Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 and a good source of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. However, fish may also contain toxic substances such as methylmercury (MeHg), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins / furans, etc.

The levels of lipids and omega-3 vary between fish species and season, time of breeding or feeding. Similarly, there are significant variations in contamination levels between different fish species and by origin.

To ensure optimal coverage of nutritional needs, while minimizing the risk of exposure to chemical contaminants, AFSSA recommends eating two servings of fish per week, including one serving with high content of EPA and DHA, and to vary the species and locations of supply.

These recommendations are valid for adults and children over 10 years. For women of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding, children under 3 years old, girls and adolescents, it is recommended to avoid eating fish bioaccumulator of PCBs as a precaution. Finally, with regard to pregnant and breastfeeding women, and children under 3 years old, AFSSA recommends limiting consumption of wild predators fish and to avoid, as a precaution, the swordfish, marlin, siki , shark and lamprey because of the risk to MeHg.

Reference : www.afssa.fr

A recent clinical study showed the bioavailability of omega-3 and the improvement of weight control after eating meat from linseed-fed animals.

This double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 160 overweight volunteers of a 90 days experimental diet rich principally in animal fat with a low polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)/saturated fatty acid (SFA) ratio and a low n-6/n-3 ratio, using animal products obtained from linseed-fed animals. The control diet provided less animal fat, a higher PUFA/SFA ratio and a higher n-6/n-3 ratio.

In the experimental group, individuals had blood parameters improved compared to the control group: increase in red blood cell, α-linolenic acid, DHA and EPA concentrations. A reduction in weight, BMI and hip circumference has also been noted in both groups without significant differences. However, 150 days after the end of the study, no significant weight gain has been measured in the experimental group in contrast to the control group.

In this war against obesity, the study highlights the importance of food quality and underlines the potential of foods derived from linseed-fed animals, principle of the industry “lin tradition bleu blanc coeur”, to fight against this scourge.

Reference: Legrand P, Schmitt B, Mourot J, Catheline D, Chesneau G, Mireaux M, Kerhoas N, Weill P, “The consumption of food products from linseed-fed animals maintains erythrocyte omega-3 fatty acids in obese humans”, Lipids 2010 Jan;45(1):11-9

http://www.bleu-blanc-coeur.com/

EFSA published an opinion on the divergence of point of view between itself and JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) on the acceptable daily intake of lycopene. Indeed, in 2008, EFSA was set it to 0.5 mg/kg of body weight/day, while in 2009, JECFA concluded on a non specified acceptable daily intake. It seems that this discrepancy is the result of differences in results interpretation between the 2 committees on the chronic toxicity (1 year) study in rats which showed an increase of transaminases AST and ALT concentration with lycopene at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight/day.

However, EFSA remains in its position and confirms that the acceptable daily intake of lycopene is 0.5 mg/kg body weight per day in humans.

References: www.efsa.com

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted in 60 healthy overweight (non-obese) women, highlighted the efficacy of a supplementation with an extract of saffron stigma (brand name: Satiereal^®), at the daily dosage of 2×88.25mg/ day for 8 weeks, in reducing snacking frequency (p<0.05 vs placebo) and in weight loss (p<0.01 vs placebo).

References: Gout B., Bourges C., Paineau-Dubreuil S., “Satiereal, a Crocus sativus L extract, reduces snacking and increases satiety in a randomized placebo-controlled study of mildly overweight, healthy women”,Nutrition Research 30(5): 305-313, 2010.

A recent controlled study carried out in vivo assessed the effect of topical application of essential oil of seeds of jojoba at different concentrations (0.1%, 1% and 10%) in the shaved skin of the backs of mice. After 21 days, length of hair was greater in mice treated with 1% and 10% of oil, compared to the control. Besides, measures of hair density and thickness, as well as the microscopic evaluation of hair follicles showed the best results for 1% of essential oil-treated mice.

It would be interesting to validate these observations on hair growth in humans.

Reference : Yoon JI, Al-Reza SM, Kang SC, “Hair growth promoting effect of Zizyphus jujuba essential oil”, Food Chem Toxicol. 2010 May;48(5):1350-4