THE NEW AGE OF AQUARIUS

"When the moon is in the seventh house
And Jupiter aligns with Mars,
Then peace will guide the planets,
And love will steer the stars;
This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius,
The age of Aquarius."

HAIR (1966). Aquarius

Although some of the ways in which fish prove beneficial to our body have been elucidated, many other applications remain to be discovered. The previous chapters of this book dwelt mainly on the use of fish in averting heart disease, cancer and diseases of the immune system because to date most of the research has been devoted to those areas. However, evidence has started to emerge on the benefits to be gained in treating other ailments.

Effects on Eye, Brain and Reproductive Organs

Omega-3 acids, in particular the DHA, are found in very high concentration in the eye retina, brain, testes and sperm and regardless of the dietary intake of these fatty acids, the levels of DHA are constantly maintained in these specific organs. This constancy of level suggests an important role of DHA in the functioning of these organs.

Within the eye retina, the DHA makes up about 50 percent of the fatty acid content in the specialized membranes which record light. It is not known exactly how DHA helps in the function of eye but its carbon chain length and high degree of unsaturation help create a membrane with high fluidity, flexibility, and permeability, the characteristics necessary for the dynamic behavior of photoreceptor membranes. The DHA-rich membranes also provide for specific transport channels for various enzymes and amino acids, such as taurine, all found essential for membrane integrity and function.

In the brain, where several highly specialized membranes are present, DHA may account for 30-50 percent of the fatty acids. The DHA and other unsaturated fatty acids accumulate in the brain rapidly during pregnancy and immediately after birth. During the last trimester of pregnancy, the brain content of these fatty acids increases three to five times; similar percent increases occur again between birth and 12 weeks of age in the newborn. After birth, newborns are limited in their capacity to synthesize DHA and other acids and remain dependent on dietary sources. The fat in the mother's milk contains these acids in sufficient quantity to provide for their accumulation and brain development. Unfortunately, most synthetic infant formulas provide no DHA or arachidonic acid and as a result these infants have far less DHA in their blood than infants receiving human milk, even when an ample supply of other fatty acids, such as linolenic acid is provided. It is ironic that even the largest manufacturers of infant formula have not addressed this crucial deficiency in their products. What effects this has had on the brain development of millions of infants will never be known, but is it worth the risk?

To date no definite signs of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency have been recorded in humans, but then we may be looking for the wrong signs. The most likely indications of such deficiency will be lack of brain and sight development and inadequacy of the reproductive system, such as infertility. The old wives' tale that fish is brain food has now been upgraded from a tale to a fact.

Kidney Diseases

Several recent studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can protect patients from a variety of kidney diseases by promoting body mechanisms similar to those which affect cancer. While still preliminary, these studies are quite promising.

Infections

It should be obvious to the reader by now that omega-3 fatty acids have almost magical curing properties. Thus, news of a U.S. Patent (Appl 630,732) on the use of dietary supplements rich in fish oil as a protection from or treatment against infections is truly exciting. The patent suggests giving these supplements orally or through the veins to prevent a variety of infections.

Other Diseases

Research is also currently being conducted in the application of fish oils to the treatment of psychiatric disorders, cystic fibrosis, skin diseases, alcoholism, premenstrual tension, etc. All of these studies have sound scientific basis and it is likely that in the near future many therapeutic applications of omega-3 fatty acids will emerge.

Bleeding Tendencies and other Side Effects

Since Eskimos bruise easily and show prolonged bleeding, a fact known for some 500 years, some investigators are concerned about the prolonged bleeding that may result during the use of fish diet or oils. However, according to Dr. Desmond David of R.P. Scherer, the manufacturer of MaxEPA, "People have taken up to 20 (1 gram) capsules per day without any side effects." There is no doubt that fish increases bleeding tendency, but this effect is always temporary and can be reversed quickly. There is no scientific study reported to date where increased bleeding is reported as a serious side effect. However, those on anticoagulant therapy must consult their physicians before taking fish oil supplements or even when eating more fish.

Irritation and Allergic Response

There are reports of sporadic individual reactions to the consumption of fish oil, especially on an empty stomach. These effects include tightness of the stomach, regurgitation, facial flushing, etc. However, discontinuing the use of fish oil immediately relieves the side effects.

Vitamin E Absorption

Another side effect of a high fish diet or fish oil supplements is the reduced absorption of vitamin E. Since vitamin E affects the metabolism of omega-3 fatty acids and the formation of PGs, as well as performing several other essential functions, there is a need to provide vitamin E supplements for those on a high fish diet or on high fish oil supplements. It is also advisable to take vitamin E supplements at times other than when taking fish or fish oil, to avoid any physical or chemical interaction in the absorption of vitamin E.

Future studies on the effect of fish oils are likely to confirm additional benefits as we learn more about how eicosanoids work in our body. We may also discover additional side effects of fish oil as more people start using them. But whatever is known today points to fish oil becoming an ultimate panacea for mankind.