Fish oil supplementation in patients with stable claudication

Article Abstract:

The most common cause of disease that damages the arteries of the legs is progressive atherosclerosis, the presence of cholesterol plaque deposits on the inner layer of the artery wall. Diminished blood flow causes intermittent claudication (weakness and cramps in the legs). Patients who have chronic atherosclerotic disease with claudication have blood viscosity (thickness, resistance to flow) that is significantly higher than that of normal subjects. This increased viscosity, which results in poor blood flow, is primarily due to elevated levels of fibrinogen (a protein essential to blood clotting) and decreased deformability of the red blood cells. Fish oil has been reported to have a beneficial effect on the flow properties of blood components. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of fish oil (given in six capsules a day), compared with corn oil, on: walking distance, pressure indices during rest and exercise, blood pressure, red cell deformability, and fibrinogen and lipid levels. The 32 patients, who had stable leg claudication, were randomly assigned to receive either fish oil or corn oil capsules for four months. The group of 16 patients receiving fish oil showed an increase in red cell deformability, but there was no change in walking distance or pressure indices. Neither group exhibited a change in fibrinogen levels. The fish oil group showed a favorable change in blood lipids. It is concluded that short-term use of fish oil supplementation does not result in clinical improvement of symptoms in patients with stable leg claudication. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Nutritional aspects, Fish oils in human nutrition, Fish oils

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Supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the management of dysmenorrhea in adolescents

Article Abstract:

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may improve symptoms of painful menstruation in adolescent girls. Researchers gave daily omega-3 fatty acid supplements in the form of fish oil to 21 girls and daily placebo to 21 girls for a two-month period, then switched treatments for each group. All girls reported symptoms of painful menstruation according to the Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale before the study. Girls taking fish oil supplements reported less painful menstruation than before the study began. Girls took fewer pain-relieving pills during menstruation while taking fish oil supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce pain associated with menstruation by suppressing strong uterine contractions and constriction of uterine blood vessels.

Dysmenorrhea, Diet therapy, Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega 3 fatty acids

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Cilostazol for intermittent claudication

Article Abstract:

The FDA has approved the use of cilostazol for the treatment of intermittent claudication caused by arterial disease. Sold under the trade name Pletal, it belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase III inhibitor. Intermittent claudication is pain when walking and is caused by obstruction of the arteries in the legs. It is not known exactly how cilostazol works, but several clinical trials have confirmed its usefulness. It may be best for people who cannot follow an exercise program.

Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Drug therapy, Pletal (Medication)

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