SHOULD WE ALL TAKE OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENTS? GENEVA BRIGGS, PHARMD, BCPS

SHOULD WE ALL TAKE OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID SUPPLEMENTS? ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION The benefits of increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids are heavily touted in the lay literature and on the internet. But, what conditions are these "good" fats really helpful for and what products or doses should be used? This program will provide information on the difference between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, potential or proven benefits, and selecting quality products. TARGET AUDIENCE The target audience for this activity is pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in hospital, community, and retail pharmacy settings. LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completing this activity, the pharmacist will be able to: Summarize the benefits and risks in omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. List the recommended doses of omega-3 supplements for various indications. Recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in appropriate patients After completing this activity, the pharmacy technicians will be able to: List different kinds of omega-3 fatty acid supplements List disease states in which omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial ACCREDITATION PHARMACY PharmCon, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. NURSING PharmCon, Inc. is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (Provider Number CEP 13649) and the Florida Board of Nursing (Provider Number 50-3515). Activities approved by the CA BRN and the FL BN are accepted by most State Boards of Nursing. CE hours provided by PharmCon, Inc. meet the ANCC criteria for formally approved continuing education hours. The ACPE is listed by the AANP as an acceptable, accredited continuing education organization for applicants seeking renewal through continuing education credit. For additional information, please visit http://www.nursecredentialing.org/renewalrequirements.aspx Universal Activity No.: 0798-0000-14-098-H01-P&T Credits: 1.0 contact hour (0.1 CEU) Release Date: March 26, 2015 Expiration Date: March 26, 2017 ACTIVITY TYPE Knowledge-Based Home Study Webcast FINANCIAL SUPPORT BY PharmCon 1

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Geneva Clark Briggs, a board-certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist, received her Doctor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia. Additionally, she is the owner of Briggs and Associates. Dr. Briggs was the Chief of Pharmacotherapy at McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center and was an Assistant Clinical Professor of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics at Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia. Prior to becoming Chief of Pharmacotherapy, she was a clinical pharmacy specialist in geriatrics. She has authored numerous articles and textbook chapters. She currently speaks around the country on various topics. Geneva Briggs, PharmD, BCPS Owner, Briggs and Associates FACULTY DISCLOSURE It is the policy of PharmCon, Inc. to require the disclosure of the existence of any significant financial interest or any other relationship a faculty member or a sponsor has with the manufacturer of any commercial product(s) and/or service(s) discussed in an educational activity. Geneva Briggs reports no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this activity. Peer review of the material in this CE activity was conducted to assess and resolve potential conflict of interest. Reviewers unanimously found that the activity is fair balanced and lacks commercial bias. Please Note: PharmCon, Inc. does not view the existence of relationships as an implication of bias or that the value of the material is decreased. The content of the activity was planned to be balanced and objective. Occasionally, authors may express opinions that represent their own viewpoint. Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient or pharmacy management. Conclusions drawn by participants should be derived from objective analysis of scientific data presented from this monograph and other unrelated sources. 2

ACTIVITY TEST 1. W Which of the following is a function of fatty acids in the body? A. Joint lubrication B. Heart contraction regulation C. Precursor for the formation of coenzyme Q10 D. Energy source 2. Which of the following is leads to production of anti-inflammatory products? A. alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) B. linoleic acid (LA) C. Weak COX-1/COX-2 inhibition in central nervous system D. omega 9 E. saturated fat 3. Which of the following is NOT a good source of EPA/DHA? A. Fish oil B. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna C. Flaxseed D. Algae 4. Which of the following are potential beneficial cardiovascular effects of EPA and DHA? A. Dysrhythmic effects B. Antithrombotic effects C. Atherogenic effects D. Pro-inflammatory effects 5. Which of the following is an effective dose of EPA/DHA supplements for reducing triglycerides? A. < 500 mg/day B. 1000 1500 mg/day C. 2 4 gm/day D. 6 8 gm/day 6. For primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, fish oil supplements reduce risk but the reduction is not statistically significant.hich of the following is an unlabeled use of a NSAID? A. True B. False 13

7. In general, which of the following would meet the dietary intake recommendations for omega 3 for non pregnant adults? A. 1 serving (4 oz) of fatty fish/week B. 1 serving (4 oz) of fatty fish/week C. 3 servings (12 oz) of fatty fish/week D. 4 servings (16 oz) of fatty fish/week 8. Which of the following is the omega 3 goal for pregnant women? A. 2 gm/week B. 4 gm/week C. 650 mg of omega 3/day (which includes 300 mg DHA) D. Development of H. Pylori E. 1 gm/day of omega 3/day (which includes 300 mg DHA) 9. Which of the following does the American Psychiatric Association recommend for people with mood, impulse control and psychotic disorders? A. Avoid fish oil supplements and fish consumption B. Limit fish consumption to once a month or less C. Get 500 mg/day of DHA D. Get 1 gm/day of EPA/DHA 10. Which of the following patients should avoid taking fish oil supplements? A. Someone also taking aspirin B. Pregnant women who plan to breastfeed C. Someone with an implantable defibrillator (ICD) D. Someone who had a heart attack but has good heart function Please submit your final responses on freece.com. Thank you. 14