21 November 2012
Higher intake of docosahexaenoic acid may significantly decrease the risk of anxiety and depressive disorders, suggests a new study from Australia.
In the observational study, questionnaires were used to assess dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and symptoms of depressive and anxiety disorders in 935 women aged between 20 and 93 years (1). The study results showed that the highest intakes of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were associated with a 50% reduction in the risk of anxiety disorders. Women with higher intakes of DHA were also about 70% less likely to report a current depressive disorder, compared with women with the lowest average levels.
The researchers commented that future research should now examine the potential of DHA as a treatment strategy for anxiety and focus on determining the optimal level of DHA intake in the prevention and treat-ment of depression. Experts noted that one should be cautious to over-interpret the results. Though some epidemiological studies indicate that low dietary intake and/or tissue levels of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are associated with both anxiety and depression, both mood disorders are not homogeneous entities and should not be treated as such.
14 August 2013
Increased intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and antioxidants may improve ocular irritation symptoms and halt the progression of inflammation that characterizes moderate to severe dry eye, suggests a new US study.
21 November 2011
Low blood selenium concentrations may not be an independent risk factor for lung cancer in men, according to a new Danish study.
31 July 2012
Eating more foods rich in antioxidant nutrients like vitamins C and E and selenium may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by up to two thirds, suggests a new British study. It used data from the Norfolk arm of the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC) study.
