caught and sustainably sourced from abundant waters. Responsible fishing gear is used to protect against by-catch of unintended species and to prevent damage to the ecosystem. Coastal processing facilities are leaders in the minimisation of pollution and the conservation of resources. These practices all help to preserve our oceans and the supply of high grade omega-3 oils for generations to come.


Question: Are some Australians at a higher risk of developing heart disease? If so, why?
Warren Maginn: Yes. Being a western population we are at considerable risk of heart disease. These risks are associated with genetics, a processed/refined diet, excess body weight (particularly around the stomach), lack of regular exercise and a more sedentary lifestyle in general. Heart disease and poor diet go hand in hand.

People generally consider heart disease to be a disease of older men. However, statistics show that heart disease is also the number 1 killer for women in Australia - 3 times higher than breast cancer.


Question: How can Australians reduce their heart disease risk?

Warren Maginn: Australians can help reduce the risk of heart disease by modifying the diet they eat to make sure it contains sufficient omega-3s. They should also aim to minimise omega-6 by reducing the intake of refined seed oils and the foods fried in them, as to eat fewer excessive-calorie foods containing refined sugars and insufficient essential nutrients.

Exercise is key to supporting good heart health. If you don't move, you are set to lose! Exercise also helps to relieve stress, which is a known risk factor for heart disease. Over work and unresolved conflicts can play havoc with harmonious body function. Resolve these issues and cut back on excessive pressures wherever possible.

Supplementing with a high quality, evidence-based and sustainable fish oil packed with the omega-3s EPA and DHA will help you achieve the amounts you need to support your cardiovascular health.


Question: What is needed to create optimal heart heath?

Warren Maginn: It is important to address both lifestyle and dietary issues: reduce stress and make sure you are getting adequate omega-3s.

It cannot be stated enough: Remember to exercise! Exercise helps to reduce stress and puts demands on the cardiovascular system to make sure it maintains its optimum function.

Also make sure your body is being supported with the vast array of nutrients it needs to function effectively. Eat plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables, cut sugars and make sure you get regular serves of fish that contains high levels of omega-3.

Supplement with a high quality, evidence-based and sustainable omega-3 fish oil to ensure you can meet your EPA and DHA needs.


Question: What are the symptoms related with heart disease?

Warren Maginn: Very often heart disease is a-symptomatic. That is to say there are often very few symptoms other than perhaps some aches or getting a little out of breath. This is one of the most insidious aspects of heart disease. Beyond testing your blood pressure and your blood lipids, your first warning sign, might also be your last.

It is good to consult your doctor, nutritionist or naturopath on a regular basis to help prevent the onset of heart issues, and to help address the long-standing risk factors over time. They can provide an ongoing source of support for you. They will help you choose the correct supplements and guide you through the right diet and lifestyle changes to minimise your personal risks and optimise your cardiovascular health well into the future.


Interview by Brooke Hunter