News
Vitamin E may benefit lung health
7 February 2011
Regular vitamin E supplementation may reduce the risk of chronic lung disease in women, a new US analysis reports.
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.
7 February 2011
Regular vitamin E supplementation may reduce the risk of chronic lung disease in women, a new US analysis reports.
20 February 2012
According to a newly published literature review, magnesium supplements may offer small but clinically significant reductions in blood pressure.
28 August 2018
Conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics create nutritional emergencies that can be difficult to solve. Access to nutrient-rich food is crucial to people affected by conflicts and disasters. Learn more about emergency foods and ready-to-eat therapeutic foods and how they are used.