News
High calcium intakes may improve survival in men
25 February 2010
Intakes of calcium above the recommended daily levels may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease and cancer by 25 percent, says a new study.
28 November 2012
According to a new review from Canada, increased blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids for women may reduce the risk of developing depression after childbirth.
In the review, 75 studies investigating the risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD) were examined (1). The literature analysis showed that there is accumulating evidence that higher omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake is associated with a lower risk of PPD.
The researchers commented that there could be a link between pregnancy, omega-3 fatty acids and the chemical reaction that enables the mood regulating neurotransmitter serotonin to be released into the brain. Because omega-3 fatty acids are transferred from the mother to her foetus and later to her breastfeeding infant, maternal fatty acid levels decrease during pregnancy, and remain lowered for at least six-weeks following the birth. Without adequate intake to counter this, levels of omega-3 fatty acids would be signifi-cantly lowered in the mother, and could result in a higher risk of PPD. They also stressed that as the study findings are preliminary, further research is needed to clarify the link and identify reasons for it.
Studies report prevalence rates for PPD among women from 5% to 25%. Symptoms include sadness, fatigue, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, reduced libido, crying episodes and anxiety. Although a number of risk factors have been identified, the causes of PPD are not well understood.
25 February 2010
Intakes of calcium above the recommended daily levels may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease and cancer by 25 percent, says a new study.
1 January 2016
It is a universal wish of parents around the globe that their children should sleep longer, deeper and wake as little as possible. There is growing evidence that good sleep is important for the child’s mental development. This article will examine whether simple nutritional intervention, for example with foods high in marine omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins or tryptophan can improve children’s sleep.
5 April 2018