Fish oil masks: how to make a mask, correct application

Are you surprised that you can make anti-aging face masks from fish oil? Don’t understand their benefits and effectiveness? Do you want to know as much information as possible about this unique substance, the features of its use, as well as the composition of the best recipes? After reading this article to the end, you will have information on how to prepare and apply these excellent masks that renew, restore and nourish the skin!

Fish oil contains a lot of amino acids and vitamins used for cosmetic purposes

What does fish oil contain?

Now on the shelves of cosmetic stores you can find a huge number of products based on the use of fish oil as the main active ingredient, characterized by the following composition:

• Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which activate cellular metabolism, strengthen the protective barrier and retain valuable moisture in the epidermis;
• vitamin A, which has a regenerating, anti-inflammatory effect, strengthens and eliminates dryness of the epidermis;
• vitamin E – a powerful antioxidant that slows down the aging process of cells, promotes their accelerated renewal, evens out the color and surface of the skin;
• vitamin D – which prolongs the youth of the epidermis, actively combats age-related changes in DNA structure, thereby providing a rejuvenating effect;
• amino acids – activating the synthesis of collagen and elastin structures, promoting renewal, restoration of firmness, elasticity of the epidermis, smoothing wrinkles and age-related folds.

How to use

Oil

Intended for internal use during meals.

For an adult, it is enough to take 1 tbsp per day. l. For children, the dosage is determined by the doctor and depends on age.

Features of administration depend on the purposes for which the medicine is taken, as well as on medical indications.

Capsules

The drug in capsule form should be taken after meals and washed down with a sufficient amount of drinking water. The capsule must be swallowed immediately. You can take up to 6 capsules per day.

The duration of treatment is determined by a specialist and cannot exceed 1 month.

The method of use and dosage may vary among different manufacturers.

What is the effectiveness of such masks?

The benefits for the skin of these compounds are high, since they help eliminate many deficiencies, including:

• dryness, peeling, thinness and hyperemia (redness) of the epidermis;
• freckles, age spots and uneven complexion;
• acne and subcutaneous pimples;
• wrinkles and age-related skin folds;
• loss of tone and general fading of the skin surface;
• low turgor density.

For making masks, choose liquid fish oil, as it is simple and easy to use, unlike gelatin capsules, which will have to be pierced first to squeeze out the valuable contents!

Liquid fish oil is considered the most convenient to apply as a mask.

Side effects and contraindications

The main contraindication is individual intolerance to fish oil, which is extremely rare.

Today, fish oil undergoes serious purification and control, so that the presence of any harmful impurities in it is 100% excluded.

Thousands of buyers throughout Russia testify to the quality and safety of Biafishenol products, because the company has been operating for more than 20 years. So, by using Biafishenol fish oil according to the instructions, you will get results that will definitely please you.

It is recommended to consult a specialist before consuming fish oil.

Important Tips

If you really want to learn the benefits of such masks, you should carefully study and put into action the following tips:

• apply the compositions to the skin only after thoroughly cleansing it, otherwise you will not get any results from such procedures;
• be sure to test each new mask for an allergic reaction before applying it to the face, applying a small layer to the area of ​​the skin in the area of ​​the inner elbow;
• do not use such masks on the skin around the eyes to avoid irritation;
• When purchasing a product at a pharmacy, carefully study its expiration date and place of manufacture so as not to buy a product of chemical origin (natural fish oil is produced in port cities by the sea);
• remove such masks using a damp cotton pad, then rinse with warm, soft water and gently wipe with a disposable paper towel, as the remnants of these compositions contain fat;
• You should not prepare a large amount of mask that you cannot use in 1 application;
• leave the compositions on your face for at least 20 minutes so that the skin absorbs all the valuable components;
• If you have an oily and dense type of epidermis, before applying the product, use a scrub and take a steam bath to cleanse and open the skin pores as much as possible.

Such masks are used in a course of 12 procedures, performed three times a week (every other day) for a month.

Are there any contraindications for use?

The use of fish oil for the face is not always recommended by cosmetologists - there are a number of contraindications and restrictions on the use of the product in home remedies. In order not to provoke unpleasant complications, it is better to study the list of prohibitions in advance.

