The role of immune function and healthy ageing is critical in maintaining overall wellbeing, particularly for women. Women's immune systems undergo various hormonal influences throughout life, which can affect immune responses. As women age, those hormonal changes, and a natural decline in immune function, can make them more susceptible to infections and chronic diseases.1 Thus, it is essential for women to maintain a robust immune system to ward off illnesses and promote longevity.
Zooca® Calanus® Oil can be an invaluable supplement for supporting women’s health, specifically by enhancing immune function and fostering healthy ageing. Omega-3 fatty acids, notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are crucial in regulating inflammation and sustaining immune balance. These fatty acids have been linked to a decreased risk of chronic inflammatory diseases and an enhanced immune response.2 Furthermore, astaxanthin assists in protecting the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. By neutralising free radicals and reducing inflammation, astaxanthin may contribute to overall immune health.3
Zooca® Calanus® Oil also contains marine policosanols, monounsaturated fatty acids, and several polyunsaturated fatty acids, which support immune function by preserving cell membrane integrity, alleviating inflammation, and promoting overall health. These components, along with omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin, may positively impact healthy ageing. Omega-3s have been associated with decreased inflammation, enhanced cardiovascular health, and improved cognitive function, all of which contribute to healthy ageing. Astaxanthin’s antioxidant properties aid in protecting cells from damage, potentially delaying the ageing process.
A recent study on elderly women highlights the potential benefits of combining exercise training with Zooca® Calanus® Oil supplementation for age-related health concerns, improving physical performance, and promoting overall wellbeing in elderly women. This research is highly relevant for women as it emphasises the importance of integrating exercise and proper nutrition to achieve optimal health.
Maintaining mobility and promoting a healthy body composition
Maintaining mobility, muscle strength, and joint health is vital for women’s overall wellbeing, allowing for participation in daily life and activities as they age. Age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength is more severe in women than it is in men. Factors impacting this include hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, physical inactivity, and chronic inflammation. Decline in muscle mass increase risks of falls, fractures, loss of independence, and frailty.12-13 Maintaining mobility is crucial for women, and it can be achieved by proper nutrition and consistent physical activity. Engaging in weight and resistance training helps preserve muscle mass and overall mobility and functionality. Weight management reduces stress on joints and muscles, further contributing to improved mobility.
Due to its bioactive components, Zooca® Calanus® Oil should be a natural partner for women seeking a natural, effective solution to manage health and well-being. Clinical studies combining Zooca® Calanus® Oil and exercise have demonstrated significant improvements in muscle strength, increased lean body mass, and decreased fat mass.4-7
The improvement of body composition and increased muscle mass and strength due to Zooca® Calanus® Oil supplementation is relevant because these factors directly impact women’s ability to maintain mobility, functional independence, and quality of life.
Enhanced muscle strength and increased lean body mass can reduce the risk of falls and fractures, and alleviate the burden on joints, decreasing the likelihood of developing joint-related issues such as arthritis. Improved body composition with reduced fat mass may help prevent obesity-related health issues and improve overall metabolic health. Women are more susceptible to bone and joint issues such as osteoporosis and arthritis, which can result in decreased mobility and increased pain. These conditions are more common in women due to hormonal changes, especially during menopause, and lower peak bone mass compared to men. Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining bone density and joint health.8-9 Anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce pain and inflammation in joints. They also support bone formation and reduce bone resorption, contributing to overall bone health.10-11
Zooca® Calanus® Oil, with its high levels of omega fatty acids, marine policosanols and astaxanthin, can potentially support bone density and joint health. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, while promoting bone health through improved bone mineralisation. In conclusion, women’s mobility, joint health, muscle capacity, and age-related muscle loss are interconnected with overall health. A healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and weight management can help prevent and manage these issues. Rich in bioactive lipids and antioxidants, Zooca® Calanus® Oil shows promise in supporting muscle, bone, and joint health, potentially improving mobility and quality.
References:
Weyand, C.M, Goronzy, J.J. (2016) Aging of the Immune System. Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets. Ann Am Thorac Soc.13 (Suppl 5):S422-S428.
Eggersdorfer, M, Berger, M.M, Calder, P.C, Gombart, A.F, Ho, E, Laviano, A, Meydani, S.N.(2022) Perspective: Role of Micronutrients and Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated fatty Acids for Immune Outcomes of Relevance to Infections in Older Adults-A Narrative Review and Call for Action. Adv Nutr.;13(5):1415-1430.
Chen, Z, Xiao, J, Liu, H, Yao, K, Hou, X, Cao, Y, Liu, X.(2020) Astaxanthin attenuates oxidative stress and immune impairment in D-galactose-induced aging in rats by activating the Nrf2 / Keap1 pathway and suppressing the NF-kB pathway. Food Funct.;11(9):8099-811.
Brezinova, M., Cajka, T., Oseeva, M., Stepan, M., Dadova, K., Rossmeislova, L., Matous, M., Siklova, M., Rossmeisl, M., & Kuda, O. (2020). Exercise training induces insulin-sensitizing PAHSAs in adipose tissue of elderly women. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, 1865(2), 158576.
Čížková, T., Štěpán, M., Daďová, K., Ondrůjová, B., Sontáková, L., Krauzová, E., Šiklová, M. (2020) Exercise Training Reduces Inflammation of Adipose Tissue in the Elderly: Cross-Sectional and Randomized Interventional Trial. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 105, e4510-e4526.
Daďová, K., Petr, M., Šteffl, M., Sontáková, L., Chlumský, M., Matouš, M., Šiklová, M. (2020) Effect of Calanus Oil Supplementation and 16 Week Exercise Program on Selected Fitness Parameters in Older Women. Nutrients, 12, 481.
Štěpán M, Daďová K, Matouš M, Krauzová E, Sontáková L, Koc M, Larsen T, Kuda O, Štich V, Rossmeislová L, Šiklová M. (2022) Exercise Training Combined with Calanus Oil Supplementation Improves the Central Cardiodynamic Function in Older Women. Nutrients.; 14(1):149.
Alswat, K.A. (2017) Gender Disparities in Osteoporosis. J Clin Med Res.9(5):382-387.
Gerosa, M, De Angelis, V, Riboldi, P, Meroni, P.L. (2008) Rheumatoid arthritis: a female challenge. Womens Health (Lond) 4(2):195-201.
Sharma, T, Mandal, C.C. (2020) Omega-3 fatty acids in pathological calcification and bone health. J Food Biochem. 44:e13333.
Hwang, Y.H, Kim, K.J, Kim, S.J, Mun, S.K, Hong, S.G, Son, Y.J, Yee, S.T.(2018) Suppression Effect of Astaxanthin on Osteoclast Formation In Vitro and Bone Loss In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci.19(3):912.
Kuh, D, Bassey, E.J, Butterworth, S, Hardy, R, Wadsworth, M.E (2005) Musculoskeletal Study Team. Grip strength, postural control, and functional leg power in a representative cohort of British men and women: associations with physical activity, health status, and socioeconomic conditions. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 60(2):224-31.
Messier, V, Rabasa-Lhoret, R, Barbat-Artigas, S, Elisha, B, Karelis, A.D, Aubertin-Leheudre, M.(2011) Menopause and sarcopenia: A potential role for sex hormones. Maturitas.68(4):331-6.