13 October 2014
A new UK study reports that increased intakes of omega-3 fatty acids decreased the incidence and/or delay the onset of interferon-alpha-induced depression in patients being treated for hepatitis C.
In the randomized controlled trial, 152 patients with hepatitis C received two weeks of treatment with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or placebo (1). Following the two-week treatment, the patients received a 24-week course of interferon-alpha treatment and were evaluated repeatedly for depression. The study results showed that treatment with EPA, but not DHA or placebo, decreased the incidence of interferon-alpha-induced depression in the participants from approximately 30% to 10%. In addition, both EPA and DHA delayed the onset of depression. Both omega-3 fatty acids were well tolerated, with no serious side effects.
The researchers commented that these new data provide promising support for omega-3 fatty acids to prevent depression, complementing other studies where they were found to enhance antidepressant treatment. Earlier research showed that people with low blood levels of EPA were at higher risk of developing depression. Therefore, an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids may restore the natural protective anti-inflammatory capabilities of the body, and thus protects patients from new-onset depression when inflammation occurs.
14 February 2013
According to a new Swedish study women after menopause with long-term inadequate calcium intakes may have a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
7 February 2014
According to a new study from Turkey women with low levels of vitamin D seem to have thinner femoral cartilage, increasing their risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee.
1 April 2012
Chronic, low-grade, tissue inflammation is a significant risk factor in the development of a variety of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and auto-immune diseases. Moreover, many discomforts, such as chronic pain, memory problems, mood swings, and general muscle fatigue, can be connected in some way to an underlying inflammatory condition. An important development in nutritional science in recent years has been the discovery of anti-inflammatory properties of certain micronutrients and their potential to prevent or treat certain diseases or conditions.
