Expert opinion
VIDEO: DHA and ARA Levels in Infants Vary Around the Globe
29 September 2017
Stewart Forsyth, professor of pediatrics at the University of Dundee, discusses DHA omega-3 and ARA omega-6 levels in infants around the world.
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.
29 September 2017
Stewart Forsyth, professor of pediatrics at the University of Dundee, discusses DHA omega-3 and ARA omega-6 levels in infants around the world.
1 March 2013
Vitamin K is the name given to a group of essential micronutrients: vitamin K1 (phylloqui-none), the best characterized form, is found mainly in green leafy vegetables, while vitamin K2 (menaqui-none-4, -7, -8 and -9) is found in small amounts in meat, cheese and fermented soy products and is also synthesized by the body’s own gut flora. Vitamin K3 (menadione) is a synthetically manufactured form, but may also occur during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract of vitamin K1 and K2. In practical terms, the two forms K1 and K2 are of greatest importance in human metabolism. The involvement of vitamin K1 in blood clotting and bone metabolism is well documented. It is likely that an adequate intake of vitamin K could also reduce the development of atherosclerosis and the incidence of brain function disorders. Depending on national health authority, the recommended daily intake of vitamin K for adults is between 60 and 120 micrograms.
1 April 2013
They’re “going hungry” even though they eat their fill every day. Around the world, 2.5 billion people are affected by so-called hidden hunger – and not just in developing countries.