為何沒有DHA?
Why no DHA?
While it is the case that DHA is important structurally in
the brain, a consensus has emerged in the scientific and medical
community that it is EPA which is the more beneficial of the
omega-3 fatty acids for optimal neurological function. More
and more supplement companies are acknowledging this body
of evidence and are gradually increasing the ratio of EPA
to DHA to the extent that some forward-thinking companies,
like ourselves, remove the DHA completely through molecular
distillation. This oxygen-free process extracts the EPA, which
is left "ultra-pure" and is most bio-available to
the body.
The primary reason why omega product only contains ultra-pure EPA
and absolutely no DHA is due to the fact that clinical trials
show that as the ratio of EPA to DHA increases in a supplement,
so does its effectiveness. In addition, some leading experts
believe that DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may inhibit the beneficial
actions of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
Professor Puri, Consultant at Hammersmith Hospital and Imperial
College London, is the author of over 100 scientific papers
and more than 20 books, including The Natural Way to Beat
Depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - A Natural Way to Treat
M.E. and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - A Natural
Way to Treat ADHD.
He explains: "In general it has been found that as the
ratio of EPA to DHA rises in the supplement used in clinical
trials of certain conditions, such as depression and attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the ability of the supplement
to improve the condition also rises."
For these reasons the EPA to DHA ratio in omega product capsules
is the highest possible - omega product contains no DHA at all. Each
omega capsule contains around 280 mg of ultra-pure EPA.
Igennus is not negating the use of DHA in all circumstances;
its importance for the developing foetus, for example, cannot
be over-emphasised. DHA also has properties which make it
beneficial for cardiovascular and joint health. What should
be recognised, however, is that these fatty acids have very
distinct roles for health, particularly the role of EPA in
brain function and mood disorders, for which DHA has little
or no benefit. Studies have shown that for these conditions
EPA alone is far more effective than in combination with DHA,
which can inhibit the beneficial actions of EPA.
With the necessary co-factors the body can convert EPA into
DHA as and when it needs it, preventing the unnecessary build-up
which results from taking DHA in supplement form, thus avoiding
any concerns about its high rate of oxidation.
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