DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
At this time, more than 5 000 scientific articles have been published concerning the beneficial effects of marine products rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids have generated considerable interest for two main reasons:

1) Fish and fish oils have been of vital importance throughout all life phases because the EPA and DHA fatty acids they contain are recognized as being normal constituents of human cells. These two fatty acids are particularly abundant in brain cells, nerve connections (synapses), visual receptors (retina), the adrenal glands and sexual glands, those tissues of the body that are most active on a biochemical basis. DHA is essential in optimal development of the brain and eyes and therefore is most important in the sound development of infants and children.

2) In studies conducted throughout the world, it has been demonstrated that the omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish help to improve the functions of the nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, reproductive and immune systems.

Specifically, the beneficial effects of the omega-3 fatty acids have been demonstrated in primary and secondary prevention of coronary disease, cardiac arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, emboli, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hyperinsulinaemia, Type II Diabetes, inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, acne, eczema, psoriasis, asthma, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) and, in a few individuals suffering from renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer and behavioral disorders. Their beneficial effects on health are a result of their action on the cytokines, on vascular responses and on a variety of blood parameters. Their action consist of changing the fatty acid composition of tissue membranes and the production of eicosanoids (a variety of super hormones controlling vital organ activity) and preventing degeneration of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes stimulate better digestion by promoting better utilization of nutrients thereby decreasing the number of problems associated with accumulation of poorly digested foods. In addition, these enzymes, especially the proteolytic enzymes, accelerate the recovery process by way of their anti-inflammatory action and their ability to debride lesions.

Phospholipids
Phospholipids and their metabolites are structural constituents of cell membrane, active participants in numerous metabolic processes (cellular growth, carcinogenesis, differentiation, apoptosis) and in the transduction of cellular signals and an important decomposing agent of lipid peroxides. Taking into account their emulsifying properties, phospholipids facilitate lipid digestion as well as their assimilation within the body.

Cellular activity depends on the exchanges between membranes whose characteristics are determined by the specific structure of the phospholipids. Human brain tissues is considered to be the richest in membrane content while cerebral phospholipids are particularly rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially DHA. They play a decisive role in the formation and remodeling of nerve cells. They can exercise beneficial effects on the nervous system by maintaining integrity of brain tissue and by impacting on the consequences of abnormal metabolism of phospholipids and eicosanoids in psychiatric disorders. In addition, they can contribute in improving the cardiovascular system by reverting the effects of atherosclerosis.

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is one of the most potent antioxidants identified to date. It has been demonstrated to be ten times more powerful than the most popular carotenoids (canthaxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, tunaxanthin, zeaxanthin) and at least 80 times stronger than vitamin E. It has proven to be helpful in combating ulcers, and has been shown to inhibit the Helicobacter pylori bacteria associated with ulcers of the digestive system. It has also been shown to easily penetrate the central nervous system and to facilitate communication between cells. For all these reasons, astaxanthin is, in effect, a very potent antioxidant offering more benefits than other carotenoids in conditions such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, problems involving the immune system, cancer and visual problems.