Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is a health psychologist and a board certified lactation consultant from the University of New Hampshire in Durham. Her work focuses on family violence and perinatal health.
Here are her thoughts on postpartum depression. Continue reading Why new mums get depressed and what to do about it
As summarized here, JELIS is the acronym for “Japan EPA Lipid Intervention Study.” It showed that adding eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) — an active component of omega-3 fatty acids — to low-dose statin therapy lowered the risk for certain major problems involving the heart.
The results are finding their way into mainstream recommendations for hypercholesterolemia treatment. Continue reading Incorporating the JELIS results in cholesterol-lowering treatment plans
The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition has summarized the recommendations from official groups, worldwide. Their website should be essential reading for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and women thinking of becoming pregnant.
Let’s summarize their summary recommendations. Continue reading Summarizing seafood recommendations during pregnancy
Type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes) accounts for 5% to 10% of all patients with diabetes.
Now, The Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY) reports an association between high dietary intake of omega-3 and a lower incidence of type 1 diabetes. Continue reading Does dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of type 1 diabetes?
MayoClinic.com has posted a review.
Here’s the skinny. Continue reading Best foods (and supplements) to lower your cholesterol
Hillary Freeman has multiple sclerosis (MS). She says, that within weeks of “regularly incorporating portions of salmon, mackerel, and sardines into my meal plans, the tingling and numbness I experienced on a daily basis subsided.”
Now, research on omega-3 fatty acids (containing eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) conducted at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland and presented during the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians annual meeting appears to provide a rationale for her experience. Continue reading Growing support for omega-3 benefits in multiple sclerosis
My pharmacist tells me that the prescription strength omega-3 fatty acid product called Omacor is having its name changed. Continue reading Omacor becomes Lovaza
This report provides a reason to review the past few months of CAM studies and reviews on depression. Continue reading Deadly depression in people with heart failure
Relatively high doses of omega 3-rich fish oil supplements during the second half of pregnancy appear safe and beneficial to the baby.
Continue reading Potential benefits of fish oil supplements given to pregnant mums
Researchers from Chang Gung University College of Medicine in Taiwan reassessed the results (meta-analysis) from 10 double blind, placebo-controlled studies in more than 300 patients with mood disorders treated with omega-3 PUFAs for at least 4 weeks.
Here’s what they found. Continue reading Reviewing the antidepressant effects of omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements might slow the cognitive decline (eg, perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning) in some people with very mild Alzheimer’s disease.
The same study showed no effect in people with more advanced cases. Continue reading Slowing cognitive decline with omega-3 fatty acids
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that can cause brain damage and mental retardation. Treatment is a low-protein diet.
Now, we learn that fish oil supplementation in children with PKU improved their motor skills (ie, writing, tying shoes, walking and kicking). Continue reading Using fish oil in treating phenylketonuria
Dr. Jennifer Malinowski, who is Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Nesbitt School of Pharmacy and Nursing in Pennsylvania, reports a patient who experienced an 75% increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol while taking 9 grams of fish oil capsules per day to lower her triglyceride levels. Obviously, it’s not desirable for LDL to go up.
What can we learn from this patient’s experience? Continue reading Remember to change your diet when you start taking omega 3 capsules
These recommendations, from a group of experts, take a narrow view of Alzheimer’s disease. They focus on early detection and the use of existing prescription drugs.
That’s fine as far as it goes, but what about those with advanced Alzheimer’s? Why not develop a more comprehensive approach?
If I might quote Paul Harvey, “here’s the rest of the story.” Continue reading Dissapointing recommendations to treat Alzheimer’s disease
There’s growing interest in the potential effect of omega-3 fatty acids on depression and subsequent afflictions such as heart disease.
Here’s a study using the granddaddy of omega-3 formulations — cod-liver oil. Continue reading Using cod-liver oil to lower the risk of depression
Dr. Philip Calder from the Institute of Human Nutrition at the University of Southampton, United Kingdom has written a scholarly review on this relationship.
Here are the key points. Continue reading The effect of omega-3 fatty acid intake on inflammation
Elevated triglyceride blood levels are a common finding in people with HIV. And the levels tend to get higher during treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
A new study shows the effectiveness of taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements in these patients.
Continue reading Omega-3 lowers triglycerides in men with HIV
The INTERMAP study (INTERnational collaborative of MAcronutrients and blood Pressure) examines correlations between nutrients and worldwide patterns of blood pressure.
The abstract is obtuse, but Medscape has a decent review. Continue reading Effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acid on blood pressure: The INTERMAP study.
The FDA regulations will affect supplements makers and be published in a few weeks, according to an article in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals. Continue reading Good manufacturing practices for dietary supplements approved by the President
The Guardian reports and Clayton Cramer’s blog has summarized the research on a potential link between an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and increased violence.
Here’s the evidence so far.