It is not recommended to use fish oil for the following body problems or diseases:

• kidney pathologies, stones;
• excess calcium in the body;
• negative reaction to the product;
• thyroid diseases;
• liver pathologies;
• problems with the heart or vascular system;
• tuberculosis;
• problems with the digestive organs;
• carrying a baby, breastfeeding a baby.

To reduce the risk of unwanted reactions of the body, in addition to studying the prohibitions, it is recommended to conduct preliminary testing. To do this, apply a few drops of fat to the dermis, rub in with your fingertips, wait about an hour. If the skin does not give any suspicious signals, feel free to begin manipulating with home remedies.

The best mask recipes

To smooth out fine wrinkles and improve complexion

To prepare it, you will need a teaspoon of fish oil and natural honey, as well as a tablespoon of boiled water at room temperature. Place all components in a glass jar, mix well and apply to the face, avoiding the area around the eyes.

For pigment spots and wrinkles

This mask is very easy to prepare. Take a teaspoon of natural bee honey and fish oil, mix everything thoroughly and apply a thick layer to the skin, excluding the area around the eyes. Wash off this composition with a warm chamomile decoction, do not wipe the skin - let it dry on its own. You do not need to use face cream after this procedure.

The combination of fish oil and honey is used in many face masks

For aging skin that loses tone and elasticity

Mix a teaspoon of fish oil, homemade heavy cream and freshly squeezed lemon juice, bring the mixture until smooth and apply a thick layer to your face. Initially, rinse it off with warm and then cool water that has been boiled.

To whiten the epidermis and smooth out wrinkles

Chop fresh parsley, take a teaspoon of it. Grate the lemon zest on a fine grater (you will need a teaspoon). Then combine a teaspoon of fish oil, parsley, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons of homemade cottage cheese, mix the composition well until smooth and lumps disappear, apply to the face. Start rinsing with warm water and then continue with cooled water.

For thin, aging skin

Combine olive oil and fish oil in equal proportions, remembering to mix the ingredients well to ensure homogeneity of the composition. It is convenient to apply this mask using a brush or cotton pad.

For rejuvenation and tightening of facial contours

You will need to mix natural liquid honey, fish oil and raw egg yolk in equal proportions, apply the mixture to the skin in a thick layer, leave for half an hour and rinse off first with warm and then with cold water (filtered or boiled).

For any skin type

Dilute 10 grams of dry baker's yeast in a tablespoon of warm milk, add ½ tablespoon of natural honey and liquid fish oil to the mixture, mix, pour into a jar and place it in hot water for about 20 minutes. After cooling, apply the composition to the face, excluding the area near the eyes. After rinsing, dry skin should be lubricated with a thin layer of a suitable caring cream.

What cosmetologists recommend

In cosmetology, fish oil is a fairly popular component of many products. In order to most effectively direct the beneficial qualities of the ingredient to eliminate skin problems, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the basic requirements for use.

Cosmetologists recommend:

• For those with oily skin, it is better to avoid using the formulations;
• use only fresh ingredients;
• strictly follow the requirements of the recipe, do not abuse the active ingredient;
• do not carry out regular procedures - after a course of several weeks, it is recommended to take a long break (up to 3-4 months);
• The product can be used in its pure form if there is no negative reaction around the eyes;
• dissolve only in warm water - hot liquid destroys beneficial substances;
• Before the procedure, carry out thorough cleansing, use only gentle preparations that do not cause irritation;
• It is not recommended to wash off the composition after use; it is better to carefully remove the mass with a napkin or cotton swab.

Do you know? You should not complete the procedure by applying creams - there is a risk of causing clogged pores and the formation of blackheads.

