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Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids featured article

Introduction

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that play critical roles in human health, participating in a wide range of biochemical pathways and processes and modulating the expression of genes throughout the lifespan. Omega-3 fatty acids include plant-derived alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and marine-derived eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), among others. A growing body of evidence indicates that omega-3 fatty acids may prevent or ameliorate symptoms associated with chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, and rheumatoid arthritis and may be beneficial in combating aging-related diseases.

Although ALA plays important roles in human health, this article focuses primarily on the beneficial effects of the marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.

Effects at a glance

Research demonstrates that omega-3 fatty acids exert a multitude of effects on health and aging,...

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Dr. Andy Galpin: The Optimal Diet, Supplement, & Recovery Protocol for Peak Performance

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Dr. Andy Galpin & Dr. Rhonda Patrick discuss nutrition, supplement, and recovery strategies for improving exercise performance.

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Does Fish Oil Increase Risk of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)?

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In this clip, Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses fish oil risks, omega-3 recommendations, and balancing AFib risk with overall health benefits.

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Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses xylitol safety, strategies to reduce hemoglobin A1C, klotho and dementia risk, and the timing of hormone replacement therapy.

Topic Pages

  • Blood-brain barrier

    The blood-brain barrier allows the passage of nutrients and cell signals from the bloodstream to the brain while excluding harmful substances.

  • Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

    BDNF is a growth factor known for its influence on neuronal health and for its role in mediating the beneficial cognitive effects associated with exercise.

  • Depression

    Depression – a neuropsychiatric disorder affecting 322 million people worldwide – is characterized by negative mood and metabolic, hormonal, and immune disturbances.

  • Hallmarks of aging

    The hallmarks of aging are observable biological patterns of dysfunction that accrue in a biological organism over time.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids

    Omega-3 fatty acids play critical roles in human health and may be beneficial in ameliorating symptoms associated with chronic health conditions and in combating aging-related diseases.

  • Omega-3 Index
    stub

    The Omega-3 Index measures the amount of EPA + DHA as a percentage of total fatty acids in red blood cell membranes.

  • Salmon roe

    Salmon roe, the internal egg mass found in female salmon, is rich in protein, vitamins, and the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.

  • Small vessel disease

    Small vessel disease is a generic term that describes dysfunction of blood vessels that occurs with aging and contributes to cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, frailty, and stroke.

  • Toll-like receptors

    Toll-like receptors are a family of pattern recognition receptors expressed on the surface of immune and other cells that play an important role in intestinal permeability and inflammaging.

News & Publications

  • Anti-inflammatory treatments, particularly omega-3 fatty acids and plant-based compounds, effectively reduce depression symptoms in older adults. www.nature.com
    Omega-3 Inflammation Depression Mental Health NSAID Polyphenol

    Inflammation and depression are often linked, particularly in older adults, who tend to experience chronic low-grade inflammation and elevated rates of depression. A recent study found that anti-inflammatory interventions may help reduce symptoms of depression and the risk of developing depression in older adults.

    Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 randomized, placebo-controlled trials that assessed the effects of anti-inflammatory therapies on depression in older adults. The various anti-inflammatory agents included omega-3 fatty acids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and plant-based compounds. The researchers included only trials with at least 20 participants.

    The analysis revealed that anti-inflammatory treatments were more effective than placebos in reducing depression symptoms among older adults. On average, people receiving these treatments exhibited a moderate improvement in symptom severity compared to those taking a placebo. Omega-3 fatty acids and plant-based compounds, such as curcumin and soy protein, appeared particularly beneficial. There was also some evidence suggesting that these treatments might help prevent depression, although the results were not statistically conclusive.

    These findings suggest that targeting inflammation is a promising strategy for managing depression in older adults, especially those with chronic inflammation. Learn more about links between inflammation and depression in Aliquot #36: Inflammation and Depression, part 2

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  • Omega-3 supplementation combined with exercise improves body composition and cardiometabolic health more effectively than exercise alone, including a notable 10% decrease in triglyceride levels. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
    Exercise Heart Disease Omega-3 Weight Loss

    Taking an omega-3 supplement may do more than support heart health—it might enhance the effects of your workout. A recent study found that combining omega-3 supplementation with exercise training improved body composition and cardiometabolic health better than exercise alone.

    Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies comparing exercise training combined with omega-3 supplementation to exercise training alone. The studies involved 673 adults aged 30 to 70, with an average body mass index (BMI) of 24 to 37. The analysis focused on outcomes such as body fat, blood pressure, blood fats, blood sugar, inflammation, and muscle mass, while accounting for variations across the studies.

    They found that adding omega-3 supplements to an exercise routine resulted in modest improvements. Participants lost just over 1 kilogram (2.3 pounds) more body fat and lowered their triglyceride levels by 10% compared to those who exercised without supplements. They also experienced drops in blood pressure—around 4 mmHg lower for both systolic and diastolic pressures—and slightly reduced levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a marker of inflammation. However, LDL cholesterol increased slightly. Notably, participants also improved their lower-body strength but observed no additional benefits in other areas such as BMI, lean body mass, or blood glucose control.

    These findings indicate that omega-3 supplements enhance certain health benefits of exercise, particularly in decreasing fat mass, lowering blood pressure, and boosting muscle strength. Although the changes were modest, they could accumulate over time, especially for adults aiming to improve their cardiometabolic health. Some evidence suggests that omega-3s exert anabolic effects, too. Learn more in this episode featuring Dr. Chris McGlory.

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  • Omega-3-rich flaxseed oil boosts verbal fluency in older adults, improving cognitive function and potentially preventing Alzheimer's. www.mdpi.com
    Brain Diet Aging Omega-3 Memory

    Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. In the liver, ALA converts to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a crucial component of brain health. Evidence suggests that low DHA levels can impair cognitive function. However, a recent study in older adults found that supplemental flaxseed oil enhances cognitive function, particularly verbal fluency—the ability to retrieve and use words quickly.

    The study involved 60 cognitively healthy older adults between the ages of 65 and 80. Half of the participants received 3.7 grams of flaxseed oil containing 2.2 grams of ALA daily for 12 weeks, and the other half received corn oil. Before and after the intervention, researchers assessed aspects of their cognitive function, including verbal fluency.

