Children's brains have high metabolic demands that change as their brains mature, but whether nutrition during pregnancy can influence this developmental pattern years later is not well understood. A new study tested whether omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil taken during pregnancy could influence this process. Researchers followed children whose mothers had participated in a Danish randomized trial of omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy. From pregnancy week 24 until one week after birth, the women received capsules containing either 2.4 grams per day of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (55... brain cognition development intelligence metabolism neurons omega-3 pregnancy
Read moreHigher DHA concentrations cut Alzheimer's disease risk by half. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid found in krill oil and the meat and roe of salmon, flying fish, and pollock. When consumed in the diet (or obtained from dietary supplements), DHA preferentially accumulates in the human brain (https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1096/fj.201801412R), where it plays essential roles in normal brain function. Findings from a recent study suggest that higher concentrations of DHA in red blood cells protect against Alzheimer's disease. The concentration of omega-3 fatty... alzheimer's omega-3
Read moreTreatment strategies for cardiovascular disease that reduce inflammation are an important area of research. The omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) both reduce inflammation by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory compounds, although EPA may be more cardioprotective. In a recent report, investigators tested the effects of EPA and DHA supplementation on vascular inflammation, a mediator of atherosclerosis. In epidemiological research, higher fish consumption is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and de... omega-3 cardiovascular
Read moreOmega-3 fatty acids ameliorate olfactory losses. The sellar and parasellar regions of the brain comprise a complex anatomical area located near the pituitary gland. Tumors in these regions often require resection using endoscopic nasal procedures, which are often associated with concomitant olfactory function losses. In some patients these losses persist long after the procedure and are sometimes permanent. Findings from a new study suggest that omega-3 fatty acids ameliorate olfactory losses associated with endoscopic nasal procedures. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that play e... omega-3 covid-19
Read moreMilitary members often face unique mental and physical demands that require optimal performance under challenging conditions. A recent study demonstrated that exercise and a nutritional supplement providing components present in the Mediterranean diet optimize performance in a group of active duty military members. The Mediterranean dietary pattern is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish, and poultry. Nutrients provided in the diet include phospholipids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids (lutein, folate, and polyphenols), and vitamins B, C, D, and E. Robust evidence indi... exercise micronutrients
Read moreSaturated fatty acid intake induces inflammation in the hypothalamus that can eventually lead to apoptosis of hypothalamic neurons and subsequent loss of the control of caloric intake and energy expenditure. The overall health of hypothalamic neurons requires their regular renewal, a process known as neurogenesis, which is impaired in obesity (https://www.jci.org/articles/view/43134). Findings from a 2016 study showed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), increased hypothalamic neurogenesis in mice. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in the human brain ... brain obesity omega-3 bdnf
Read moreNutrition is essential for a child's development and lifelong health. Early nutritional shortfalls are associated with impaired neurological development and growth. Findings from a new study indicate that blood levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, predict how well children concentrate and learn. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human health. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in the human brain and the meat of fatty fish. It plays a key role in the development of eye and nerve tissues and is essential for normal brain function in humans. Dietary sources of ... brain omega-3 development
Read moreTriglycerides are molecules composed of a glycerol molecule bound to three fatty acids. They are the primary component of very-low-density lipoproteins and serve as critical sources of energy. Having high triglycerides (200 to 499 mg/dL) or very high triglycerides (higher than 500 mg/dL) can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. A recent science advisory from the American Heart Association summarizes the data surrounding the use of prescription omega-3 fatty acids to lower triglyceride levels. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human health. They include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), ... heart disease omega-3
Read moreCardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death of people living in the United States (US). Having elevated (abnormal) triglyceride levels may contribute to atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of a drug to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in adults who have elevated triglyceride levels. The drug, called Vascepa (icosapent ethyl), reduces blood triglyceride levels by one-third when accompanied by low-fat, low-cholesterol dietary modification (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC35... omega-3 triglycerides cardiovascular
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