Fish Oil Shown as Benefit to MS Patients

New research findings confirm previous results that suggest the intake
of fish oil containing Omega-3 fatty acids could provide a measure of
relief for those with MS -- a disease that is progressive,
debilitating, and without a cure.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease found in one in 700 Americans. It
affects women more often than men, and generally begins to show signs
between ages 20-40. While the cause is unknown, many physicians
believe it is the result of damage around nerve cells. Inflammation
destroys the myelin sheath which covers the nerve cells, and leads to
multiple areas of sclerosis (scar tissue).

A new study evaluating the effects of omega-3 on patients with MS
suggests that the intake of fish oil, containing omega-3 fatty acids,
may have potential benefit in MS by decreasing levels of a key blood
protein produced by the immune cells of individuals with MS.
Previously, health care practitioners have recommended eating fish at
least twice per week because fish contain high levels of omega-3 fatty
acids. Omega-3 fatty acids contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are known to affect those key blood
proteins.

The study was conducted by L. Shinto, ND, MPH, S. Baldauf-Wagner, A.
Strehlow, V. Yadav and D. Bourdette, all of the Department of
Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR; and G.
Marracci of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center,
Portland, OR. It is entitled, "The Immunomodulatory Effects of Fish
Oil in Multiple Sclerosis." Dr. Shinto is presenting the team's
findings at the 22nd annual meting of the American Association of
Naturopathic Physicians (AANP; www.Naturopathic.org).

I will be reporting from the AANP meeting this week. The conference
will be held at the Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, CA,
August 22-25, 2007.

The purpose of the Fish Oil study was to evaluate the effect of
omega-3 fatty acids on ten patients with MS. Ten MS participants
received 9.6 grams of fish oil/day in an open-label study. An in vitro
study using immune cells from healthy subjects was also conducted
simultaneously to evaluate concentration effects of EPA and DHA on
levels and activity of the blood protein produced by the immune cells
of MS patients.

The researchers found there was a 58 percent decrease in levels
secreted from immune cells of MS volunteers after three months of fish
oil supplementation compared to baseline levels. At three months, both
EPA and DHA levels were significantly increased in red blood cell
membranes. The in vitro study showed a significant decrease in levels
of this blood protein of concern (MMP-9) and activity for EPA and DHA.
Omega-3 fatty acids decrease both MMP-9 levels and activity and may
act as immune-modulators that could benefit MS patients.

I am looking forward to the AANP meeting this week. Naturopathic
physicians are trained in the art and science of natural healthcare at
accredited medical colleges. Integrative partnerships between
conventional medical doctors and licensed naturopaths are becoming
more available. This cooperation makes more effective therapies
available to consumers. It increases patient satisfaction in their
relationships with their care providers.

More people are recovering their health by adding naturopathic
medicine to their health care options.

Dave

Full text article extracted from http://shamvswham.blogspot.com/

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