    Verbal fluency relies on several cognitive skills, including recalling word meanings, finding the right words quickly, processing information efficiently, controlling impulses, holding and using information in the moment, switching between tasks or ideas, and adapting to new situations. It also involves multiple areas of the brain working together. Unfortunately, verbal fluency declines with age, impairing conversation and social interactions and serving as a predictor of Alzheimer’s disease.

    The researchers found that participants who received the ALA-rich flaxseed oil supplement had higher verbal fluency than their peers who received the corn oil, suggesting that flaxseed oil is suitable for delivering crucial omega-3s to the brain. Learn more about the effects of omega-3s on brain health in this clip featuring Dr. Axel Montagne.

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  • Diets rich in omega-3s and antioxidants slow brain aging and improve cognitive function in older adults. www.nature.com
    Nutrition Diet Aging Omega-3 Mental Health Vitamin E Dementia

    While brain aging is an inevitable part of growing older, lifestyle factors, particularly diet, can influence the rate at which this aging occurs. A recent study found that older adults with diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins demonstrate slower brain aging and better performance on cognitive tests.

    Researchers administered cognitive tests and brain imaging scans to 100 healthy older adults. They also measured 13 nutrition-related biomarkers in the participants' blood.

    They identified two brain aging patterns among the participants, with one group exhibiting accelerated aging and the other slower aging. Further analysis revealed that distinct dietary patterns distinguished the two groups. In particular, the intake of specific nutrients positively influenced brain health and cognitive function, including: - Alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid found in nuts and seeds, such as walnuts and chia) - Eicosapentaenoic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid found in fatty fish, such as salmon) - Lutein (a polyphenol found in green leafy vegetables, such as kale) - Zeaxanthin (a polyphenol found in brightly colored vegetables, such as orange bell peppers and butternut squash) - Vitamin E (found in seeds and nuts, such as sunflower seeds and hazelnuts) - Choline (found in a variety of foods, including eggs and soybeans) These patterns were consistent even when considering the participants' demographics, fitness levels, and body measurements.

    These findings suggest that nutrient-rich diets are critical for maintaining cognitive health and decelerating the brain’s aging process. They also highlight the importance of dietary choices as potential tools to manage and mitigate age-related cognitive decline. Learn about other lifestyle choices that slow cognitive and physical aging in this episode featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

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  • BDNF emerges as a critical marker of omega-3 fatty acid levels in the brain. www.nature.com
    Brain Omega-3 BDNF

    The Omega-3 Index measures omega-3 fatty acid concentrations in red blood cells. It provides a reliable assessment of long-term intake and is highly reflective of fatty acid composition in most tissues, with one notable exception – the brain. A recent study suggests that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in learning and memory, is a more reliable measure of brain omega-3 concentrations than the Omega-3 Index.

    Researchers gave rats and mice different types and amounts of supplemental omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and dietary fish and krill oils. Then, they measured the fatty acids in the animals' red blood cells (Omega-3 Index) and the BDNF concentrations in their plasma and brain tissues.

    They found that increased brain omega-3 levels were positively associated with elevated plasma BDNF but inversely associated with red blood cell concentrations, suggesting that plasma BDNF is a more dependable biomarker than the Omega-3 Index for evaluating the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation and dietary intake in enhancing brain function.

    BDNF is critical for brain function, neurogenesis, neuronal survival, memory, and body weight regulation. Low BDNF concentrations are typical in psychiatric disorders but typically rise after antidepressant treatment and high omega-3 fatty acid doses. Exercise and DHA-rich diets also elevate BDNF, and some evidence suggests that BDNF mediates DHA’s beneficial brain effects.

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  • Higher fish and omega-3 intake linked to 12 percent lower hip fracture risk. www.nutraingredients-asia.com
    Diet Aging Omega-3 Bone

    Hip fractures can lead to a decline in self-reliance, diminished quality of life, and feelings of depression. However, some research suggests that consuming fish and omega-3 fatty acids influences a person’s risk of experiencing a hip fracture. A 2019 meta-analysis and systematic review found that higher fish and omega-3 intake reduces the risk of hip fracture by as much as 12 percent.

    Researchers reviewed the findings of 10 studies involving nearly 300,000 people. Seven of the studies followed people over time (prospective), and three compared groups with and without fractures (case-control).

    They found that people who consumed more fish had a lower risk of hip fractures, even when combining the results from prospective and case-control studies. They found the same protective effect for those who consumed higher omega-3s in their diets. Notably, the protective effect of fish and omega-3 intake remained only when considering larger prospective studies (involving 10,000 participants or more) or studies that included body mass index as a factor.

    These findings suggest that dietary intake of fish and omega-3s might promote bone health and reduce the risk of hip fractures. Other studies have proposed mechanisms by which omega-3s exert their beneficial effects. For example, one study found that DHA inhibits osteoclast formation and subsequent bone resorption by inhibiting the production of TNF-alpha, a pro-inflammatory molecule. A separate study demonstrated that resolvin, a byproduct of omega-3 metabolism, promotes bone preservation under inflammatory conditions and influences the PI3K-AKT pathway, a major signaling pathway implicated in many human diseases, including osteoporosis.

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  • Omega-3 supplementation in mice reverses aging effects on brain's lipid rafts, enhancing cognitive function. onlinelibrary.wiley.com
    Aging Omega-3 Memory

    Lipid rafts – cholesterol-filled “bubbles” found in neuronal cell membranes – play a crucial role in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. However, lipid rafts undergo extensive changes during aging, ultimately contributing to cognitive decline. A new study in mice shows that omega-3 fatty acids preserve lipid raft integrity and bolster cognitive function.

    Researchers fed young and old female mice a regular diet or a diet supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids. Then they examined the animals' brains to determine the omega-3s' effects on the structure and properties of the lipid rafts.

    They found that older mice fed a regular diet exhibited changes consistent with lipid raft aging, including reduced omega-3 fatty acid concentrations, increased membrane lipid saturation, and altered lipid composition. However, omega-3 supplementation reversed these changes to the point where they resembled the lipid rafts typically seen in younger mice. In addition, omega-3 supplementation influenced the distribution and accumulation of glutamate receptors and ion channels involved in synaptic plasticity, potentially influencing memory formation.

    These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids counteract age-related changes in the brain, specifically in lipid rafts, and preserve cognitive function and memory in aging. Learn more about omega-3s' roles in preserving cognitive function in this clip featuring Dr. Axel Montagne.

