Science & Research
At Bio-Organics we use credible nutritional and herbal ingredients backed by science.
Bio-Organics has a dedicated team of analysts responsible for maintaining high scientific standards. The team evaluates evidence for all active ingredients before choosing to use them in any Bio-Organics product. With the support of the Bio-Organics Science and Research team you can be sure that Bio-Organics products contain high quality ingredients from a credible source and all therapeutic claims made are supported by evidence.
Key areas that the Bio-Organics Science and Research analysts focus on include Fish Oil, Glucosamine, Co-enzyme Q10 and Cranberry.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a natural source of the omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids which play an essential role to health throughout the human lifecycle. EPA (eicosapentaneoic acid) and DHA (docohexaenoic acid) are the two major omega-3 fatty acids important for normal growth and cell function1.
Both EPA and DHA are essential to the health of the heart2, brain and joints3. EPA and DHA assist with joint and heart health via different yet complementary mechanisms. EPA & DHA have anti-inflammatory properties having been shown to assist in the temporary relief of rheumatoid arthritic symptoms.3 Supplementation of EPA and DHA fatty acids has demonstrated a positive effect on heart health through the maintenance of healthy triglyceride levels in healthy individuals.2 EPA and DHA may play a role in the maintenance of healthy blood pressure in healthy individuals and may have an anti-inflammatory role4.
There appears to be more scientific research available on the benefits of fish oil than any other nutritional supplement, especially regarding its cardiovascular effects.
Results of clinical studies have found that the omega-3 essential fatty acids contained in fish oil, decrease triglyceride levels and modestly increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels thus improving the LDL:HDL cholesterol ratio in healthy people. In addition, the National Heart Foundation of Australia recommends all adults should consume at least 500mg of omega-3 (combination of EPA and DHA) daily to maintain heart health. The National Heart Foundation also recommends higher amounts for consumer with high risk factors for heart conditions.
1 Braun L and Cohen M. Herbs and Natural Supplements- An evidence-based guide. Elsevier. Sydney 2007; p. 305
2 Kris-Etherton, P. M., W. S. Harris, and L. J. Appel. "Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease." Circulation 106, no. 21 (2002): 2747-57.
3 Cleland L, James M, Proudman S. The role of fish oils in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs 2003;63(9):845-853
4 Mori T, Woodman R. The independent effects of eicosapentanoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on cardiovascular risk factors in humans. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2006; 9:95-104 Ophthalmol Vis Sci 442003: 8;3685-91
Glucosamine
Like other tissue in the body, joint cartilage is built and repaired using nutrients. For joint cartilage, one of the most useful nutrients is glucosamine. It can help repair cartilage that has been damaged by long term wear. Glucosamine is one of the building blocks of healthy cartilage, used by the body to give joint cartilage strength and also carry moisture. Clinical study has shown glucosamine can be an effective aid in the management of osteoarthritis. It helps temporarily reduce joint swelling, pain and inflammation, and may increase joint mobility.
Co-enzyme Q10
Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in virtually every body cell. CoQ10 works in the energy factories inside your body cells called mitochondria, where oxygen is used to convert the food you eat into energy. Simply put CoQ10 acts like a spark plug in these energy producing cells. It is this role that makes CoQ10 valuable for improving energy levels. Without adequate CoQ10, energy production declines and your cells can't function properly.
Because of its crucial role in the production of cellular energy, CoQ10 can affect your whole body but particularly the organs that work the hardest, like your heart. It's not surprising then that one of the highest concentrations of this vitamin-like nutrient is found in the heart. As an antioxidant, research has shown CoQ10 can diminish oxidation of LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol.
Cranberry
Recent research has confirmed cranberry's usefulness in promoting urinary tract health and reducing the frequency of cystitis. Cystitis is a painful infection of the urinary tract that will affect the majority of women at some stage. It is generally caused by bacteria adhering to the wall of the urinary tract and can lead to a sharp burning sensation during urination.
A key review used to establish the beneficial action of cranberry, found that it contains important antioxidant compounds called proanthocyanidins that may discourage adherence of harmful bacteria to the urinary tract and thus reduce the risk of cystitis.
1 Raitakari OT, et al. Coenzyme Q improves LDL resistance to ex vivo oxidation but does not enhance endothelial function in hypercholesterolemic young adults. Free Radic Biol Med. 2000; 28(7): 1100-5
2 Howell, A. B. Bioactive compounds in cranberries and their role in prevention of urinary tract infections. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007; 51(6): 732-737
3 Weber P, Raederstorff D, et al. Triglyceride-lowering effect of Omega 3 LC polyunsaturated fatty acids. A review. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2000; 10(1): 28-37
4 Colquhoun D. Review of evidence: Fish, Fish oils, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cardiovascular health. National Heart Foundation of Australia 2008
