18 December 2009
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has affirmed that the omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), can benefit eye and cognitive development in babies.
The EFSA, keystone of European Union risk assessment regarding food and feed safety, stated that DHA has a structural and functional role in the fetal and newborn brain and retina (1). Maternal DHA intake can contribute to the early development of the eye and normal cognitive development in the fetus and the breast-fed infant.
While DHA can be synthesized in the human body from its precursor essential fatty acid ALA to a certain extent, the human fetus appears to be largely dependent on placental transfer of DHA from the mother derived either from her diet, from synthesis or from stores in adipose tissue. The Panel also noted that most DHA is provided to the breast-fed infant via breast milk in which the DHA concentration is dependent both on maternal dietary intake and maternal DHA stores, while the contribution by synthesis is low.
29 May 2013
A new study from Turkey states that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency may be more common in premenopausal women than previously thought and may decrease their quality of life.
20 November 2013
A new study from Finland reports that high blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acid may lower the risk of small brain infarcts, which are linked to cognitive decline in the elderly.
28 May 2019
Research suggests that a few nudges to regular eating habits will help synchronize the body’s internal systems. This is called chrono-nutrition. In addition to eating habits, there are several vitamins and nutrients that support overall health when taken at the best time of day to help sync the body’s systems.