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  • DHA-rich diet protects against memory deficits and loss of smell in Alzheimer's-prone APOE4 mice, reveals new study. link.springer.com
    Brain Alzheimer's Aging Omega-3 Memory Genetics

    A diminished or lost sense of smell is a common feature of the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. But a new study in mice that carry the APOE4 gene variant, the primary genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, shows that DHA – a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in fish – protects against these losses. APOE4-carrying mice that ate a DHA-rich diet retained their sense of smell and the ability to distinguish between objects based on their scent.

    Researchers fed normal mice and APOE4 carriers a regular diet or one supplemented with DHA. Then, using MRI scans, they assessed the animals' brain structures and studied their behavior related to smell and the recognition of new objects. They also measured biomarkers related to cell death and inflammation.

    They found that the APOE4-carrying mice given a regular diet exhibited memory deficits and difficulty adjusting to new smells and distinguishing between different objects. In addition, their brains showed increased signs of inflammation in the olfactory bulb – the area responsible for the sense of smell. However, APOE4-carrying mice that ate the DHA-rich diet did not exhibit these characteristics.

    These findings suggest that a DHA-rich diet benefits APOE4 carriers. Learn more about the beneficial effects of DHA in our comprehensive omega-3 overview article.

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  • Higher omega-3 intake may reduce breast cancer risk by half. www.verywellhealth.com
    Nutrition Cancer Diet Breast Cancer Omega-3

    Higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of breast cancer, a 2022 study found. Women with the highest omega-3 intake were as much as 49 percent less likely to develop breast cancer than those with the lowest intake.

    Researchers conducted a study that included more than 3,200 women, roughly half of whom had breast cancer. The women provided information about what they typically ate, including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and whether they were pre- or postmenopausal.

    The researchers found that a higher intake of omega-3 in the form of alpha-linolenic acid reduced breast cancer risk by 49 percent; a higher intake in the form of eicosapentaenoic acid reduced risk by 32 percent. The links between omega-3s and breast cancer risk were strongest among premenopausal women and women with hormone-sensitive tumors. Interestingly, higher omega-3 intake markedly reduced the risk of breast cancer among women who had obesity or overweight but not among those who had healthy weights.

    These findings suggest that omega-3s reduce the risk of breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of many cancers, including breast cancer. Learn how omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in this clip featuring Dr. Bill Harris.

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  • Omega-3 fatty acids protect against DNA damage. pubs.rsc.org
    Omega-3 DNA Damage

    Cellular DNA is subject to tens of thousands of injuries each day that arise from both endogenous sources, such as free radicals produced during normal metabolism, and exogenous sources, such as cytotoxic drugs, ionizing radiation, and cigarette smoke, among others. DNA damage induces genomic instability, a hallmark of aging. Evidence from a 2020 study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids protect against DNA damage.

    The study involved 140 healthy children and adolescents (aged 9 to 13 years). Researchers assessed the children’s body measurements and collected blood samples to measure nutritional status (particularly the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, retinol, beta-carotene, and riboflavin) and DNA damage.

    They found that a higher intake of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA was associated with less DNA damage. These findings held true even after considering other factors that influence DNA integrity, such as the children’s age, sex, body mass index, and others. The authors posited that the DNA-protective effects of EPA and DHA may be related to their capacity to resolve inflammation, a consequence of DNA damage.

    These findings suggest that omega-3s reduce DNA damage in children. [Learn more about omega-3s in our overview article.](LINK)

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  • Study shows people with a high omega-3 DHA level in their blood are at 49% lower risk of Alzheimer’s www.eurekalert.org
    Alzheimer's Omega-3

    Higher DHA concentrations cut Alzheimer’s disease risk by half.

    Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid found in krill oil and the meat and roe of salmon, flying fish, and pollock. When consumed in the diet (or obtained from dietary supplements), DHA preferentially accumulates in the human brain, where it plays essential roles in normal brain function. Findings from a recent study suggest that higher concentrations of DHA in red blood cells protect against Alzheimer’s disease.

    The concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells, referred to as the “omega-3 index,” is an indicator of long-term omega-3 exposure, analogous to the HbA1c test for long-term blood glucose concentrations. In general, people who have high blood concentrations – an omega-3 index of about 8 to 12 percent – are far less likely to die from all causes of premature death than those with lower concentrations.

    The investigators drew on data collected in the Framingham Offspring Cohort study, an ongoing study of the effects of lifestyle risk factors on cardiovascular, neurological, and other types of disease outcomes across three generations of participants. Their investigation, which involved nearly 1,500 adults (65 years and older) who did not have dementia, examined whether red blood cell concentrations of DHA influenced the participants' Alzheimer’s disease risk, especially those who carried the APOE4 gene, the primary genetic risk factor for the disease. They categorized the DHA concentrations across five levels and tracked the participants' health for seven years.

    They found that participants whose red blood cell DHA concentrations were in the top fifth were roughly half as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease during the follow-up period than those in the lowest fifth. This protective effect of DHA translated to nearly five years of life free of Alzheimer’s disease. Higher DHA concentrations conferred more than seven years of protection for participants with the APOE4 gene, suggesting that promoting DHA intake among this susceptible group could have marked effects on their neurological health.

    These findings suggest that higher concentrations of DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, protect against Alzheimer’s disease, especially among carriers of the APOE4 gene. Learn more about the beneficial health effects of omega-3s in this episode featuring Dr. Bill Harris. And for more information about how DHA influences Alzheimer’s disease risk, check out this open-access, peer-reviewed article by Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

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  • Doses of omega‐3 fatty acid intake above the recommended 3 grams per day may be associated with additional benefits in lowering blood pressure www.ahajournals.org
    Heart Disease Omega-3 Blood Pressure Cardiovascular

    Higher omega-3 fatty acid intake may be necessary to reduce blood pressure.

    Nearly two-thirds of adults living in the United States have high blood pressure, defined as having a systolic pressure of 130 mmHg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or higher. High blood pressure increases a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke and contributes to small vessel disease, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, dementia, and stroke. Although some evidence suggests that omega-3s reduce blood pressure, researchers have not identified the optimal dose necessary to achieve this effect. Findings of a recent meta-analysis suggests that 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily reduce blood pressure.

