PhD presents Omega-3 replacements for medical fish oils

Chapel Hill, NC, February 20, 2009 –(PR.com)– Source-Omega company Founder and Chief Scientist Scott Doughman, Ph.D. will present Saturday February 21, evidence that only one microalgae oil source for both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) omega-3 qualifies as a replacement for medical fish oils, including the prescription form of synthetic fish oil.

Dr. Doughman is to discuss the importance of both DHA and EPA together for satisfying the regulatory guidance available for omega-3 oils regarding qualified heart health claims. He is also to discuss metabolic evidence that the naturally produced and scientifically optimized oil matches human clinical needs better than fish oils, particularly with respect to the intracellular fatty acid pathways known as the Kennedy cycle. “The ways our cells incorporate omega-3s are best matched by microalgae oil sources, plus there is no lingering fishy after effects, a major compliance issue facing fish oil omega-3 products” Doughman indicated.

The Indian subcontinent harbors the largest vegetarian preferred population in the world, with increasing fish oil prescriptions by doctors due to a lack of suitable alternatives. “Microalgae oil now provides a replacement for the same or better medical results, according to recent clinical trials” suggested Doughman.

The large, growing body of scientific evidence reproducibly demonstrates all ages benefit from an adequate DHA supply in the diet, with 90 percent of human omega-3 content incorporated as DHA. Scientific research highlights the primary importance of DHA alone for lowering triglycerides naturally. Clinical studies underway are to evaluate the role of DHA in decreasing the incidence of certain neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease. Leading experts around the world note that DHA is an important nutrient for health in humans, yet Americans and Indian populations have some of the lowest daily dietary intakes of DHA in the world.

Although suggested, but not finalized, one area of development is the apparent emergence of minimum percent daily value claims for DHA. In particular, omega-3 DHA serves as a primary building block for the heart, brain and eyes and DHA supports brain, eye and cardiovascular health throughout life.

Yet debates continue in the functional food market. According to The Wall Street Journal, the European Union is cracking down on foods that advertise health benefits without scientific backing. Even with scientific backing from clinical studies, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States gives notice that sufficient nutrient levels be present to support claims. “That is why I developed the first Omega-3 DHA Therapy method, a 3 month plan to properly eliminate possible DHA deficiency. The method is based on my research and the overwhelming evidence reported in human trials” said Doughman.

Concentrated omega-3 DHA dietary supplements made from microalgae oils or extracted from fish oils currently are the best way to get medical dosages of DHA at levels above 1 gram daily. DHA is found at low levels in fish and at high levels in certain microalgae oils.

Dr. Doughman points out that DHA is the only omega-3 needed in abundance as the other omega-3 forms are easily made by the body from DHA stores.