DHA Supplements Research Articles

N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the prodromal stage of dementia. In this stage, reasonable intervention measures can help to delay the decline of cognitive function. Supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs) may be beneficial to delay the decline of cognitive function in the elderly. To investigate the effectiveness of docosapentaenoic acid (DHA) or/and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplements in the elderly with MCI. Eight electronic databases, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, VIP, SinoMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and WANFANG DATA, were searched for related articles from inception until January 2022. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed to detect confounding variables. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined. Heterogeneity was evaluated by I2 statistics. Publication bias was detected using funnel plots. Stata12.0 was used for Begg's and Egger's test to quantify whether publication bias. Linear relationship between global cognition and covariates was examined in meta-regression analysis. Twelve studies (n = 1,124) were included. The methodological quality of research is mostly medium. Compared with placebo, n-3PUFAs supplements have benefits on global cognition [SMD = 0.51, 95% CI(0.12, 0.91), p = 0.01]. No significant differences were observed between intervention group and placebo on language fluency, executive functions, and depression. Our findings indicated DHA and/or EPA supplements have benefits on global cognition, and it may also reduce the level of blood amyloid-β (Aβ)-related biomarkers (e.g., Aβ40, Aβ42) and inflammatory factors (e.g., 1L-6, 1L-10). Since there are only two relative articles, more research is needed in the future to clarify the relationship.

Novel mechanisms to enhance omega‐3 brain metabolism with APOE4

AbstractBackgroundNeuroprotective nutritional interventions involving greater consumption of polyunsaturated fats (Mediterranean diet, fish consumption or DHA supplements) are less effective in APOE4 carriers with dementia compared to non‐carriers. We recently demonstrated greater activation of calcium dependent phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in APOE4 compared with non‐APOE4 using both postmortem human brains and in brain tissues from APOE4 animal models. Activation of cPLA2 is associated with lower omega‐3 brain levels and lower measures of blood‐brain barrier (BBB) integrity as assessed using 7T DCE MRI to derive contrast transfer values (K trans).MethodHere, we present new data on aging (18 months) old APOE mouse models on a low DHA diet, APOE4‐TR mice treated with LPS and APOE knock out mice as a model of lower BBB integrity. All models were treated with the brain penetrant cPLA2 inhibitor ASB14780 at 10 mg/kg IP daily over 8 weeks in the aging model and acutely (7 days) in the younger LPS and APOE KO models.ResultcPLA2 inhibition was associated with increased brain omega‐3 levels in both the aging APOE4 model and in the younger APOE4 mice treated acutely with LPS. In the aging APOE4 mouse model, cPLA2 inhibition associated with better performance on novel object recognition, improved synaptic markers, and lower microglial activation. In the APOE KO model, treatment was associated with improved measures of BBB with lower K trans following treatment (Figure).ConclusionThe results here demonstrate how neuroinflammation associated with APOE4 depletes brain omega‐3s via activation of cPLA2 and how reducing cPLA2 activity can rescue this phenotype. The development of specific and potent brain penetrant cPLA2 inhibitors promises to enhance the brain effects of omega‐3 enriched diets by limiting the effects of neuroinflammation on the aging APOE4 brain.

Hepato-protective potential of Choline and DHA supplements in rats exposed to tobacco particulate matter-A histological study

Introduction: Smokeless tobacco is known to induce liver damage by decreasing its detoxifying capability. Chronic exposure to tobacco particulate matter in various forms jeopardizes the normal function of vital organs including the liver. The tobacco rolled in tendu leaf; known as ‘bidi’ is an unfiltered cigarette having tobacco content that is different from those used in cigarettes and is referred to as 'bidi tobacco'. Bidi smoking or chronic exposure to bidi tobacco causes multi-organ diseases. Choline and docosahexaenoic acid (C & DHA) are dietary components known to have hepato-protective action. But the combined action of choline and DHA on tobacco particulate-induced liver damage is largely unknown. The present study was designed to assess the hepato-protective potential of choline and DHA supplements to rat dams and pups exposed to tobacco particulate matter. Liver histological changes were analyzed from groups of Wistar rat dams and their pups [Unexposed Normal controls (NC) and those exposed to different tobacco particulate matters namely, tendu leaf smoke, tobacco dust, and bidi smoke] with or without supplementation of both choline and DHA. Results: Hepatocytic morphological architecture showed non-alcoholic fatty changes in all rats exposed to tobacco particulate matter and more so visibly higher in tobacco dust exposed groups compared to the same in age-matched NC group. These changes were ameliorated in rats supplemented with choline & DHA and exposed to tobacco particulate matter. Conclusion: Chronic exposure of mothers and their offspring to tobacco particulates causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with microstructural changes. Dietary supplementation of choline and DHA to rats exposed to tobacco particulate matter provides hepato-protection and ameliorates the hepatocytic morphological changes.

