News
Study shows no effect of omega-3 fatty acids on brain function
28 April 2010
Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may not improve brain function in the elderly, a new UK study indicates.
14 May 2013
A supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids does not seem to reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity of patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, suggests a new study from Italy.
In the randomized controlled trial, 12,513 patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors or atherosclerotic vascular disease (but not myocardial infarction) received daily omega-3 fatty acids (1 g fish oil including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) or placebo for an average of 5 years (1). The study results showed neither greater reduction of mortality risk due to cardiovascular events nor a reduction in the risk of developing further cardiovascular complications among the omega-3 group compared with the placebo group.
The researchers conceded that all participants received pharmaceutical treatment (e.g., with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, diuretic agents, calcium-channel blockers, beta-blockers, oral hypoglycemic drugs, insulin, statins and antiplatelet agents), which makes the ability to measure (additional) benefits of omega-3 fatty acids less evident. Moreover, a number of participants had already reported fish in their diets (43% consumed fish once a week, 27% consumed fish twice a week). Omega-3 fatty acid blood levels were not measured. Experts commented the publicly available scientific data taken altogether does demonstrate a cardiovascular benefit of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in healthy populations, as well as in the majority of populations with pre-existing cardiovascular ailments; thus, the new results cannot be generalized.
28 April 2010
Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may not improve brain function in the elderly, a new UK study indicates.
27 February 2018
In a new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the organization calls attention to the importance of key vitamins, minerals and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential to support brain development in early life. Read on to learn more.
26 January 2011
Oral supplementation with antioxidants could improve sperm quality by reducing oxidative stress, a new US review suggests.