Omega-3 fatty acids are essential in human health, influencing multiple organ systems and physiological responses. However, a person's omega-3 status varies depending on several factors, including their genetic makeup. A new study shows that genetic differences influence how Hispanic Americans metabolize omega-3s. Researchers conducted a genome-wide association study, a type of observational study that searches the genome for minor variations in people's DNA within a particular population. Their analysis included more than 1,400 Hispanic Americans and more than 2,200 African Americans. They f... metabolism omega-3 genetics
Read moreOmega-3 fatty acids may protect against COVID-19, a new study shows. People with higher levels of omega-3s in their red blood cells were less likely to contract COVID-19 or require hospitalization if infected. Researchers calculated the concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 derived from fatty fish, in the blood of more than 110,000 people enrolled in the UK Biobank (https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk) study. They also calculated the participants' Omega-3 Index – a measure of total omega-3 fatty acid concentrations in red blood cells. They reviewed the participants' medical ... omega-3 inflammation immune system covid-19
Read moreAs many as 48 million women worldwide experience infertility. Although many factors influence fertility, an abundance of evidence suggests that nutrition is a key player. Findings from a recent study suggest that women who take omega-3 fatty acids are 1.5 times more likely to conceive than those who do not. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that play critical roles in human health throughout the lifespan. Higher intake of omega-3s is associated with a reduced risk of many diseases, and some evidence indicates that these fatty acids play important roles in both male and female ferti... omega-3 pregnancy development
Read moreOmega-3 fatty acids improve brain function and structure in older adults. Alzheimer's disease is the most common disease of aging, affecting as many as 70 million people worldwide. The pathological processes that contribute to Alzheimer's disease often precede diagnosis of the condition by several decades, underscoring the importance of identifying strategies that might forestall or even prevent the disease. Findings from a 2017 study suggest that omega-3 fatty acids improve brain function and structure in older adults. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients. Found in both plants and fa... brain omega-3
Read moreOmega-3 fatty acids are essential for human health. They participate in pathways involved in the biosynthesis of hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation. They have been shown to help prevent heart disease and stroke; may help control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis; and may play protective roles in cancer and other conditions. Findings from a new study suggest that omega-3 fatty acids slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory loss and... nutrition alzheimer's omega-3 neurodegeneration
Read moreRobust evidence indicates that omega-3 fatty acids play critical roles in maintaining optimal human health, potentially conferring protection against heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other conditions. A new study demonstrates that dietary consumption of omega-3 fatty acids may help protect the brain from damage associated with exposure to particulate matter in air pollution. Particulate matter is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets. It is present in fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrograms or less. Exposure to air pollution promotes oxidative ... brain omega-3
Read moreMaternal consumption of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is essential for fetal brain development. Maintaining the proper balance of these two fatty acids is critical, but the typical Western diet is high in omega-6s and low in omega-3s (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808858/). Findings from a new study in mice suggest that a high omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio of intake during pregnancy alters dopamine signaling, contributing to overeating in offspring. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter best known for its role in motor activity, motivation, and pleasure control. When exposed ... obesity lactate
Read moreEarly life nutrition is critical to a child's development and eventual lifelong health. New research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids might have long-term neurodevelopmental effects in children that ultimately reduce antisocial and aggressive behavior problems. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are essential for human health. They influence cell membrane integrity, affect membrane-bound cellular receptor functions, and participate in pathways involved in the biosynthesis of hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation. Ome... omega-3
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