Category Archives: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Alzheimer's Dementia, Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Finding a link for the proposed beneficial effects of omega-3 on Alzheimer’s disease

I usually shy away from animal data. After all, there’s a long road between the lab and the medicine chest.

However, in light of my nominee for CAM of the year (see 12/31/07 posts) the results published by researchers from California and Osaka are interesting. Continue reading Finding a link for the proposed beneficial effects of omega-3 on Alzheimer’s disease →

Angina Pectoris, Cholesterol/Lipids, Diet-Nutrition, Exercise, Heart Disease, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Smoking Cessation

The JELIS study: Fish oil, statins, and heart disease

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from fish oil lowers triglyceride levels.

Now, a study in Japan reports that adding EPA to low-dose statin therapy lowers the risk for certain major coronary events, including nonfatal heart attacks, unstable angina and the need for revascularization procedures). Continue reading The JELIS study: Fish oil, statins, and heart disease →

Cholesterol/Lipids, Diet-Nutrition, Garlic, Heart Disease, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Policosanol, Vitamins

Lack of support for dietary supplements to prevent or treat heart disease

A literature review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found 15 supplements that had been studied for their benefits in preventing or treating coronary heart disease.

According to the researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle…

Anxiety (Panic)/Depression, Diet-Nutrition, Heart Disease, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Exploring the relationship between depression, diet, and heart disease

Older adults who follow diets high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3 fatty acids have higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines — especially when they have coexisting symptoms of depression.

It’s important because depression is linked to the development of heart disease — a relationship that appears to be due to increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (eg, interleukins and tumor necrosis factor alpha). Continue reading Exploring the relationship between depression, diet, and heart disease →

Flavonoids (Soy), Flaxseed, Heart Disease, Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Reviewing the benefits and dosing recommendations for omega-3

Two omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have a number of positive actions against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and its complications.

An article by the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association documents the benefits, with dosing details.

Continue reading Reviewing the benefits and dosing recommendations for omega-3 →

Asthma/Allergy, Children, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Pregnancy

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and the risk of asthma in children

Recently, 2 studies (here and here) showed that increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet of pregnant women had many benefits for their children years later.

Unfortunately, modifying the dietary intake of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids during early childhood does not change the risk of getting asthma later on.

Continue reading Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and the risk of asthma in children →

Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Pregnancy

Harvard gets specific about seafood, pregnant women, and omega-3

HealthBeat, published by Harvard Health Publications, has an excellent article with solid recommendations about the health benefits and risk of eating seafood.

It’s particularly appropriate in light of recent studies here and here supporting the value of omega-3 fatty acids in pregnant women.

Some useful excerpts
Continue reading Harvard gets specific about seafood, pregnant women, and omega-3 →

Children, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Pregnancy

More support for expectant moms to eat the right amount of seafood

For the second time in less than two months, a study of pregnant women concludes that their babies do better if the women make sure they get enough omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy.

In this case, “enough” is more than the 340 grams of seafood per week that’s usually recommended.

This time they ate seafood rather than take supplements.

Continue reading More support for expectant moms to eat the right amount of seafood →