The role of omega-3 unsaturated acids in the prevention and treatment of various diseases

Part 2. Read the beginning of the article in No. 7, 2022.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been studied in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis because of their potential hypotriglyceridemic, insulin-sensitizing, and anti-inflammatory effects. Observational studies have shown that patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have low plasma levels of ω-3 PUFA. Several preliminary studies on the effects of ω-3 PUFA supplementation on various aspects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (biomarkers of liver damage, liver fat accumulation, and liver fibrosis) have shown some encouraging results. It is noted that the intake of ω-3 PUFAs can reduce radiological and histological indicators of liver steatosis and fibrosis in patients without cirrhosis. In addition, consumption of ω-3 PUFAs is inversely associated with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. One study included 442 nondiabetic patients in whom ω-3 PUFA supplementation significantly improved lipid profiles (decreased TG and total cholesterol and increased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and reduced plasma alanine aminotransferase levels, but with unclear results. implications for signs of steatosis and liver fibrosis and significant heterogeneity between studies. Similar results were also found in a meta-analysis of 4 randomized clinical trials that included 263 children and adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The results of this meta-analysis showed that ω-3 PUFA supplementation reduced hepatic steatosis as assessed by ultrasound and blood tests after at least 1 year of treatment [27, 28].

Application of ω-3 PUFAs in the treatment of inflammatory and dystrophic joint diseases

Omega-3 PUFAs are used in the treatment of inflammatory and dystrophic diseases of the joints - rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, reactive arthritis, etc. Omega-3 PUFAs are included in antirheumatic therapy in addition or in combination with other antirheumatic drugs. A combined preparation based on ω-3 PUFAs and plant extracts has received recognition from the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR 2003, 2004, 2007) [29].

The anti-inflammatory effect of ω-3 PUFAs is due to a decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids (prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4) from AA, an increase in the production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids (prostaglandin E3, leukotriene B5), a decrease (due to suppression of the synthesis of leukotriene B4) in the production of platelet aggregation factor, interleukin- 1 and tumor necrosis factor, allows the use of ω-3 PUFAs in the treatment and prevention of various inflammatory diseases with an autoimmune and/or allergic component of pathogenesis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis. For example, during a comparative study of the effectiveness of low doses of EPA and DCG (27 mg/kg and 18 mg/kg, respectively) in 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and higher doses (54 mg/kg and 36 mg/kg) in 17 patients, a pronounced reduction, compared with 12 patients in the control group who received olive oil capsules containing 6.8 g of oleic acid, in the number of patients who noted joint pain (at a low dose - by the 24th week and at a higher dose - by the 18th week week (p = 0.04)); the production of leukotriene B4 in neutrophils decreased by 19% at a low dose and by 20% at a higher dose (p = 0.03), while the production of interleukin-1b by macrophages in the control group decreased by 38.5% (not statistically significant), with when prescribing ω-3 PUFAs in small doses by 40.6% (p = 0.06) and when prescribing higher doses of ω-3 PUFAs - by 54.7% (p = 0.0005). A repeat trial attempted nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) withdrawal with fish oil and olive oil. In the main group, 8 weeks after discontinuation of diclofenac, patients did not experience a worsening of the disease compared to the control group receiving NSAIDs [30].

Treatment of autoimmune diseases

Because ω-3 PUFAs influence humoral as well as cellular immune factors, they have been used to treat autoimmune diseases. The effectiveness of complex therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus has been shown to increase when ω-3 PUFAs are included in its composition. A similar effect was obtained in the treatment of skin inflammatory and allergic diseases - atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. These studies found that in individuals with skin diseases, the level of arachidonic acid in affected tissues was 8 times higher than in healthy skin. The counteraction of ω-3 PUFAs to the proinflammatory effects of arachidonic acid metabolites (prostacyclin, leukotrienes, lipid peroxides, etc.) largely explains their therapeutic effect [31].

Renoprotective effect of ω-3 PUFA

The use of ω-3 PUFAs in patients with diabetic nephropathy helps reduce oxidative stress and has a positive effect on the condition of the kidneys. Preliminary data have been obtained on the possibility of reducing the rate of sclerosis of the glomerular apparatus in patients with chronic kidney pathology with the use of ω-3 PUFAs. It is possible that this drug may inhibit the progression of chronic renal failure in individuals with chronic kidney disease, which requires further study [32].