    Observational data suggest that omega-3 fatty acids, especially fish-derived eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are cardioprotective. For example, a prospective study involving more than 20,000 healthy males found that those who ate one to two servings of fish twice a week had a lower risk of sudden cardiac death than those who ate fish less than once a month, likely due to the omega-3s found in fish. But the findings from the five decades of study have been remarkably inconsistent, with some studies showing benefits, and others not. Some of these inconsistencies have arisen from differences in study designs, which vary markedly in terms of study population, dose, and duration.

    The authors of the analysis searched the scientific literature for randomized controlled trials investigating associations between omega-3 fatty acids and blood pressure. Then they filtered their findings based on a set of criteria designed to identify high-quality studies. Finally, they combined data from these high-quality studies and reanalyzed them so they could interpret the results on a large scale.

    They identified 71 trials, involving nearly 5,000 participants. On average, those who consumed 2 to 3 grams of combined EPA and DHA daily experienced reductions in blood pressure of approximately 2 mm Hg (and as much as 3.5 mm Hg). Participants who had high blood pressure and consumed more than 3 grams of EPA and DHA daily experienced reductions of 4.5 mm Hg for those with hypertension, compared to about 2 mm Hg for those without. Higher doses (5 grams daily) of omega-3s did not confer any additional benefit, with blood pressure decreasing by approximately 4 mm Hg for those with hypertension and less than 1 mm Hg for those without.

    These findings suggest that 3 grams of combined EPA and DHA daily is the optimal dose of omega-3 fatty acids necessary to achieve reductions in blood pressure. Learn more about the heart-health benefits of omega-3s in this episode featuring Dr. Bill Harris.

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  • Inhibiting the Mfsd2a transporter that brings omega-3 DHA into the brain promotes leakage of brain barrier www.sciencedaily.com
    Brain Cancer Aging Omega-3 Blood-Brain Barrier

    Impaired transport of DHA disrupts the blood-brain barrier.

    Lipid rafts – cholesterol-filled “bubbles” found in the cell membrane – serve as staging areas for many cellular activities. One type of lipid raft, called caveolae, facilitates the transport of substances across the membrane of endothelial cells. Findings from a 2017 study demonstrate that suppression of caveolae-mediated transport in brain endothelial cells protects the integrity of the blood-brain barrier.

    The blood-brain barrier is a highly selective semi-permeable barrier made up of endothelial cells connected via tight junctions. This barrier separates the circulating blood from the brain’s extracellular fluid and prevents the entry of substances that may be neurotoxic. Disruption of the blood-brain barrier has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis, among others.

    The investigators' previous research showed that a critical player in blood-brain barrier function is Mfsd2a, a transmembrane protein found exclusively on the endothelial cells that line blood vessels on the barrier. Mfsd2a participates in lipid transport and is the sole means by which lysophospholipid DHA, the brain’s preferred form of DHA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid) is delivered to the brain.

    Using mice that carried a mutation that blocked Mfsd2a’s capacity to transport DHA, the investigators assessed blood-brain barrier function as well as caveolae formation and activity in the animals' brains. Then they compared the lipid composition of brain endothelial cells to lung epithelial cells, which lack Mfsd2a.

    They found that mice that lacked Mfsd2a function had leakier blood-brain barriers and greater caveolae formation and activity than normal mice. They also found that brain endothelial cells had higher lipid concentrations than lung epithelial cells. The most abundant lipid in the brain endothelial cells was DHA, which was found in concentrations that were two to five times higher.

    These findings suggest that Mfsd2a-mediated transport of lipids, particularly DHA, impairs caveolae activity, thereby preserving blood-brain integrity. Learn more about links between Mfsd2a, DHA, and brain health in this open-access peer-reviewed article by Dr. Rhonda Patrick..

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  • Omega-3 fatty acids slow memory loss in people with Alzheimer's disease. apple.news
    Nutrition Alzheimer's Omega-3 Neurodegeneration

    Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human health. They participate in pathways involved in the biosynthesis of hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation. They have been shown to help prevent heart disease and stroke; may help control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis; and may play protective roles in cancer and other conditions. Findings from a new study suggest that omega-3 fatty acids slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.

    Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. The primary risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is aging, with risk roughly doubling every five years after the age of 65 years. Nutritional status also plays key roles in Alzheimer’s disease risk and pathology. The intervention study involved 33 people who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Approximately half of the participants took a supplement providing 2.3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily for six months; the other half took a placebo. All participants took the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), a widely accepted measure of memory and cognitive function, before and after the intervention. The study investigators collected cerebrospinal fluid samples before and after the intervention to measure several biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative diseases and inflammation, including amyloid beta proteins, tau, interleukin 6, chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), and neurofilament light (NfL). YKL-40 is associated with neuroinflammation, and NfL is associated with damage to the axons of nerves in brain white matter.

    The MMSE scores of the participants who took the omega-3 fatty acid supplements remained stable over the six-month intervention, decreasing by only 0.06 points, but the scores of those who took the placebo decreased by two points. The two groups' biomarkers were similar at the beginning of the intervention, but YKL-40 and NfL increased slightly in the group that received the omega-3 fatty acid supplement, indicating a possible increase in neurodegeneration and inflammatory responses. However, the increase in the two biomarkers did not correlate with the participants' MMSE scores.

    These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids help maintain memory and cognitive function in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. This was a very small study, however, and further research is needed to confirm any protective effects of omega-3 fatty acid intake in Alzheimer’s disease.

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  • Eating walnuts lowers LDL cholesterol. www.sciencedaily.com
    Heart Disease Omega-3

    Heart disease is the leading cause of death among people living in the United States, claiming the lives of roughly 655,000 people every year. Having high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, increases a person’s risk of heart disease. Findings from a new study suggest that eating walnuts reduces LDL cholesterol.

    Walnuts contain a variety of bioactive compounds that exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. They are also excellent sources of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that plays important roles in human health. ALA is necessary for the production of eicosanoids, a class of signaling molecule that regulates blood clotting, blood pressure, blood lipid levels, immune function, inflammation, pain and fever, and reproduction.

    The investigation was part of the Walnuts and Healthy Aging study, an intervention study of health and cognition in approximately 700 healthy older adults (63 to 79 years old) recruited from diverse geographical locations in the United States and Spain. Over a period of two years, half of the participants in each location followed their normal diets but added one serving (a small handful) of walnuts to their diet per day. The other half followed their normal diets but did not add walnuts.

