Omega 3 Fatty Acid News and Research

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Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid (EFA), consisting of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Oily fish, including anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and salmon, are the only known natural sources of Omega-3 EPA/DHA. ALA is found in plants, such as flax and chia. It is important to note that only EPA and DHA contribute to the many health benefits associated with Omega-3. While the body can convert ALA into EPA/DHA, it does so very inefficiently (less than one percent), making it impossible to derive Omega-3-related health benefits from plant sources. Furthermore, although Omega-3 EPA/DHA is vital to overall good health, the human body is not able to produce it on its own, so supplementation is required, either by eating oily fish or foods fortified with Omega-3 EPA/DHA, or by taking fish oil supplements.

Can increasing nut intake prevent frailty in older women?

A recent study explored the potential for reducing frailty in older women by increased nut consumption.

22 Mar 2023

Mercury and urinary arsenobetaine in blood are strong biomarkers for seafood consumption among pregnant women

Mercury content in RBCs and arsenobetaine in urine could be considered seafood consumption biomarkers during pregnancy.

10 Mar 2023

Mutant mice models created for studying bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a debilitating condition characterized by alternating states of depression (known as depressive episodes) and abnormal excitement or irritability (known as manic episodes).

7 Mar 2023

Omega-3 fatty acids may be protective against contracting or suffering adverse outcomes of COVID-19

A study just published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) explored the role of omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, and whether they might be protective against contracting and/or suffering adverse outcomes of COVID-19 infection.

1 Mar 2023

The effect of nut exposure on cognitive performance

Researchers assessed the effects of consuming nuts on cognition.

20 Feb 2023

Genetically increasing omega-3 fatty acid production improves glucose balance in obese mice

A new study from researchers at Laval University in Quebec, Canada, shows that genetically increasing omega-3 fatty acid production, without direct gut microbiota contact, improves the balance of insulin and glucagon (glucose balance) in obese mice.

25 Jan 2023

Researchers identify micronutrient supplementation to reduce cardiovascular risk

Healthy diets are rich in antioxidants like amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C, but exactly how beneficial these micronutrients are for cardiovascular health has long been controversial.

6 Dec 2022

Utilizing marine sources to extract DHA to treat Alzheimer’s

The anti-neurodegenerative effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and DHA-rich phospholipids (DH-PL) derived from fisheries and aquaculture byproducts.

15 Nov 2022

Consuming more omega-3s associated with better brain health and cognition in middle age

Eating cold-water fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids may preserve brain health and enhance cognition in middle age, new evidence indicates.

5 Oct 2022

Vitamin D3 or omega-3 fatty acid supplements do not prevent frailty in older adults

Frailty is defined as reduced physiological reserve and ability to cope with acute stresses. Up to half of adults over the age of 85 live with frailty and thus, preventative measures are greatly needed.

13 Sep 2022

Researchers unravel a novel molecular target of eicosapentaenoic acid

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an essential nutrient belonging to the omega-3 group of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). As the human body cannot synthesize PUFAs, dietary supplements containing EPA are required for normal physiological functions. Found abundantly in natural sources like fish, hemp oil, and linseed oil, EPA is known to exhibit anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protective activities.

9 Aug 2022

Increased docosahexaenoic acid intake may lower risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia

An increase in the concentration of DHA in RBCs is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and all-cause dementia

21 Jun 2022

Association between polyunsaturated fatty acid levels and COVID-19 prognosis

Researchers conducted a systematic review to assess the impact of polyunsaturated fatty acid levels on COVID-19-related hospitalization and mortality.

31 Mar 2022

Study investigates how vitamin D or omega fatty acids may affect rates of autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases (AD) such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune thyroid disease and psoriasis, are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality as people age.

28 Jan 2022

Daily supplementation with vitamin D and fish oil may lower the risk of autoimmune disease

Taking daily vitamin D supplements - or a combination of vitamin D and omega-3 fish oil - appears to carry a lower risk of developing autoimmune disease, with a more pronounced effect after two years, finds a trial of older US adults published by The BMJ today.

27 Jan 2022

Clinical trial results do not support the use of fish oil supplements to prevent depression

Results from the largest clinical trial of its kind do not support the use of fish oil supplements-;a source of omega-3 fatty acid-;to help prevent depression.

21 Dec 2021

New guidelines for heart-healthy eating

We speak to Dr. Alice Lichtenstein about the American Heart Association’s latest guidelines for a heart-healthy diet, and how they can be applied across different lifestyles.

14 Dec 2021

Prescription omega-3 pill did not reduce hospitalization or death from COVID-19

A high dose of a purified omega-3 fatty acid, available by prescription only, was well tolerated; however, it did not substantially reduce incidents of hospitalizations and/or deaths among people with COVID-19, according to a late-breaking clinical trial presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2021.

15 Nov 2021

Study shows cognitive effects of ready-to-use enhanced therapeutic food in malnourished children

A nutritional supplement popular in the U.S. and added to some types of yogurt, milk and infant formula can significantly improve cognition in severely malnourished children, according to a study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

2 Nov 2021

Specific dietary guidelines may help people with bipolar disorders to better manage their health

Can specific dietary guidelines help people living with bipolar disorders better manage their health? Maybe someday, according to a new study by Penn State College of Medicine researchers. Clinical trial results showed that a diet designed to alter levels of specific fatty acids consumed by participants may help patients have less variability in their mood.

24 Sep 2021