Application of ω-3 PUFAs in malignant neoplasms

The basis for studying the possibilities of using ω-3 PUFAs in malignant neoplasms were the results of a number of epidemiological studies that showed that women in Japan and Greenland have an extremely low incidence of breast cancer, which is most likely associated with diet. Traditionally, the diet of the inhabitants of Japan and Greenland includes large amounts of fish and seaweed containing ω-3 PUFAs. The results of subsequent studies revealed that the use of ω-3 PUFAs prevents the development, limits the growth and metastasis of breast cancer. In the mechanism of the protective effect of ω-3 acids against breast carcinogenesis, a decrease in the production of a number of arachidonic acid metabolites (prostaglandins E2 and F2, thromboxane A2), which are stimulators of tumor growth, is important. Along with the effect of ω-3 PUFAs on the synthesis of prostaglandins, a decrease in the immunoinhibitory effect of cortisol and a cytotoxic effect due to stimulation of peroxidation in tumor cell membranes are expected.

The inclusion of ω-3 PUFAs in the diet of women with an increased risk of developing breast cancer for 4 months leads to a significant reduction in the content of a tumor risk biomarker in the blood. In recent years, positive results have been obtained from the use of ω-3 PUFAs in experiments and in clinical settings also for a number of other tumors - colon, prostate [33].

Prevention and treatment of skin diseases

Docosahexaenoic acid is a structural component of the skin and is responsible for the health of the cell membranes that make up the majority of the skin. Healthy cell membranes mean soft, hydrated and elastic skin without wrinkles. Eicosapentaenoic acid provides the following skin benefits [34, 35]:

• controls sebum secretion;
• controls skin hydration;
• prevents follicular hyperkeratosis (small red pimples on the surface of the skin);
• prevents premature skin aging;
• prevents acne.

Omega-3 fatty acids can also protect your skin from sun damage. EPA helps block the release of substances that break down collagen in the skin after sun exposure.

ω-3 PUFAs are very promising for psoriasis, which is considered as a kind of lipoidosis (liponodosis) of the skin. The positive effect of ω-3 PUFA preparations was noted in almost all patients with psoriasis. Good results have been obtained in the treatment of patients with lichen planus and atopic dermatitis [36, 37].

central nervous system

Considering the high content of DHA in the organs of the central nervous system, its participation in the processes of myelination and transmission of nerve impulses, attempts are being made to use PUFAs in the treatment of patients with bipolar mental disorders [11]. Thus, 64.3% of patients who took part in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness of a dietary supplement with ω-3 PUFAs showed a marked improvement in response to standard therapy, versus 18.8% of patients in the control group (p = 0 ,02). In schizophrenia, a significant relationship was found between the level of ω-3 PUFAs in the diet and the severity of symptoms. In a randomized, double-blind study of hyperexcitability syndrome in combination with decreased attention in children, it was shown that an increase in the content of these acids in the blood serum under the influence of a dietary supplement with ω-3 PUFAs significantly correlates with a decrease in symptoms of hyperexcitability.

Fish oil and Alzheimer's disease have been studied for several years with consistent results. Essential fatty acids, vital to brain function, found in fish oil may not only slow cognitive decline, but also help prevent brain atrophy in older adults. The study, published in the FASEB Journal, looked at the health effects of four to 17 months of supplementation with ω-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. The findings further support the possibility of using fish oil as a weapon to combat the onset of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease [38].

Low levels of ω-3 PUFA are associated with sleep problems in children and obstructive sleep apnea in adults. Low levels of DHA are also associated with decreased levels of the hormone melatonin, which helps you sleep. Studies in children and adults have shown that taking ω-3 PUFA supplements increases sleep duration and quality.

ω-3 PUFA supplements help prevent and treat depression and anxiety. EPA is the most effective PUFA in the fight against depression. In people suffering from mental disorders, the level of ω-3 PUFAs is significantly reduced. Supplementation with ω-3 PUFAs has been shown to reduce the incidence of mood swings and relapses in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Taking ω-3 PUFA supplements may also reduce aggressive behavior [39].