    The study investigators measured the participants' triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) blood concentrations at the beginning and end of the intervention. They also measured intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL) and LDL particle number. IDL is a precursor to LDL. In recent years it has emerged as an important cardiovascular risk factor independent of LDL cholesterol. LDL particle number is a measure of small LDL particles in a person’s blood. Evidence suggests small LDL particles are more atherogenic than large ones.

    The effects of adding walnuts to the diet were consistent across both geographical locations. Among those who ate walnuts, total cholesterol concentrations decreased by 4.4 percent, LDL decreased by 3.6 percent, and IDL decreased by 16.8 percent. Triglycerides and HDL cholesterol concentrations did not change. Total LDL particles decreased by 4.3 percent, and small LDL particle number decreased by 6.1 percent. Interestingly, the LDL-lowering effects of the walnut diet differed by sex, with a 7.9 percent decrease in LDL among men and a 2.6 percent decrease among women.

    These findings suggest that walnuts exert potent lipid-lowering effects in healthy older adults and align with previous research demonstrating that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids benefit cardiovascular health.

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  • Omega-3s reduce risk of death from cardiovascular disease. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
    Heart Disease Omega-3 Cardiovascular

    The American Heart Association recommends that adults consume at least eight ounces of fish and shellfish each week, especially those that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Previous research supports the benefits of omega-3 consumption in preventing coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death; however, additional research is needed to support the benefits of omega-3s for other cardiovascular disorders. Investigators reviewed the molecular, clinical, and epidemiological evidence for the effects of omega-3s on cardiovascular disease.

    Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body and must be consumed in the diet. Major food sources of omega-3s include fatty fish, which are rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Plant sources of omega-3s include flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, but the predominant omega-3 fat in these foods is alpha-linolenic acid, which must be converted to EPA before it can be used by the body. Omega-3s and their metabolites improve cardiovascular health through altering the composition of cell membranes and regulating gene expression, among other functions.

    The authors searched the literature for randomized controlled trials, in which researchers randomly assign participants to an intervention or a comparable control treatment, and observational studies, which observe a group of participants at a single time point. Randomized controlled trials are suitable for identifying cause-and-effect relationships, but because observational studies measure associations between behavior and health, they are not. Review papers aggregate data from previous research and compare results, a process that can be difficult because dose, sample size, and participant characteristics vary among studies.

    The analysis revealed that the dose of omega-3s utilized in the randomized controlled trials ranged from 376 milligrams to 1,800 milligrams. Some of these trials instructed participants to consume the recommended two servings of fish per week. Data from these trials showed that omega-3 consumption decreased cardiovascular disease, with risk reductions ranging from two to 32 percent among trials; however, some trials did not find a benefit of omega-3 consumption for reducing the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. In observational studies, the benefits of omega-3 consumption were strongest for coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death, confirming previous reports. Evidence from the randomized controlled trials and observational studies was inadequate to support assertions that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmias, and heart failure.

    Current data support the consumption of omega-3s for reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease. The authors concluded that future research should explore the effects of dose, source (i.e., seafood or supplements; plant or animal), and other molecular, physiological, and clinical effects.

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  • DHA supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of early preterm birth. www.sciencedaily.com
    Omega-3 Pregnancy Supplements

    Early preterm birth (six or more weeks early) is one of the primary contributors to disability and death in children under the age of five years. Infants born early preterm are more likely to experience neurodevelopmental, respiratory, and gastrointestinal difficulties. Currently, physicians do not have reliable markers by which to predict whether a woman is at risk for an early preterm birth. Nearly 3 percent of infants born in the United States are early preterm. Findings from a new study suggest that maternal high-dose docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of early term birth.

    DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fatty fish and other seafood. It plays critical roles in fetal vision and nervous system growth and development. There are no established guidelines for DHA intake for pregnant women, but most prenatal supplements include DHA, typically in amounts of approximately 200 milligrams.

    The study involved 1,100 pregnant women in the United States. The authors of the study randomly assigned the women to one of two groups, with one half receiving a high dose (1,000 milligram) DHA supplement, and the other receiving a low dose (200 milligram) DHA supplement. Both groups of women took their respective supplements daily for the duration of their pregnancies. The authors noted pregnancy outcomes (such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, Cesarean delivery, or others), maternal and infant health status (including DHA levels), and serious adverse events post-delivery (such as birth defects, death, or others).

    Among women who took the higher dose of DHA, 1.7 percent gave birth early preterm; among those who took the lower dose, 2.4 percent gave birth early preterm. However, if they had low DHA levels at the beginning of the study, they were half as likely to give birth early preterm if they took the higher dose, compared to those who took the lower dose. Timing was important, too, with lower risk associated with taking the supplements in the first half of pregnancy, rather than the last half. Women who had higher levels of DHA at the beginning of the study had a 1.2 percent risk of giving birth early preterm birth, and this risk did not change when taking a high dose DHA supplement.

    These findings suggest that high-dose DHA supplementation during pregnancy reduces the risk of early preterm birth and provide evidence for establishing recommended intakes for pregnant women. The authors recommended that physicians measure DHA levels in pregnant women and offer high-dose DHA supplements to those whose levels are low.

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  • Omega-3 fatty acids improve clinical outcomes in severe COVID-19. translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com
    Omega-3 COVID-19

    Nutritional status plays critical roles in fighting infections, influencing not only how well the body’s immune system works but also how pathogens behave in the body. Findings from a new study suggest that omega-3 fatty acids improve clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

    Omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) are essential nutrients. They participate in a wide range of physiological functions, including immune responses. Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids stabilize cell membranes, regulate immune function, impair hyper-inflammatory reactions, and reduce severe outcomes associated with infections, such as systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

    The double-blind, randomized clinical trial involved 101 critically ill hospitalized patients (average age, 65 years) diagnosed with COVID-19. Twenty-eight of the patients received 1,000 milligrams of supplemental omega-3 fatty acids via enteral feeding daily for two weeks, commencing 24 hours after admission to the intensive care unit. The supplement provided 400 milligrams of EPA and 200 milligrams of DHA. The remainder of the participants received enteral feeding without supplemental omega-3 fatty acids. The study investigators collected the participants' anthropometric data, medical histories, dietary records, and biochemical measures of respiratory and renal function.

    The one-month survival rate was 21 percent among the patients who received the supplemental omega-3 fatty acids, versus 3 percent among those who did not receive the supplement. The supplemented group also had improved markers of respiratory and renal function, including higher arterial pH, bicarbonate, and urinary output levels and lower blood urea-nitrogen, creatinine, and potassium levels.

