Ioannis Zabetakis Are the markers we use in cardiovascular prognosis correct?
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robably, the most difficult question that we need to answer as scientists working in the interface of Aquaculture and Health Sciences is this one: are the markers we use in cardiovascular prognosis correct? It is a rather hard question; no easy answer is available. Latest publications which suggest that the current markers we are using in the prognosis of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are probably wrong. According to (Fielding, 2017) : in 2004, the ‘Ω-3 index’ was described as the sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20 : 5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22 : 6 n-3) in red blood cells (RBCs) as an index of coronary heart disease mortality. However, recent studies have reported differential metabolism of EPA and DHA. High-dose supplementation with EPA and DHA led to increased levels of RBC DHA that were associated with decreased liver fat. In summary, dietary intake or supplementation studies with n-3 fatty acids should include measurement of n-3 status in a standardised way. The Ω-3 index, reflecting EPA and DHA status throughout the body, is convenient and may be appropriate in some cases, but as EPA and DHA assimilate differently in membranes, and have different potency, measurement of individual fatty acid composition in RBCs may be more informative. In another recent paper, (Givens, 2017) reports the fact that it is now generally accepted that the effects of reducing intake of Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA) are dependent on what replaces them in the diet. Reduced CVD risk has been associated with replacement of SFA with cis-polyunsaturated fatty acids (cis-PUFA) and/or cis-monounsaturated fatty acids (cis-MUFA), with replacement by carbohydrate leading to no reduction or even increased CVD risk. Our personal opinion is that we need to look at the wider picture. We need to assess the overall polar lipid profile; some important bioactivities against CVDs are due to marine polar lipids; such compounds should be taken into consideration when assessing the nutritional value of aqua-cultured marine produce (Zabetakis, 2015).
Further reading
Fielding, B.A., 2017. Ω-3 index as a prognosis tool in cardiovascular disease. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care 20, 360-365. Givens, D.I., 2017. Saturated fats, dairy foods and health: A curious paradox? Nutrition Bulletin 42, 274-282. Zabetakis, I., 2015. Is fish something more than marine oils?, Marine Oils (From Sea to Pharmaceuticals), pp. 155-161. @yanzabet Ioannis.zabetakis@ul.ie
Currently working on Food Lipids at the University of Limerick, Ireland, focusing on feeds, food and nutraceuticals against inflammation, Ioannis is a co-inventor in two patents, has edited a book on marine oils, and has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles (h-index 19). He is currently writing a book on "The Impact of Nutrition and Statins on Cardiovascular Diseases" for Elsevier.
Full speed ahead into shrimp: Alimentsa approved to join BioMar
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he acquisition of Alimentsa as announced in June is now completed. All necessary approvals have now been obtained and Alimentsa will from September 13, 2017 have been a part of BioMar Group. The acquisition will position BioMar among the leading shrimp feed producers in Latin America creating synergies toward existing business. The CEO of BioMar Group, Carlos Diaz explains the rationale behind the acquisition as a unique possibility to create synergies in regards to development and delivery of high end products and services to the Ecuadorian shrimp farmers, complementing the existing BioMar footprint in Latin Americas set by the business unit in Costa Rica. He says, “It is our strong believe that we through an integration of Alimentsa in BioMar Group will be able to deliver a new high-end value proposition to the Latin American farmers by merging the highly recognised products and technical services from Alimentsa with our innovative and proven approach to R&D, sustainability and feed efficiency. We have in BioMar during recent years built a strong knowledge base within feed for shrimp and we can furthermore contribute with extensive research and experience from other species such as tilapia and marine species.” Right now BioMar and Alimentsa are ready to take the first steps in integration. During the fourth quarter focus will be on connecting the established BioMar units with the employees in Ecuador to build the foundation for the future integration of the new business unit. Mr Diaz continues, “We are confident that synergies can be harvested following the acquisition. With Alimentsa as part of BioMar Group, we can immediately deliver an attractive value proposition to shrimp farmers in Ecuador. We believe that in the future, together with the employees in Alimentsa and the customers, we can develop new product solutions based upon our shared interest in sustainability, innovation and cooperation with the customers.” BioMar Group will take over 70 percent of the shares representing an investment of US$119 million. BioMar Group estimates that the market will prove to be very attractive with growth rates of eight to 12 percent.
4 | October 2017 - International Aquafeed