Microalgae Extract Lowers Diastolic Blood Pressure

A substance produced from microalgae successfully reduces diastolic blood pressure in middle-aged subjects.

The substance, Martek's (Columbia, MD, USA) life's docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a vegetarian form of DHA omega-3, a long chain omega-3 fatty acid that serves as a primary building block for the brain and the eye and supports brain, eye, and cardiovascular health throughout life. There is a large and growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that people of all ages, from infants to aging adults, benefit from an adequate supply of DHA omega-3 in the diet. Scientific reviews have noted the importance of DHA omega-3 in proper brain and eye development and function, and there are clinical studies underway to evaluate its role in decreasing the prevalence of certain neurological disorders. Yet, despite its importance, Americans have among the lowest dietary intakes of DHA omega-3 in the world.

An independent study published in the April 2007 issue of the Journal of Nutrition and conducted at King's College (London, UK) reported a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure of intakes of DHA alone at less than 1.0 g per day. The investigators noted that this reduction is likely to be of clinical significance with regard to risk of future vascular events. The study used Martek's life'sDHA as its algal DHA source.

The study involved 38 middle-aged subjects with an average age of 49 and an average blood pressure of 122/79 mmHg. Subjects randomly received either a 0.7 g per day of DHA or placebo for three months. Diastolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 3.3 mmHg. No significant changes occurred in systolic blood pressure. The daily DHA supplement increased DHA levels in red blood cells (erythrocytes) by 58%.

This research is further evidence supporting the cardiovascular health benefits of Martek's life'sDHA, said Steve Dubin, CEO of Martek Biosciences.

Martek's life'sDHA is unique in the market because it is derived from a sustainable vegetarian source. Made from microalgae under tightly controlled manufacturing conditions, life'sDHA is free of oceanic contaminants that may be present in certain fish or fish oils. Microalgae are the only vegetarian source of DHA omega-3, the key omega-3 for brain and eye development and function.


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