02 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.
In the study, 76 people at high risk of progression to psychosis were randomly assigned to receive daily placebo (coconut oil) or supplements of fish oil containing 1.2 grams of omega-3 and providing 700 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 480 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (1). After 12 weeks only 4.9 percent of the omega-3 group had progressed to psychotic disorder, compared with 27.5 percent of the placebo group.
Commenting on the potential mechanism the researchers noted that omega-3 fatty acids may produce changes in cell membranes and interactions with neurotransmitter systems in the brain.
The link between omega-3 and cognitive function and behavior is not new, with various studies reporting conflicting results for the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Some of the more promising data has been reported for DHA, with memory function improvements found for healthy older adults with a decline in cognitive function that occurs naturally with age, and known to precede diseases such as Alzheimer's.
1 April 2014
Skin aging is determined by environmental factors, lifestyle and genetic aspects. Metabolic processes, solar UV radiation, smoking, alcohol consumption and illness can induce the formation of free radicals in human skin, which can destroy cells and cell components such as collagen and elastin fibers, if their concentration exceeds a critical threshold.
7 September 2010
Giving iron supplements to children with low birth weights may reduce the risk of developing iron deficiency and anemia, a new Swedish study suggests.
1 August 2012
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids: They are necessary for health but the human body is not capable of producing them, hence they have to be consumed in the form of food. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining health as well as normal growth and development. They have become popular because of their potential benefits for the cardiovascular system. Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Less well-known are the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids – particularly of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – on the brain. As a key structural element, DHA is highly concentrated in the brain and appears to be important for its development as well as for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function.
