OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Common Types

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Reason For Use

Omega-3 has many positive effects on the human body. They are a vital part of the cell membranes in the body. They are known to provide a start point for the hormones that regulate blood clotting, heart contraction and relaxation, and inflammation. Omega 3-fatty acids are essential fats meaning the human cannot produce them on its own and it must come from an outside source.

Background

Research for this supplement began in Greenland where they discovered it in both diets and blood in 1978 EPA was the first omega-3 fatty acid to be studied and tested for various chronic conditions. In 1985, three major studies were published in the New England- Journal of Medicine. A few years later, in 1989, long term study results were becoming known. The Lancet, medical journal, released a two-year study that eating fish decreased all-cause mortality in people who have been victims of heart attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids biggest leap was when REDUCE-IT, a evidence providing organization that tests reduction of cardiovascular risk, published its own study. They pointed out that to see results, you have to take a high enough serving size/dose to get the healthy heart benefits.

How It Works

Omega-3 fatty acids (OM3FA) main purpose is to lower triglycerides in the body by suppressing lipogenic gene expression, increasing beta-oxidation of fatty acids, and increasing expression of LPL.

AVAILABLE FORMS W/SERVING SIZE

Gummy Chews - 1200 mg daily (2 gummies)

Soft Gels - 600 mg daily (1-2 softgels)

Tablet - 550 mg daily (2 tablets)

Liquid - 1200 mg daily (1 tsp

Effectiveness

Different types of omega-3 fatty acid supplements take different lengths of time before seeing effects because of the various dosing and forms. As a broad range, it is expected 6 weeks to 6 months before seeing effectiveness from the omega-3 fatty acid supplements

WARNINGS

Bleeding: can increase anticoagulants or antip;latelet effects; watch for signs and symptoms of continuous bleeding

FIsh Allergy: be cautious taking medication with fish oil if you have a known fish or shellfish allergy

Lipid: can increase LDL levels; monitor LDL levels throughout therapy

Side Effects

In the United States, 1% to 10% have reported cardiovascular effects such as atrial fibrillation or flutter and gastrointestinal effects such as dysgeusia (loss of taste), dyspepsia (upset stomach), or eructation (burping) Also, it is very rare but there have been reports of a skin rash, constipation, vomiting, or an increase in LDL cholesterol levels.

Interactions

Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the effect of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.

ARTICLE/STUDY

On December 27, 2018, Gammone, Riccinoi, Parrinello, and D’Orazio published the study “Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Benefits and Endpoints in Sport”. The study focuses on the influence of this supplement on the physical function and body metabolism in the body, specifically focusing on athletes and physical activity. Omega-3 fatty acids showed an increased number of neutrophils and monocytes, providing an anti-inflammatory response. An increase in blood flow with this supplement also increases oxygen supply to the working skeletal muscle. Even though Omega-3 dietary supplements have shown positive effects to chronic conditions relating to the heart, this study provides data of the benefits to athletic performance by reducing oxidative stress, enhancing muscular performance and immune function.

Opinion

Omega-3 is a supplement used for all sorts of conditions and health issues It has shown positive outcomes in better blood flow, decrease in inflammation, and higher amounts of oxygen in the bloodstream. Many studies did speak on the minimum therapeutic daily dose and how a higher dose must be given to see effects. From my research, with minimum side effects and high possibility for healthy body benefits, I would recommend this supplement.

B Hayden

References

Office of dietary supplements - omega-3 fatty acids. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/. Accessed February 26, 2023.

OmegaQuant The long, winding road of omega-3 research: A brief history according to dr Bill Harris OmegaQuant https://omegaquant.com/the-long-winding-road-of-omega-3-research-a-brief-history/. Published December 13, 2022 Accessed February 26, 2023

Omega-3 fatty acids. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Accessed February 24, 2023. http://online.lexi.com

Gammone MA, Riccioni G, Parrinello G, D'Orazio N Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Benefits and endpoints in Sport. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6357022/. Published December 27, 2018. Accessed February 26, 2023.

