Omega 3 - Fish Oil - Helpful for Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

LifeSource Vitamins

MS is a chronic and progressive disease of the nervous system. Although the cause is not completely understood, it is clear that an autoimmune process is responsible for the nerve damage that characterizes MS. In autoimmune processes, specific cells in the body come under attack from the immune system; in the case of MS, myelin-the protective sheath surrounding nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord-is the target of immune system attack. When myelin is damaged or lost, communication between nerve cells becomes dysfunctional. People with MS can experience muscle spasms, weakness, visual changes, numbness and tingling (paresthesias), difficulty with bladder control, and vertigo. These symptoms tend to worsen over time as more myelin is lost, but in some people, and especially in the early stages of MS, the symptoms come and go in cycles of remission and relapse. Medications used to treat MS are intended to suppress the immune system, stimulate myelin regeneration, and improve nerve signal conduction. The usefulness of these medications is limited by serious negative side effects or lack of much beneficial effect.

A number of studies have looked at dietary approaches to treat MS. These approaches include identifying and avoiding foods that cause allergic reactions or other adverse effects, restricting saturated fats in the diet, and supplementing with essential fatty acids. The results of these studies have been inconsistent, but there is evidence that the benefits of supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids, found primarily in fish oil, is most pronounced in people with the relapsing-remitting symptom pattern of MS.

Twenty-seven people who had a history of cycles of symptom relapse and remission and currently being treated with medications for MS participated in the current study. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group was placed on a very-low-fat diet (not more than 15% of calories from fat) and supplemented with 6 grams of fish oil, providing 3.3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day; the other group was placed on a low-fat diet (not more that 30% of calories from fat and not more than 10% of calories from saturated fat) and received a placebo (olive oil). In addition, all the participants used a multivitamin, 400 IU of vitamin E, and 500 mg of calcium per day. Questionnaires were answered at the beginning of the study, and at one month, six months, and one year to evaluate physical functioning, fatigue, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Neurological exams and blood tests were done at regular intervals.

See All LifeSource Vitamins Omega 3 / Fish Oil Products, Articles and, Studies: Click Here

Based on answers to the questionnaires, people in the very-low-fat diet plus fish oil group improved significantly more after six months than those in the low-fat diet plus placebo group. Some of this difference was maintained at one year, but it was no longer statistically significant. There was a small but significant drop in the number of relapses during the study year compared with the previous year in both groups.

These results suggest that combining supplemental fish oil with a very-low-fat diet can improve physical and emotional well-being in people receiving medical treatment for MS of the relapsing-remitting type. The benefits of fish oil observed in this study might have been greater if a completely inactive substance, rather than olive oil, had been used as the placebo. Olive oil is known to have anti-inflammatory activity, and might, therefore, have a favorable effect of its own on the progression of MS. Nonetheless, people with MS who are using medications can be encouraged to eat a low-fat diet and supplement with fish oil.

Healthnotes Newswire (October 20, 2005)-People being treated with medications for multiple sclerosis (MS) can benefit from eating a very-low-fat diet and supplementing with Omega 3 (fish oil), according to a study published in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids (2005; 73:397-404).

Proudly Made in the USA!

Every LifeSource Vitamins product exceeds all regulatory standards and requirements set forth in the FDA's Code of Federal Regulation. ( 21 CFR, part 111 ) as well as all Good Manufacturing Practices enforced by the FDA. CGMP's provide for systems that assure proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities. ( CGMP ).

LifeSource Vitamins: Driven by Faith ~ Powered by God

Have Questions on this or any other product or health issue for you or a loved one? It can be overwhelming we know. Call us, we will walk you through what supplements will help you and which ones you really don’t need. It’s what we do! Toll-Free: 800-567-8122

LifeSource Vitamins – Founded in 1992

100% of our profits are donated to Christian Organizations like these and many others worldwide:

Campus Crusade for Christ - CRU

The Jesus Film Project

World Vision

The Tim Tebow Foundation

Compassion International

Samaritan’s Purse

The Herman and Sharron Show on CTN (Christian Television Network) and many more…

www.LifesourceVitamins.com

E-mail Us: [email protected]

or Call Us: 800.567.8122

We Are Built on Compassion - Driven by Faith & Powered by God!

*Disclaimer: None of the above statements have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, consult your physician before taking any and all supplements. LifeSource Vitamins. Individual results may vary.

Disclaimer: All the information contained throughout this website is based upon the opinions of the founder of LifeSource Vitamins, Bruce Brightman, and the entire team at LifeSource Vitamins whose relentless research and studies have been ongoing since 1992. Other articles and information are based on the opinions of the authors, who retain the copyright as marked in the article. The information on this site is not intended to replace your health care professional, but to enhance your relationship with them. Doing your own studying and research and taking your health care into your own hands is always best, especially in partnership with your health care professional.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any medical conditions, always consult your health care professional before taking supplements based on the information on this site.

LifeSource Vitamins: from the nutrients we choose, to the way we run our business, we answer to God in all we do!