Inaccurate Reporting on Recent Omega-3 DHA Alzheimer's Study Reveals Misrepresentation by Media

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, November 10 (ots/PRNewswire) - Several
media outlets published articles last week suggesting that Omega-3
fish oil supplements fail to show positive results for Alzheimer's
patients. This reporting by media outlets came after the Journal of
the American Medical Association (JAMA) published the study
"Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation and Cognitive Decline in
Alzheimer Disease: A Randomized Trial", where researchers reported
that "Supplementation with DHA compared with placebo did not slow the
rate of cognitive and functional decline in patients with mild to
moderate Alzheimer disease."

Fish oil was not used in the study and, in fact, the study
clearly states that the research was performed using algal oil (which
contains only DHA, whereas fish oil contains both EPA and DHA). The
findings of the study are being inaccurately reported in the media,
with ambiguous, misleading headlines and incorrect content.

"It is disappointing to see inaccurate misrepresentation of the
facts by the media. As an example, many media outlets are leading
with pictures of fish oil capsules, and using inaccurate and
attention-grabbing headlines such as "Fish oil ingredient doesn't
slow Alzheimer's" when it is very clear that the product used in the
study was algal oil," stated Robert Orr, Chairman of Ocean Nutrition
Canada.

It has long been postulated that both Omega-3 EPA and DHA are
required to influence cognitive performance. This new study suggests
that DHA alone does not appear to be the solution. It should be noted
that, to date, most research studies on Alzheimer's and Omega-3 fatty
acids with favorable outcomes have involved fish oil or fish
consumption. A well designed study should have included fish oil
products with both high EPA levels and balanced EPA and DHA content.
Although DHA is a major component of the brain, it should not be
automatically concluded that other fatty acids have no potential role
in cognitive performance.

It should also be noted that the new study was conducted in
patients with pre-existing Alzheimer's; therefore improvements would
be difficult or impossible to measure. Unfortunately there is no cure
for Alzheimer's. There is, however, a large body of research
investigating fatty fish consumption and supplementation with fish
oil, which supports possible benefits of EPA and DHA in maintaining a
healthy cognitive state. Most research to date suggests that
intervention is most effective at the earliest stages of cognitive
decline or even before impairment is observed.

Of course the real loser in all this is the consumer, who now
must attempt to compare this inaccurate, selectively reported
information with the previous positive research papers published on
Omega-3 EPA and DHA from fish oil.

What we do know is that Omega-3 EPA and DHA is perhaps the
biggest dietary deficiency in the western diet. So much so that the
EU Health Authorities recently established a Dietary Reference Value
(DRV) of 250mg per day of EPA and DHA. They have also recently issued
positive assessments on several health claims for EPA and DHA. In
addition, it is also expected that updated Dietary Guidelines for
Americans scheduled to be issued in December will include
recommendations for the daily intake of fatty fish equivalent to
250mg EPA plus DHA per day. There is a health care crisis in North
America and we look forward to continued future findings from
credible studies looking at the potential benefits of combined
Omega-3 EPA and DHA in improving health and well being.

About Ocean Nutrition Canada Limited (ONC):

Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) is a privately held company, whose
major shareholder is Clearwater Fine Foods Incorporated. Clearwater
Fine Foods Incorporated is a diversified holding/investment company
whose significant holdings include a controlling interest in
Clearwater Seafood's Limited Partnership, the world's largest
integrated shellfish harvester and processor.

ONC is the world's largest supplier of Omega-3 EPA and DHA
ingredients from fish oil, marketed into the dietary supplement and
food manufacturing markets. To date MEG-3(R) ingredients have been
included in almost 90 billion servings of food and supplement
products worldwide. For more information about ONC visit
http://www.ocean-nutrition.com, and for information on the health
benefits of MEG-3(R) ingredients please visit http://www.meg-3.com.

About Omega-3:

Omega-3 is a family of essential fatty acids (EFA), including EPA
(eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and ALA
(alpha-linolenic acid). Oily fish (such as sardines, anchovies,
mackerel, and salmon) are the major known natural sources of Omega-3
EPA and DHA. ALA is found in plants, such as flax and chia. It is
important to note that EPA and DHA are the primary contributors of
the many health benefits associated with Omega-3. While the body can
convert ALA into EPA and DHA, it does so very inefficiently
(typically less than one percent), making it difficult to derive
Omega-3-related health benefits from plant sourced ALA. Furthermore,
although Omega-3 EPA and DHA is important to overall good health, the
human body is not able to produce sufficient quantities on its own,
so regular consumption of these essential nutrients is required and
achieved by either by eating oily fish or foods fortified with
Omega-3 EPA and DHA, or by taking fish oil supplements. Learn more
about the health benefits of Omega-3 EPA and DHA at
http://www.meg-3.com.

For further information:
Joanna Lane
Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd.
Tel: +1-902-480-3288
Cell: +1-902-488-0141
jlane@ocean-nutrition.com
http://www.ocean-nutrition.com

ots Originaltext: Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd.
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
CONTACT: For further information: Joanna Lane, Ocean Nutrition
CanadaLtd., Tel: +1-902-480-3288, Cell:
+1-902-488-0141,jlane@ocean-nutrition.com