    These findings suggest that supplemental omega-3 fatty acids improve respiratory and renal function in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Although the study was sufficiently powered, the sample size was small, necessitating future studies with larger groups.

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  • EPA and DHA supplementation increases serum testosterone levels in males with overweight and obesity. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
    Omega-3 Testosterone

    Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), increase serum testosterone levels in mice, although the mechanisms that drive these benefits are unclear. While omega-3 fatty acids improve cellular function, omega-6 fatty acids serve as precursors to pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as arachidonic acid, which damage cells. Findings from a recent report detail the effects of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids on serum testosterone levels in adults with overweight and obesity.

    Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients found in the oils of fatty fish, such as salmon. In humans, they increase cellular membrane flexibility, which improves cellular function. Omega-6 fatty acids are the primary fats in most vegetable oils, such as corn oil. In excess, omega-6 fatty acids can be harmful to health. Leydig cells, located in the testicles, produce testosterone when stimulated with luteinizing hormone. Evidence from studies in mice suggest that long-chain omega-3 fatty acids incorporate into the plasma membranes of Leydig cells increasing their responsiveness to luteinizing hormone and increasing testosterone synthesis..

    The authors recruited 22 males with overweight and obesity who did not have type 2 diabetes to participate in the study. Participants consumed either fish oil (providing 860 milligrams of DHA and 120 milligrams of EPA per day) or a placebo (1 gram of corn oil per day) for 12 weeks. They provided blood samples for the analysis of sex hormones and metabolic markers and completed questionnaires about health, diet, dietary supplement use, and other lifestyle factors.

    Fish oil supplementation significantly increased serum testosterone concentrations, even after taking into account age and body mass index. This increase in testosterone occurred with an increased concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in the membranes of red blood cells, an indicator of the membrane composition of Leydig cells. The researchers reported an even stronger association between increased testosterone and decreased omega-6 fatty acid concentration in red blood cell membranes. They also noted improvements in insulin sensitivity among the supplemented group compared to the placebo group.

    These findings demonstrate that long-chain omega-3 fatty acid supplementation increased serum testosterone levels in males with overweight and obesity. The authors noted that their report is a secondary analysis of a larger clinical trial and that future research with a larger sample of participants is prudent.

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  • Fish oil supplementation improves testicular function in young males without infertility. jamanetwork.com
    Omega-3 Testosterone Supplements

    Evidence suggests that sperm quality in males over the past 50-70 years has declined, likely due to a combination of dietary and lifestyle factors and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. For example, diets rich in processed meats, full fat dairy, and sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with poor sperm quality, whereas diets rich in vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fats improve sperm quality and fertility. Results of a recent observational study demonstrate the effects of fish oil supplementation on sperm quality and testicular function in healthy young males.

    Infertility affects 15 percent of couples, with male and female reproductive dysfunction contributing equally to infertility rates. Previous epidemiological research has revealed an association between fish consumption and better sperm quality in males seeking infertility treatment. Fish and fish oil supplements are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat with numerous anti-inflammatory and health-promoting properties. Two previous randomized, controlled trials have reported increased antioxidant capacity and decreased DNA fragmentation in the sperm of males experiencing infertility who were supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids. However, the effects of supplementation in men without infertility is unknown.

    The investigators recruited more than 1,600 male participants (average age, 19 years) who presented for a physical examination for military service in the Netherlands. Participants volunteered to provide a blood sample for the measurement of sex hormones and a semen sample. Finally, they answered a questionnaire about health, lifestyle, diet, and dietary supplement use over the previous three months.

    Only 5.8 percent of the participants had consumed fish oil supplements in the previous three months and only 3.1 percent consumed fish oil supplements for more than 60 days over the previous three months. Participants who supplemented with fish oil less than 60 days had increased sperm volume and testicle size compared to those who did not supplement. Participants who supplemented for more than 60 days had even greater sperm volume and testicle size. Participants who supplemented with fish oil also had a 20 percent lower concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone and a 16 percent lower concentration of luteinizing hormone, an indication of better testicular cell function and greater capacity for sperm production.

    The authors concluded that fish oil supplementation improves testicular function in males without infertility, even after taking into account the intake of other dietary supplements. Because this study did not take dose into account, randomized clinical trials are needed to further examine this relationship.

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  • Omega-3 fats reduce inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk. www.atherosclerosis-journal.com
    Omega-3 Cardiovascular

    Treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease that reduce inflammation are an important area of research. The omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) both reduce inflammation by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory compounds, although EPA may be more cardioprotective. In a recent report, investigators tested the effects of EPA and DHA supplementation on vascular inflammation, a mediator of atherosclerosis.

    In epidemiological research, higher fish consumption is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death. In clinical trials, EPA supplementation reduced major cardiovascular events in those with high cholesterol; however, the role of inflammation in this research is unclear.

    In the first experiment, participants consumed 4 grams of either EPA only, DHA only, EPA + DHA (2:1 ratio), or a placebo for 30 days. They completed a health assessment and gave a sample of blood before and after treatment. The researchers used the serum collected from participants to culture human vascular cells and measured the response of those cells to an inflammatory stimulus. In a second experiment of acute inflammation, researchers treated mice with EPA (600 milligrams per kilogram of body weight), DHA (600 milligrams per kilogram body weight), olive oil, or no treatment daily for 30 days. They measured several markers of vascular inflammation and blood lipids before and after treatment. Finally, in a third experiment of chronic inflammation, the researchers fed mice a heart disease-promoting diet for 16 weeks. During the final eight weeks of the diet, they treated mice with the same EPA, DHA, olive oil, or no treatment conditions as the second experiment and measured markers of atherosclerosis and blood lipids.

    In humans, EPA supplementation reduced markers of vascular inflammation better than DHA only or fish oil. In mice from the second experiment, both EPA and DHA supplementation significantly reduced multiple markers of vascular inflammation without affecting cholesterol and triglyceride levels. EPA was more effective in reducing inflammation than DHA. In mice from the third experiment, DHA and EPA both reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels, with DHA being more effective. EPA supplementation reduced multiple markers of vascular inflammation; however, neither treatment improved markers of atherosclerosis.

