News
Obese people may need more vitamin D
14 March 2012
Older adults with a higher body mass index have lower vitamin D levels, which needs to be taken into account when determining an adequate dietary vitamin D intake, a new UK study suggests.
19 September 2011
A daily omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may reduce symptoms of anxiety by about 20%, says a new US study.
In the randomized controlled trial, 68 healthy participants were randomly assigned to receive daily a capsule containing 2085 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 348 mg docosahexanoic acid (DHA) or a placebo for 12 weeks (1). The study results showed a 14% reduction in levels of the production of pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 (IL-6), as well as a 20% reduction in anxiety symptoms in the omega-3 group when compared with the placebo group.
The researchers commented that their study provides the first evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may have potential anti-anxiety effects for individuals without an anxiety disorder diagnosis. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin 6) promote the secretion of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), a primary gateway to hormonal stress responses. The CRH also stimulates the amygdala, a key brain region for fear and anxiety. Thus, a decrease in inflammation could influence anxiety positively, they added.
The study adds to an increasing number of trials reporting on omega-3 fatty acid’s positive cognitive effects related to mood and behavior. Up until now the majority of scientific research has focused on the cardiovascular benefits of the fatty acids.
14 March 2012
Older adults with a higher body mass index have lower vitamin D levels, which needs to be taken into account when determining an adequate dietary vitamin D intake, a new UK study suggests.
19 November 2013
According to a new US study, the sperm of men who have an adequate intake of beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein shows improved motility and fewer defects.
27 December 2013
A review of data from national dietary surveys shows that in many countries more than 50% of the population have higher intakes of saturated fatty acids and lower intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids than recommended for preventing coronary heart disease.