Nope. That was not a typo. That was Omega-7 with a SEVEN.
You'll be hearing more about it.
You've obviously heard about Omega-3s. And probably Omega-6s and 9s. Omega-6s are essential but cause inflammation when consumed in excess. Omega-9s are found in olive oil and bacon fat. Omega-9s are not essential because your body can make it as needed.
So what is Omega-7?
The Omega-7 or Palmitoleic Acid (POA) is a mono-unsaturated fat found in nature.
It's early days for Omega-7. The science has progressed from mouse studies to human studies.
And the results are head-turning. Enough so that I've begun taking it every day. More on that below.
POA is found naturally in macadamia nuts and sea buckthorn fruit. It is also found in fish like anchovies.
Is Omega-7 found in regular fish oil?
Sadly, Omega-7 (POA) is not found in most fish oils. Products like New Chapter's Wholemega have tiny amounts of Omega-7 (POA) listed on the product label.
The reason Omega-7 is absent from most fish oil supplements is that it is removed during the Omega-3 concentration process. The part of the fish oil that contains Omega-7 is discarded or sold as bio-diesel.
This could be one reason why studies find that eating fish is better than taking fish oil supplements.
So what can Omega-7 do for you?
When combined with a healthy diet and daily exercise, Omega-7 can help maintain healthy triglyceride levels and maintain healthy blood sugar metabolism, and maintain already healthy CRP levels.*
Plant sources of Omega-7: risky for some
Both Macadamia nuts and Sea Buckthorn contain Omega-7 Palmitoleic Acid. However, both also contain Palmitic Acid (PA).
Palmitic Acid may be harmful to pancreatic beta cells.
Small amounts of Palmitic Acid is probably fine for young, metabolically healthy individuals. But if you are metabolically-compromised, avoiding excess palmitic acid may be something to consider. *
The pioneers of Omega-7 research at the Cleveland Clinic feel so strongly against Palmitic Acid that they insist that all Omega-7 products should have less than 5% Palmitic Acid.
The World Health Organization issued a notice that said there is ‘convincing evidence’ that PA is harmful for cardiovascular health, grouping it along with risk factor like alcohol, trans fats, obesity and high sodium intake.
Purified Omega-7 - where to buy
The term 'Purified Omega-7' was coined by the folks at Cleveland Clinic to indicate Palmitoleic Acid that has been purified of Palmitic Acid.
One way to make sure you get the right Omega-7 is to look for Provinal brand Omega-7.
Purified Omega-7 products are available online, on Amazon.com. Look for Innovix Labs or Cardia7 brands - they are comparable products that contain the same ingredient in equal amounts. (Disclosure: Innovix Labs brand is owned by OmegaVia's parent company, Innovix Pharma. Inc.)
Should you stop Omega-3 and switch to Omega-7?
No. Omega-7 cannot replace Omega-3. They are different fats that do different things in the body.*
If you're taking Omega-3, don't quit. Omega-3 is necessary for several other essential functions.*
Dr. Mike Roizen, co-author, along with Dr. Mehmet Oz, of the popular “YOU” series of health books, on Omega-7 and its benefits:
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
