Application of fish oil for health care

Abstract

Fish oil is a commercial source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and it plays important roles in human health and wellness. Nippon Suisan Kaisha has been researching on the use of fish oil for human health since 1979. For medical use, we have developed industrial method to concentrate EPA from fish oil by using distillation and urea adduct separation. Purified EPA is now used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis and hyperlipemia in Japan. For food use, we have developed "IMARK" which is a liquid FOSHU (Food for Specified Health Uses) containing 600 mg of EPA and 260 mg of DHA per one serving (100 ml). Numbers of 53 volunteers were participated in randomized, double-blind controlled study of IMARK and received a daily amount of 100 ml for 12 weeks. The average blood triglyceride level of participants was 170 mg/dl before treatment, and it decreased significantly to 145, 132, and 134 mg/dl after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment, respectively. We have also examined the clinical effect of a liquid supplement containing 1260 mg of EPA and 540 mg of DHA on atopic dermatitis. The liquid supplement was taken by 21 patients, once per day for 12 weeks. Following this treatment for the remained 18 patients, led to significant clinical improvement on the skin symptoms of 13 patients. These results suggested that the liquid supplement containing dietary EPA and DHA might have a beneficial impact on health maintenance and as an alimentary therapy for hyperlipemia and atopic dermatitis.