Inflammation Associated Gene Expression in the Mammary Gland of Lactating Mothers Who Delivered Preterm and Were Randomly Assigned to a Standard vs Increased DHA Supplement

ObjectivesOur objective was to characterize the mRNA-seq transcriptome of the mammary gland of lactating mothers who delivered preterm and were enrolled in a randomized control trial (RCT) of standard versus increased DHA supplementation. We hypothesized that inflammation associated gene expression would be attenuated in the increased DHA group versus the standard dose group. MethodsThe RCT was completed by 8 participants randomized to standard of care DHA supplements (200 mg/day, STD group) and 10 randomized to increased DHA supplements (1000 mg/day, EXP group). High quality extracellular mammary epithelial cell mRNA was isolated from fresh milk fat and submitted to RNA-sequencing in n = 4 STD and n = 6 EXP DHA samples. Aligned and quantified reads were examined for differentially expressed genes using t-tests (DEG, p < 0.05 after false discovery rate adjustment). The resulting DEG list was intersected with the Broad Institute list of hallmark inflammation genes. Ontological analysis of DEGs was performed with Toppcluster. ResultsThere were 409 DEGs overall, including 9 hallmark inflammation genes. In the EXP group, up-regulation of inflammation-inhibiting genes included NFKBIA (FC = 4.0) and IL18BP (FC = 3.6); and down-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes included IL7R (FC = –3.6) and IL1RL1 (FC = –3.9). Ontological analysis revealed 5 clusters of up-regulated gene sets in the EXP group, including immune regulation and management of oxidative stress associated clusters. Strong up-regulation was also seen in the major milk proteins LALBA (3.8-fold increase) and CSN2 (3.4-fold increase). ConclusionsThese findings reveal that increased DHA supplementation during lactation can modulate the expression of inflammation-associated genes within the mammary gland and support improved mammary gland function. These effects may have important clinical implications towards producing milk with a more optimal inflammasome profile and improving overall mammary gland health and function in lactating mothers who deliver preterm, with an overall benefit of reducing inflammation-driven morbidity in their premature infants. Future research with a larger RCT and greater interrogation of milk composition and volume is warranted. Funding SourcesNIH, Mead Johnson Nutrition.

Nutrient supplementation among pregnant women in China: an observational study.

To clarify nutrient supplementation usage and primary source of information among pregnant women in China. This cross-sectional study used information on nutrient supplementation and primary source of information collected via face-to-face interviews. Data on the usage of folic acid, Ca/vitamin D, Fe, vitamins, DHA and other dietary supplements were collected. Primary source of information was categorised as family/relatives, friends/co-workers, the Internet, books/magazines, television/radio, doctors, other people and oneself. Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Chengdu, China. One thousand eighty-one Chinese pregnant women aged ≥20 years with singleton pregnancies. In all three trimesters of pregnancy, usage was highest and most stable for folic acid (81·7 %), followed by vitamins (vitamin A, B-group vitamins, vitamin C and multivitamins; 75·0 %), whereas Ca/vitamin D (51·4 %) and Fe (18·1 %) usage was low, potentially indicating a deficiency risk. All supplementation usage percentages increased with pregnancy duration (P < 0·05). Notably, approximately 10 % of the pregnant women in our study did not use any nutrient supplementation, and this was especially common in early pregnancy. More than 50 % of the women reported getting information on nutrient supplementation from family members, and about 30 % reported getting this information from doctors. Among pregnant women in China, awareness about nutrient supplementation increases as the pregnancy progresses, but some types of nutrient supplementation (such as Ca/vitamin D and Fe) remain at low levels. It is necessary to pay more attention to the health education of pregnant women in China, and the influence of family members should be emphasised.