    The authors concluded the high-dose omega-3 supplementation can reduce vascular inflammation at early and late stages of cardiovascular disease. They also noted that the small sample size of their study may have limited their results and suggested that EPA supplementation should be tested in larger trials.

    Link to full study.

    Learn more about cholesterol and atherosclerosis in this episode featuring expert Dr. Ronald Krauss.

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  • Omega-3 supplementation protected against loss of smell in patients with benign brain tumors (randomized controlled trial). academic.oup.com
    Omega-3 COVID-19

    Omega-3 fatty acids ameliorate olfactory losses.

    The sellar and parasellar regions of the brain comprise a complex anatomical area located near the pituitary gland. Tumors in these regions often require resection using endoscopic nasal procedures, which are often associated with concomitant olfactory function losses. In some patients these losses persist long after the procedure and are sometimes permanent. Findings from a new study suggest that omega-3 fatty acids ameliorate olfactory losses associated with endoscopic nasal procedures.

    Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that play essential roles in human health. They influence cell membrane integrity, affect the function of membrane-bound cellular receptors, and participate in a vast array of physiological functions. Omega-3 fatty acids are present in flaxseed, soybeans, canola oil, fish, and other seafood. They are also widely available as dietary supplements.

    The prospective, randomized controlled trial involved 87 patients with sellar or parasellar tumors who were undergoing endoscopic nasal resection. Roughly half of the patients received nasal saline irrigations (standard treatment) or nasal saline irrigations plus 2,000 milligrams of supplemental omega-3 fatty acids daily. The participants underwent a smell test before and at six weeks, three months, and six months after the procedure.

    At the six-week point, 25 percent of the patients in both groups had experienced a clinically significant loss in olfactory function. However, at three and six months post-procedure, the patients who took omega-3 fatty acids had less olfactory loss than patients without supplementation.

    The authors of the study suggested that the improvements they observed in the patients' olfactory function were due to omega-3 fatty acids' neuroprotective effects as well as their capacity to promote synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter function. Interestingly, many people report olfactory losses with viral infections, including COVID-19. A new clinical trial is investigating whether omega-3 fatty acids can protect and even restore lost sense of smell in patients with COVID-19.

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  • Maternal dietary intake of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids influences aspects of child psychomotor development. academic.oup.com
    Omega-3 Pregnancy

    Prenatal and early life nutrition are crucial to an infant’s development and lifelong health. Nutritional deficits during these periods are intrinsically linked to impaired mental and physical growth. Findings from a new study indicate that consumption of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids influences aspects of child psychomotor development.

    Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are essential for human health. Evidence suggests that maternal consumption of fish and seafood rich in omega-3 fatty acids improves children’s performance on intelligence tests. Evidence suggests that a lower omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio is more desirable in reducing the risk of many of chronic diseases.

    The study drew on data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, an ongoing study of the effects of environmental factors on child development. The authors of the study evaluated mother-child pairs when the children were six months old (more than 82,000 pairs) and 12 months old (more than 77,000 pairs). The mothers in the study completed food frequency questionnaires that provided information about their fish and total omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid intake. The women also completed questionnaires about their children’s psychomotor development, including communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and personal-social skills, at six months and 12 months of age.

    The authors found that the children whose mothers consumed fish or omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy were less likely to experience delays in problem-solving at six months of age and in fine motor skills and problem-solving at 12 months of age. They found that dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids was associated with lower risk of communication and fine motor skill delays at six months of age and in gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and problem-solving at 12 months. However, the children whose mothers had a high dietary omega-6 to omega-3 ratio were more likely to experience delays in problem-solving skills at the age of 12 months.

    These findings suggest that dietary fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake have beneficial effects on children’s psychomotor development and underscore the need for appropriate dietary counseling for women during pregnancy.

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  • Omega-3 fatty acids decrease oxidative stress and affect biomarkers of aging. www.sciencedaily.com
    Obesity Aging Omega-3 Inflammation

    As the human body ages several changes occur, including the gradual erosion of the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres. A 2012 study suggests that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids can counteract telomere shortening and slow aging.

    Telomeres function as a protective buffer against DNA loss during replication and DNA damage caused by inflammation, reactive oxygen species, and other chemical compounds. Telomeres get shorter with age and telomere length is a biological marker for age.

    Previous research has demonstrated that many factors can affect the rate of telomere shortening. The dietary balance of the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) omega-3 and omega-6 — which influence inflammation — might be a factor. The current study investigated whether blood levels of these polyunsaturated fatty acids affect telomere stability.

    The double-blind randomized controlled trial involved 106 adults between the ages of 40 and 85 years who were sedentary and overweight. The authors of the study provided participants with a supplement containing 1.25 grams or 2.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids or a placebo. To evaluate the influence of the omega-3 fatty acids versus placebo, the authors measured telomere length, telomerase activity, and markers of oxidative stress (known as F2-isoprostanes). They found that supplementation at both doses lowered the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio in the blood, which was associated with longer telomere length. They also observed that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreased markers of oxidative stress by 15 percent.

    These findings suggest that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids in quantities high enough to lower the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the blood can slow aging.

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  • People with COVID-19 are at higher risk of complications associated with thrombotic events. www.sciencedaily.com
    Omega-3 COVID-19

    Known complications of COVID-19 illness include acute respiratory failure, pneumonia, and acute kidney failure, among others. Recent findings now indicate that people with COVID-19 are at higher risk of complications associated with thrombotic events.

    Thrombotic events can occur when the procoagulant (clotting) forces and anticoagulant and fibrinolytic forces are disrupted. These events can affect multiple organ systems. Common manifestations of thrombotic dysfunction include deep venous thrombosis (blood clots in the legs) or pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs), or disseminated intravascular coagulation (a systemic, life-threatening blood clotting disorder).

    Reports from two hospitals in France indicate that pulmonary embolism occurred in 23 to 30 percent of critically ill COVID-19 patients – considerably higher than is commonly observed in critically ill patients without COVID-19. A single case report described thrombotic events that affected a patient’s lungs, brain, and kidneys. These findings suggest that early monitoring via imaging tests and treatment with anti-clotting factors is critical for COVID-19 patients.

    Interestingly, omega-3 fatty acids might be useful as prophylactic measures against thrombotic events. Previous research indicates that omega-3 fatty acid intake of 4.7 grams or more per week from either fish or supplements reduced lower venous thromboembolism risk 22 to 26 percent and reduced pulmonary embolism risk 39 to 60 percent.

