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.
31 October 2014
A new study from the Netherlands reports that patients who suffer from depression may increase the chance to respond to antidepressants by increasing the consumption of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
23 July 2014
A new study from Iran suggests that low blood concentrations of vitamin D may increase the risk of developing a blood clot in one or more deep veins.
27 January 2012
The Department of Health in the UK has asked the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition to review the issue of current dietary recommendations on vitamin D as young children and some adults are not getting enough of the vitamin.
