New Omega ON the block

When it comes to fatty acids, seven’s the latest lucky number

without the harmful palmitic acid) can do our bodies a world of good.

OMEGA-7s: THE REsEARCH Much of the research on palmitoleic acid has been conducted on animals (mostly rats), but recently, several human studies have shown promise. In a study published by Japanese researchers in 2011, palmitoleic acid given to rats helped to reduce their cholesterol and triglycerides, reduced insulin resistance and even triggered weight loss. It also made the livers of the rats healthier, and reduced whole-body inflammation. In humans, macadamia nuts, or total dietary omega-7s, seem to have a substantial effect on our cholesterol levels, while also improving insulin sensitivity, which can help protect against type 2 diabetes, and that’s even without getting rid of the palmitic acid that could be mitigating some of the benefits.

OMEGA-7s: WHAT NOW? Some researchers and health experts are keen enough on omega-7s that they are starting to recommend them as a supplement. Sea buckthorn is one supplement that is omega-7-rich, but the downside is that it also contains palmitic acid, which might off-set the positive effects. Dr. Michael Roizen, chief wellness officer for Cleveland Clinic (the parent organization where I work), and co-author, along with Dr. Mehmet Oz, of the popular “YOU” series of diet, wellness and lifestyle books, is taking 200 mg of purified omega-7s per day, and is involved with clinical trials that will look at its effects in humans (full disclosure: Dr. Roizen is the chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of Tersus Pharmaceuticals, who purify omega-7 fatty acids for use in supplements). So far, according to Dr. Roizen, “their potency looks similar to statins [cholesterol-lowering drugs], without any known side effects.” Intriguingly, the omega-7s being used for supplements are actually purified from the leftovers after omega-3s have been extracted from fish for making omega-3 supplements; in the past, Dr. Roizen notes, these remnants were used to make biodiesel, but can now be used to make omega-7s. This could also explain why eating fish seems to be more beneficial for your heart than taking omega-3 supplements: Perhaps the benefit is derived from not one, but two odd omegas: 3 and 7.

THE BOTTOM LINE While we await the results of ongoing randomized trials on omega-7s, the data so far is promising. With a potential drug-like effect on our heart, pancreas and liver — without the drugs — omega-7s have the potential to become a household name, much like omega-3s were a bit longer than a decade ago. While your best dietary sources for now are macadamia nuts or oily fish, purified palmitoleic acid is a supplement that might become a mainstay.