News
Vitamin D may prevent depressive symptoms
16 January 2012
According to a new US study, higher vitamin D levels are linked with a significantly decreased risk of depression, especially among those with a history of depression.
09 June 2011
According to a new Canadian review, doses of at least 250 milligrams per day of omega-3 fatty acids are required to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death and other heart conditions.
The review and meta-analysis included eight prospective studies which indicate that increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a significant reduction in sudden cardiac death (1). The analysis showed that daily intakes of 250 mg of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were associated with a 35 percent reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death. In addition, such doses were associated with a near-significant 17 percent decrease in the risk of total fatal coronary events.
The researchers concluded that the intake of 250 mg omega-3 fatty acids per day may be a minimum target to be achieved by the general population for the promotion of cardiovascular health. In 2009, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended a daily intake of 250 mg long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. In the US, the recently released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans did not include specific EPA/DHA recommendations, but instead recommended consumption levels of seafood of 8-12 ounces per week, which provide an average consumption of 250 mg per day of EPA and DHA. In the interest of public health, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) should consider the current data on health outcomes associated with omega-3 fatty acids, the researchers commented.
16 January 2012
According to a new US study, higher vitamin D levels are linked with a significantly decreased risk of depression, especially among those with a history of depression.
30 July 2018
We are putting the spotlight, or perhaps sunlight, on vitamin D! The most well-known role of vitamin D in the body is for bone health, and there is considerable research interest in identifying other ways that it can support our health. Read on to find out more.
6 December 2013
A new review from France suggests that existing study data indicating that increased blood vitamin D concentrations are associated with a reduction in the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular events, diabetes and related mortality, does not prove that vitamin D supplementation can prevent those diseases. Experts commented that, although evidence in non-bone-health-related chronic disease prevention is missing, there is good reason to ensure that the vitamin D supply is adequate.