ω-3 PUFAs during pregnancy and in infants after birth

ω-3 PUFAs contribute to normal brain development in the fetus during pregnancy and in infants after birth. PUFA ω-3 fatty acids play a critical role in brain growth and development in young children. 40% of the PUFA DHA is found in the brain and 60% in the retina. It is therefore not surprising that children fed infant formulas supplemented with DHA have better vision than children fed infant formulas without this fatty acid [40, 41].

Getting enough ω-3 PUFAs during pregnancy is associated with numerous health benefits for the baby, including:

• higher level of intelligence;
• better communication and social skills;
• fewer behavioral disorders;
• reducing the risk of developmental delay;
• reducing the risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and cerebral palsy.

Omega-3s may reduce ADHD symptoms in children

ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in children. Some studies have shown that ADHD in children is associated with lower blood levels of ω-3 PUFAs compared to their healthy peers. Moreover, numerous studies have shown that ω-3 PUFA supplementation can actually reduce ADHD symptoms. ω-3 PUFAs help improve alertness and task performance. They also reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety and aggression. Recently, researchers have assessed the evidence for the effectiveness of various ADHD treatments. They found that one of the most effective natural treatments for ADHD is fish oil [42].

Noteworthy is the fact that ω-3 PUFA drugs are well tolerated and there are virtually no side effects. It was noted that taking therapeutic doses did not cause serious side effects. However, in certain groups of patients, for example, those with an increased risk of bleeding, ω-3 PUFA preparations should be prescribed with caution.

Optimal ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids

According to nutritional biochemist William Landes, a National Institutes of Health researcher and world-class expert on the action of essential lipids, ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids are in constant competition for possession of the enzyme desaturase. This active substance is included in the structure of all cell membranes, maintaining their normal structure. It has a greater affinity for ω-3. But, due to the excess of lipid compounds of the ω-6 type, they combine to a greater extent with this enzyme, which leads to their accumulation in the body. This means that in conditions of deficiency of ω-3 lipids in the food consumed, the human body cannot provide its tissues with these essential fatty acids. Since nature abhors a vacuum, ω-6 compounds take their place. All these data indicate only one thing: food must contain a sufficient amount of fatty acids from the ω-3 PUFA category. This will not only provide the body with vital components, but also protect it from the harmful effects of competitors of these compounds. In case of prolonged deficiency, the body slows down and distorts metabolic processes so much that it becomes very difficult to restore them.

A number of medical studies have shown that an excess of ω-6 PUFA relative to ω-3 PUFA significantly increases the risk of a number of diseases. The diet of modern people includes large quantities of ω-6 PUFAs and a lack of ω-3 PUFAs. These acids should enter the body in a ratio of 3:1, but we get approximately 40:1 from our food. This means that ω-6 PUFA is supplied in excess, and ω-3 PUFA is in deficiency. This leads to an imbalance in metabolic processes and a number of diseases. With an excess of ω-6 PUFAs, a weakening of the body’s protective functions, the immune system, disorders of the cardiovascular system, various types of inflammation and other diseases, including cancer, can occur. Why do Americans, and now not only them, suffer from excess weight: because they were brought up on fast foods and processed foods, in which the content of ω-6 PUFAs and saturated fats is off the charts. Abuse of fatty meat begins irreversible processes that can affect the nervous system, cause infertility, eczema and liver destruction. For children, this threatens to delay growth and overall development.

Scientists from the Division of Health Problems of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) recommend consuming fatty acids in a ratio of 10:1. This is significantly higher than what is recommended in Sweden (5:1) or Japan (4:1). Perhaps it is due to this indicator that these countries have a relatively low level of heart and vascular diseases, and great progress has been made in the treatment of oncological pathology. At the same time, food should not contain more than 30% of the total calories. Based on this, it is recommended that less than 8% of calories come from PUFAs, with an ω-6/ω-3 ratio of 5:1–3:1. It must also be remembered that due to the participation of PUFAs in the processes of lipid peroxidation, it is advisable to take them simultaneously with antioxidants (tocopherol, etc.). Considering that food sources of ω-3 PUFAs are quite limited and the ratio of ω-6/ω-3 PUFAs in the modern human diet is far from optimal, biologically active food supplements that enrich the diet with PUFAs have now been developed and are available on the market in large quantities [ 43].