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  • Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreased tobacco cravings in smokers. journals.sagepub.com
    Omega-3

    Cigarette smokers are known to have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, the essential fats necessary for brain function. A 2014 study suggests that providing omega-3 fatty acids to regular cigarette smokers reduced daily smoking and tobacco cravings.

    Previous research has demonstrated that a deficiency of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can contribute to psychological stress. Interestingly, the areas of the brain that process stress and drug cues have sizable overlap. Imbalanced levels of omega-3 fatty acids found in smokers can make them more vulnerable to stress, which can contribute to the urge to smoke. The current study investigated whether the administration of omega-3 fatty acids to smokers would affect cravings.

    In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study, the researchers provided smokers with a combination of EPA and DHA or a placebo daily for four weeks. The authors assessed tobacco cravings after cueing participants with images of cigarettes and other people smoking. After one month of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, smokers experienced reduced tobacco cravings and reported an 11 percent lower daily cigarette intake as compared to the start of the study. Cravings remained below baseline for one month post-treatment. The placebo did not affect tobacco cravings or cigarette consumption.

    These preliminary findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreases daily smoking and tobacco cravings in cigarette smokers. Further clinical trials are needed to determine if these findings hold up.

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  • Omega-3 fatty acids added to intravenous feedings decrease infection risk and shorten hospital stays. onlinelibrary.wiley.com
    Omega-3

    Parenteral nutrition (PN) is the intravenous feeding of a person whose gastrointestinal tract is not working. Findings presented in a recent review and meta-analysis suggest that enriching the PN solution with omega-3 fatty acids improved patient outcomes and reduced the length of hospital and ICU stays.

    Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, considered essential because the human body cannot make them. Conventional lipid emulsions used in PN, including soybean and safflower oils, are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can increase inflammation and suppress the immune system.

    The review and meta-analysis compared clinical outcomes in adult hospitalized patients administered PN enriched with omega-3 fatty acids versus non-enriched formulations. Parameters evaluated by the authors included routine lab values, markers of inflammation, rates of infection and sepsis, and the length of ICU and hospital stays.

    The data revealed that infection rates decreased by 40 percent and sepsis by 56 percent in patients who received omega-3 fatty acids in their PN infusions. Moreover, the length of hospital stays and ICU stays both decreased by approximately two days.

    These findings demonstrate that omega-3 fatty acid-enriched PN can decrease infection rate, sepsis, and the length of ICU and hospital stays.

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  • Fish oil supplementation provides protection against fine particulate air pollution www.onlinejacc.org
    Omega-3 Glutathione Protein Dairy

    An estimated 4.2 million deaths each year, many of which are cardiovascular disease-related, are associated with exposure to air pollution. The mechanisms that drive this association include systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, hypertension, and metabolic dysfunction. Findings from a recent study suggest that supplemental omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease-related death associated with exposure to particulate air pollutants.

    Particulate matter in air pollution is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets. It is present in fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrograms (PM2.5) or less. The daily standard for PM2.5 in the United States is 35 micrograms per cubic millimeter per day, as long as the average annual exposure is less than 12 micrograms per cubic millimeter daily.

    Omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are derived from marine sources, elicit a wide array of health benefits. The American Heart Association recommends that people who have coronary heart disease consume approximately 1 gram of DHA and EPA daily in foods or supplemental form.

    The randomized, double-blind study involved 65 healthy students attending Fudan University in Shanghai, China. Participants received either a 2.5-gram EPA- and DHA-rich fish oil supplement or a placebo daily for a period of four months. The authors of the study measured PM2.5 levels throughout the study. They also collected blood samples from the participants to assess levels of 18 cardiovascular disease-related biomarkers.

    The average PM2.5 level during the study period was 38 micrograms per cubic millimeter. Whereas the participants who took the fish oil supplement had biomarker profiles that were cardioprotective, the participants who took the placebo had biomarker profiles associated with inflammation and cardiovascular disease. In particular, taking the fish oil supplement was associated with having higher levels of glutathione peroxidase (an enzyme that protects against oxidative stress) but the supplement was associated with having higher levels of C-reactive protein (a driver of inflammation).

    These findings suggest that the intake of fish oil supplements rich in EPA and DHA may provide cardiovascular protection to people living in areas of high air pollution.

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  • FDA approves use of drug to reduce risk of cardiovascular events in certain adult patient groups www.reuters.com
    Omega-3 Triglycerides Cardiovascular

    Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death of people living in the United States (US). Having elevated (abnormal) triglyceride levels may contribute to atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of a drug to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in adults who have elevated triglyceride levels.

    The drug, called Vascepa (icosapent ethyl), reduces blood triglyceride levels by one-third when accompanied by low-fat, low-cholesterol dietary modification. It has been shown to reduce the rate of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events by 25 percent compared to a placebo.

    Candidates for Vascepa therapy must have triglyceride levels of 150 milligrams per deciliter or higher. They should also have established cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes and two or more additional cardiovascular disease risk factors.

    The active ingredient in Vascepa is eicosapentaenoic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid derived from fish oil. The drug, which is taken orally, has demonstrated a safety profile similar to placebos. Adverse events associated with Vascepa include atrial fibrillation and increased risk of bleeding. People who are allergic to fish or shellfish may be at risk for allergic reactions to Vascepa.

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  • Fish oil supplementation may improve night vision medicalxpress.com
    Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fat Dairy Supplements

    The eyes' ability to adjust to changes in illumination, referred to as light and dark adaptation, varies between individuals. Dark adaptation, in particular, is critical to survival in low light and is responsible for what is commonly referred to as “night vision.” A recent study indicates that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish oil may improve night vision in humans.

    Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are essential for human health. They include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. DHA and EPA are found in fish and other seafood. The human body can convert some ALA into EPA and then to DHA, but the process is very inefficient. Omega-3 fatty acids accumulate in the human retina and play instrumental roles in vision.

    The study involved 20 adults who took four omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish oil supplements three times daily, providing approximately 3 grams of EPA and 1 gram of DHA, for four weeks. Six weeks after the last supplementation, the participants' blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids were measured and their ability to adjust to low light was assessed.

    Participants who took EPA/DHA-rich fish oil supplements for four weeks demonstrated a 25 percent improvement in their ability to identify numbers in low light, compared to those who took a placebo. These changes in visual acuity were attributed to increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the participants' blood.

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