29 April 2011
Increased prenatal exposure to polyunsaturated fatty acids may positively influence later obesity development in children, suggests a new US study.
In the observational study, mid-pregnancy intakes of omega-3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic and eicosapenta-enoic acid) and omega-6 fatty acids were measured in a total of 1,120 pregnant women, along with their maternal plasma and birth cord plasma concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (1). To assess the effect of maternal PUFA intake and status on the children’s growth as well as the deposition of adipose tissue, the children were examined for adiposity at the age of 3 years. The study results showed that enhanced omega-3 fatty acid concentrations in the maternal diet and in birth cord plasma were associated with lower childhood obesity. The prenatal omega-6 PUFA status seemed to be unrelated to development of obesity in early childhood.
The researchers commented that in this study the prenatal intake of omega-3 fatty acids was, as in other populations in North America and Western Europe, well below recommended values. A higher maternal omega-3 fatty acid intake may be associated with lower rates of obesity as well as less allergic hyper-sensitivity reactions and improved cognitive development in children. Results of ongoing trials could provide additional evidence regarding whether interventions to optimize maternal omega-3 PUFA status contribute to the prevention of obesity in childhood (2).
20 June 2014
A new UK study suggests that a supplementation with lycopene may significantly improve the widening of the blood vessels in patients with cardiovascular disease.
13 September 2011
According to a new Finnish study, substituting potassium and/or magnesium salts for regular salt may lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
12 October 2011
A new US study suggests that supplements containing multiple micronutrients may be associated with an increased mortality for older women. Experts question the hypothesis.