Recommendations for use of ω-3 PUFA

Recommendations from the Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Federation provide for daily consumption of 0.8–1.6 g of ω-3 fatty acids. More precise dosages depend on many factors and are suggested by foreign recommendations. According to experts, those who want to protect their hearts should eat a variety of oily fish (such as salmon, tuna and mackerel) at least twice a week. Those with heart problems should get 1 g of ω-3 PUFA per day, preferably from fatty fish. About 50 g of fish contain 1 g of ω-3 PUFA. 30 g, or one handful, of walnuts contains about 2.5 g ω-3. This is equal to approximately 100 g of salmon. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, the most potent plant source of alpha-linolenic acid, which the body can use to produce eicosapentaenoic acid and decosahexaenoic acid. It's much better to choose whole flax seeds, as they also contain 3 grams of fiber per tablespoon as well as beneficial phytoestrogens. Other sources of ω-3 include canola oil, broccoli, cantaloupe, beans, spinach, grape leaves, bok choy, cauliflower and walnuts. Additionally, by consuming more ω-3, you can replace some ω-6 fatty acids from cooking oils (sunflower, soybean, etc.) with a third type of omega fatty acid known as ω-9 (oleic acid). It is a monounsaturated fat found primarily in olive oil.

Are all ω-3 PUFA preparations “equally beneficial”? Based on their origin, ω-3 fatty acids can be divided into two groups: “vegetable” and “marine”. The “sea” type primarily includes DHA. It is mainly found in fish, shrimp, crabs and the tissues of marine animals. The second representative of the “marine” ω-3 acids, DPA, is a substance found only in marine mammals.

Plants, both terrestrial and aquatic, almost do not synthesize “marine” forms of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cannot serve as their source.

Plant-based ω-3 fatty acids include ALA and EPA. Plants mainly synthesize ALA. Once in the body of a healthy person, it is completely converted into the active “plant” form of ω-3 fatty acids EPA. When choosing a preparation of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, you should first of all pay attention to the amount of “marine” forms of DHA and DPA. The content of “plant” forms of EPA and ALA will be sufficient in any preparation. DPC-rich drugs deserve preference because they can more effectively cope with any form of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency in the body. Required "marine" forms: 500 mg. Thus, it is necessary to compensate for the lack of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, amounting to at least 200 mg of “marine” forms (DHA, DPA) and 300 mg of “vegetable” forms (EPA and, optionally, ALA).

For effective prevention of atherosclerosis, it is recommended to take 300 mg of type ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids per day. In order to prevent malignant tumors, ω-3 type polyunsaturated fatty acids must be taken for a long time - for many years. In prophylactic doses, ω-3 type polyunsaturated fatty acids are well tolerated and have no side or toxic effects [45, 46].

In accordance with the recommendations of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine (EAPM), the daily dose of DHA and EPA for pregnant and lactating women is at least 300 mg, with an acid ratio of 5:1; and for patients with cardiovascular insufficiency, the ratio of EPA to DHA = 1.5:1.

Experts from the US National Institutes of Health have not established recommended amounts of ω-3 fatty acids, with the exception of alpha-linolenic acid. The average daily recommended amounts for alpha-linolenic acid are listed below in grams (Table 1).

For cardiac patients, ω-3 PUFAs are included in the recommendations of the All-Russian Scientific Society of Cardiology (2017) - “you can resort to prescribing polyunsaturated fatty acids in a dose of 2–4 g/day to reduce triglyceride levels”; and recommendations of the American Heart Association (American Heart Association, AHA 2003) (Table 2). The maximum safe amount depends on the sources of ω-3 - no more than 7–8 g per day in the form of fish oil capsules and unlimited in the form of regular food [47].

