16 July 2009
Daily supplements with the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may improve both memory function and heart health in healthy older adults.
In a randomized controlled trial in 485 healthy people with memory complaints, individuals who took algal DHA capsules (900mg/day) for six months had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory performance versus those who took a placebo (1). The benefit was roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger.
Cognitive decline occurs naturally as we age, and precedes diseases such as Alzheimer's. However, according to another randomized controlled trial involving 402 people, the omega-3 fatty acid supplements (2 g/day for 18 months) did not benefit people already suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (2).
Researchers commented that these two studies raise the possibility that interventions for Alzheimer's must be given very early in the disease for them to be truly effective.
6 February 2013
Regular high doses of vitamin D3 can reduce symptoms of respiratory tract infections and antibiotic consumption among patients with an increased frequency of infections, suggest a new Swedish study.
30 October 2017
A new report from Frost & Sullivan suggests that daily supplementation with 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin could save up to €6.2 billion in total medical costs resulting from age-related macular degeneration in Europe. Research suggests that lutein and zeaxanthin are important nutrients that support eye health as we age.
6 March 2015
A new study reports that a low blood vitamin D concentration is common among 6-year-old children in The Netherlands, especially in winter and spring.
