Clarks Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets

By Starkie Sowers
In Newsletters
Posted December 31, 2015

Starkie's Corner

Omega 3 fish oil + strength training improves immune function for Women

A recent study done in Brazil at Parana Federal University and Pequeno Principe Research Institute included 45 females (average age 64 yrs.). The study compared Omega 3 fatty acids, versus omega 3 fatty acids and exercise. Including the exercise seemed to enhance the ‘aging’ immune system. It is well noted that the immune system in later years changes or morphs into a less efficient immune system. This makes the elderly more susceptible to infection, autoimmune, chronic and or malignant diseases. Physical activity and diet have been shown to have a moderating effect on immune function. Excessive exercise has been shown to increase inflammation while moderate exercise increases T-cells immune response.

This study had three groups; the first group had no exercise and used supplemental omega 3 fatty acids 2grams a day for 90 days. Group 2 used the same 2g. a day coupled with strength training exercises, and finally the last group used 2 g. of fish oil for 60 days with no exercise then followed with another 90 days of 2g. of fish oil and strength training. All strength training was three days a week.

Various immune parameters were assayed before the supplementation test as well as before and after training. Results showed improved immune function for all fish groups. It showed increasing activity of neutrophils (white blood cells), CD-4 and CD-8 lymphocytes which fight infection and the production of cytokines. Production of cytokines IL-2 and IFN-g., small proteins that fight infection, increased after supplementation by 80% of IL-2, and 60% of IFN-g. Also there was an increase by 85% and 88% respectively with the supplementation and exercise groups.

Strength training with supplementation out shined the supplementation alone group. While these results were very favorable larger groups and further screening is needed to confirm the results. Diet assessment was recorded with a diary, and the authors noted no changes in diet.

Niacinamide: And skin Cancer prevention from the ‘Land Down Under’.

A recent phase 3, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, study using 500mg of niacinamide twice daily showed a statistically significant reduction in skin cancer. A one year study with niacinamide and the development of new non-melanoma skin cancers and actinic keratoses in individuals that had more than two incidences of skin cancers (NMSKs) in the last five years. The niacinamide group had a 23% reduction in new skin carcinomas, showing a statistically significant reduction in skin cancer.

The niacinamide group protection stopped or was reduced greatly when the discontinuance of niacinamide. Other oral therapies have had benefits including acitretin, and isotretinoin but had increased side effects compared to niacinamide. Typical side effects of high dose niacinamide are not the same as niacin (nicotinic acid), including flushing of skin, hypotension, GI disturbances, liver toxicity (elevated liver enzymes) and dizziness. While high dosages above 3000mg a day, have had similar results in some isolated situations, lower dosages have not shown to be toxic. 2000mg of niacinamide a day may reduce insulin sensitivity in adults with high risk to IDDM (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus).

By Starkie Sowers

Edited by Wayne Grubacich

References

http://www.nutraingredients.com/content/view/print/1129931
Zimmerman M.D., Burferstein’s Handbook of Nutrition, Gerog Thiame, Stuttgart Germany, New York, NY. 2001, PG 41-44.
Higdon, Ph.D., An Evidence-Based Approach to Vitamins and Minerals, Linus Pauling Institute of Medicine, Thieme New York, NY. 2003. PG 20

4.Br J Nutr.2015 Jul 14;114(1):43-52. doi: 10.1017/S0007114515001555. Epub 2015 Jun 10. Influence offish oilsupplementation and strength training on some functional aspects ofimmunecells in healthy elderly women.de Lourdes Nahhas Rodacki C¹,Rodacki AL¹,Coelho I¹,Pequito D¹,Krause M²,Bonatto S³,Naliwaiko K¹,Fernandes LC¹. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26059004