Based on the available scientific evidence, it is most advisable to prescribe ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the prevention of breast, colon and prostate cancer in patients at risk. In global oncology, it is planned to conduct long-term interventional clinical trials on the chemoprevention of cancer of these localizations using type ω-3 PUFAs. For auxiliary treatment of cancer patients: increasing the effectiveness of radiation and chemotherapy, during the period of preoperative preparation and rehabilitation, combating cancer cachexia during generalization of the tumor process, ω-3 type polyunsaturated fatty acids should be prescribed in doses of at least 1.8–2 g per day, in maximum doses - 13–18 g per day.

Tolerance of ω-3 PUFA

ω-3 PUFA preparations have proven high safety and good tolerability. No serious side effects have been reported when taken in therapeutic doses. If you have an individual intolerance to fish products, allergic reactions to taking ω-3 PUFAs are possible. Taking ω-3 PUFAs at a dose of up to 3 g per day does not lead to the development of undesirable reactions. However, in certain groups of patients, for example, those suffering from diabetes mellitus, with an increased risk of bleeding or with a high baseline level of low-density lipoproteins, ω-3 PUFAs should be prescribed with caution. Taking ω-3 PUFAs at a dose of more than 3 g per day increases the risk of bleeding, but cases of serious bleeding have not been reported. High doses are more likely to cause nosebleeds or hematuria. Very high intake of ω-3 PUFAs (“Eskimo” intake) increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The reasons for such disorders are the ability of ω-3 PUFAs to reduce thrombus formation, prolong bleeding time and reduce von Willebrand factor.

An overdose of these compounds can be dangerous, which is much more severe than their deficiency. But it is extremely difficult to achieve an excess of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the body, since they accumulate very slowly. Therefore, only systematic and long-term intake of high doses of ω-3 PUFAs can be considered dangerous.

Symptoms of intoxication:

• headache;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• dyspeptic intestinal disorders;
• chest pain;
• heavy periods.

Among the side effects from the gastrointestinal tract, dyspeptic disorders in the form of nausea and, in some cases, diarrhea are possible, mainly against the background of high doses of ω-3 PUFAs. However, these phenomena are unstable and quickly passing. A number of scientific publications recommend cold-water fatty fish as a possible alternative to ω-3 PUFA intake, which is recommended to be consumed at least twice a week. At the same time, one should remember about the possible contamination of fish with potentially hazardous products - such as heavy metal salts, dioxins, methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenyls. Ingestion of heavy metal salts can lead to dysfunction of the central nervous system and other disorders. In addition, unrefined fish oil may contain pesticides. Therefore, for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, it is recommended to use highly purified ω-3 PUFAs.

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E. Yu. Plotnikova1, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor M. N. Sinkova, Candidate of Medical Sciences L. K. Isakov, Candidate of Medical Sciences

Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Kemerovo State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Kemerovo

1 Contact information

The role of omega-3 unsaturated acids in the prevention and treatment of various diseases (part 2) / E. Yu. Plotnikova, M. N. Sinkova, L. K. Isakov For citation: Attending physician No. 8/2018; Page numbers in the issue: 56-61 Tags: polyunsaturated lipids, ratio, nutrition, cardiovascular diseases, prevention

Main useful qualities

The drug, which is an oily liquid with a specific aroma and taste, belongs to natural substances, the raw materials for which are varieties of fatty fish.

Skin benefits:

1. Due to the high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammatory foci are eliminated and the elasticity of blood vessels increases. High-quality hydration of the epidermis is ensured, acne disappears.
2. Eicosapentaenoic acid helps reduce the greasiness of the dermis, slows down age-related changes, and restores elasticity.
3. Due to the presence of vitamin D in the structural formula, skin tone increases, protective mechanisms are activated, and wounds heal.
4. Docosahexaenoic acid prevents acne and maintains healthy, well-groomed skin.

Other elements, vitamins, and minerals that determine the rich composition of the unique product also have a beneficial effect. The result is the following positive changes:

• ensuring the saturation of the epidermis with the necessary nutrients;
• high-quality hydration;
• elimination of irritation, redness, inflammatory foci;
• relieving itching;
• lightening pigmentation;
• smoothing wrinkles;
• acne treatment;
• protection from external influences;
• prevention of age-related changes.