News
Omega-3 fatty acids may decrease psychotic disorder risk
2 February 2010
Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids-rich fish oil may reduce the likelihood of developing psychotic disorders in high-risk people, says a new clinical trial.
28 January 2013
According to a new study, vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is widespread among adolescents living in the Emirates.
In the observational study, serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D were measured in blood samples of 315 healthy adolescents from eight schools in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate (1). The study results showed that 19.7% of the participants were vitamin D deficient (concentration below 15 ng/mL resp. 37.5 nmol/L).
In addition, 45.4% had insufficient levels (below 20 ng/ml resp. 50 nmol/l). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency varied between boys (10%) and girls (28%).
The researchers concluded that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adolescents in the UAE is very high, particularly in females, compared to their counterparts in other developed countries where vitamin D fortified foods are available, and people use vitamin D supplements. Although the UAE and other Gulf countries have a sunny environment, skin sun exposure is low as both adult and adolescent females observe conservative dress codes that either require covering all body parts including face and hands (Niqab) or all body parts except the face and hands (Hijab). Inadequate nutritional intake of vitamin D may further contribute to low vitamin D concentrations. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency remains one of the major public health problems in this part of the world.
1. Muhairi S. J. et al. Vitamin D deficiency among healthy adolescents in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. BMC Public Health. 2013; 13:33.
2 February 2010
Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids-rich fish oil may reduce the likelihood of developing psychotic disorders in high-risk people, says a new clinical trial.
7 March 2014
A new US study shows that low-income, overweight, and/or obese population groups may have a significantly increased risk of calcium and vitamin D insufficiency, despite the important role these nutrients play in bone health during all stages of the lifecycle.
21 February 2019
Apart from the famous omega-3s, there are other odd fatty acids, each with their own health properties. The odd omegas are not considered to be essential fatty acids like the long chain omega-3s and 6s yet may still have important benefits, including heart health benefits. See what is going on with the odd omegas.