Saw Palmetto

Emery Frey, Student Pharmacist

Spring 2023

Scientific Name: Serenoa repens

Common Names:

● Dwarf palmetto

● Fan palm

Background/History

Saw Palmetto is native to the Southeastern United States where the berries of the plant began to be used medicinally. Native tribes of Florida relied on the berries for food. Saw Palmetto was introduced to Western medicine in the 1870s, and men began using the berries to treat urinary tract problems in the early 1900s. Saw palmetto berries were officially added to the US Pharmacopeia in 1906 and 1916.

Common Uses

● Treatment of symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

● Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

Mechanism of Action

● Saw Palmetto has antiandrogenic effects which may be responsible for the relief of BPH symptoms. It inhibits type I and type II 5 -reductase, which prevents the conversion of α testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is a more potent androgen than testosterone.

● Saw palmetto also has anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects.

Dosage Forms

● Capsules

● Liquid extract

● Tea

● Dried berries

Typical Dosing

● 320-960mg/day for BPH

Eectiveness

Evidence of the effectiveness of saw palmetto is limited. Two studies done by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that it was no more effective than a placebo in treating BPH symptoms. However, this also depends on the specific saw palmetto product used, since different compositions may have different outcomes On the other hand, one study showed that the effects of finasteride and saw palmetto on BPH symptoms were comparable Safety/Warnings/Toxicity

● Saw palmetto should not be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

● Children younger than 12 years should not use saw palmetto.

Adverse Eects/Side Eects

● Abdominal pain

● Constipation

● Decreased libido

● Headache

Interactions

● Finasteride/Dutasteride: Since Saw Palmetto seems to work similarly to these medications, it may enhance their adverse/toxic effects

● Anticoagulants (i e , Warfarin): Saw Palmetto may enhance the effects of anticoagulants and the blood’s ability to clot.

● Estrogens/Contraceptive Drugs: Saw palmetto may decrease the effectiveness of estrogens and contraceptive drugs

Summary of Article

In this study, the effectiveness of n-hexane lipido-sterol extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia was analyzed The levels of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were measured from patients’ BPH tissue samples after being treated with 320 mg LSESr/day for 3 months The results showed a decrease of DHT and EGF and an increase in T in BPH tissue of patients This confirmed that LSESr has the ability to inhibit 5 -reductase in human pathological prostate The α results were similar to those of finasteride, an FDA-approved 5 -reductase inhibitor. α

Personal/Professional Opinion

From a woman's perspective, I would not buy this supplement since it doesn’t have many indications for women. If I was a consumer of this product, it would most likely be for a family member. In this case, I would refer to their primary care provider in order to make a decision From a professional opinion, I wouldn’t encourage nor discourage a patient to buy this supplement If they really wanted to try it, I would simply advise them to start on the lowest dose and monitor therapy. In general, I believe there is a growing responsibility to be knowledgeable about supplements

Accessed February 26 2023

2 Di Silverio F Monti S Sciarra A et al Effects of long-term treatment with Serenoa repens (Permixon) on the concentrations and regional distribution of androgens and epidermal growth factor in benign prostatic hyperplasia Prostate 1998;37(2):77-83 doi:10 1002/(sici)1097-0045(19981001)37:2<77::aid-pros3>3 0 co;2-i

3 Saw Palmetto (Natural Products Database) Lex-Drugs Lexcomp Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc Riverwoods, IL Accessed February 25, 2023 http://online lexi com

4 Carraro JC Raynaud JP Koch G et al Comparison of phytotherapy (Permixon) with finasteride in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia: a randomized international study of 1 098 patients Prostate 1996 29(4):231-242 doi:10 1002/(SICI)1097-0045(199610)29:4<231::AID-PROS4>3 0 CO 2-E

5 Saw palmetto Nationa Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www nccih nih gov/health/saw-palmetto#: :text Current y%2C%20saw%20palmetto%20is%20promoted,hair%20loss%2C%20and%20other%20conditions Published May 2020 Accessed February 25, 2023

6 Saw Palmetto Natural Medicines Therapeutic Research Center Accessed February 25, 2023 https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com ezproxy l b purdue edu/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional aspx?productid=971#effectiveness

7 Snell C, Emilio DT, Gardiner L Saw palmetto Kew https://www kew org/plants/saw-palmetto Published July 5, 2021 Accessed February 25, 2023