Efficacy of choline and DHA supplements or enriched environment exposure during early adult obesity in mitigating its adverse impact through aging in rats.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of choline and DHA or exposure to environmental enrichment in obese adult and aging rats on alterations in body mass index, serum lipid profile and arterial wall changes, despite stopping high fat diet consumption and interventions during adulthood.Methods21 day old male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned as Experiment-1 & 2 - PND rats were divided into 4 groups with interventions for 7 months (n = 8/group). NC– Normal control fed normal chow diet; OB- Obese group, fed high fat diet; OB + CHO + DHA- fed high fat diet and oral supplementation of choline, DHA. OB + EE- fed high fat diet along with exposure to enriched environment .Experiment-2 had similar groups and interventions as experiment 1 but for next 5 months were fed normal chow diet without any interventions. Body mass index was assessed and blood was analyzed for serum lipid profile. Common Carotid Artery (CCA) was processed for Haematoxylin and eosin, Verhoff Vangeison stains. Images of tissue sections were analyzed and quantified using image J and tissue quant software.ResultsIn experiment.1, mean body mass index (p < 0.001), serum lipid profile (p < 0.01), thickness of tunica intima (p < 0.05), tunica media (p < 0.01) and percentage of collagen fibers (p < 0.01) of CCA were significantly increased in OB compared to NC. These were significantly attenuated in OB + CHO + DHA and OB + EE compared to OB. In experiment.2, mean body mass index (p < 0.01), serum lipid profile (p < 0.05) and thickness of tunica media of CCA (p < 0.01) were significantly increased in OB compared to NC. In OB + CHO + DHA and OB + EE, significant attenuation was observed in mean body mass index and mean thickness of tunica media compared to same in OB.ConclusionAdult obesity has negative impact on body mass index, serum lipid profile and arterial wall structure that persists through aging. Supplementation of choline and DHA or exposure to enriched environment during obesity attenuates these negative impacts through aging.

The Role of Bioactive Lipids and Statins in COVID-19 Disease and Their Use in the Therapeutic Approach. Are These Effective?

COVID-19 disease constitutes a significant threat to human existence worldwide due to the increased transmissibility, morbidity and mortality caused by the still unknown SARS-COV2 virus. A critical issue is the lack of effectiveness of drug options. In our research, a literature review, we explore the role of bioactive lipids and statins can play, as a main or adjunctive treatment in the COVID-19. We reviewed 150 articles in the Databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Embassy and Cochrane) relatives of the use of bioactive lipids and statins in severe COVID-19 disease and we selected 117 articles that fit with our research question. So, our research constitutes a bibliography review of 117 articles, finally. The administration of exogenous bioactive lipids (BALs), Omega 3 EPA, DHA supplements induces the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the prevention of cytokine storm and enhancing the therapeutic benefit by accelerating recovery. Therefore, they potentially reduce the need for ICU hospitalization and the number of intensive care unit days of stay, accelerating recovery thus also numerically reducing critical cases. The possible harms of lipids should be considered. There are positive and negative effects regarding the use of statins. According to the literature, Statins offer beneficial effects on COVID-19 disease. For de novo statin use in COVID-19 patients, the Benefit/Risk ratio should be taken into account. In conclusion, although lipids and statins seem to benefit patients with severe COVID-19 disease, nevertheless, more double blind randomized studies are needed to determine their safety and efficacy profile.

Association of diet with left ventricular wall thickness, troponin I and IGF-1 in cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BackgroundCats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (sHCM) have elevated serum insulin and serum amyloid A concentrations correlating with the degree of cardiac hypertrophy. Diet might affect these and other cardiac variables.ObjectiveEvaluate the effect of a complete, balanced diet with restricted starch and supplemented with eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA) on echocardiographic variables and cardiac biomarkers in cats with sHCM.AnimalsForty‐four client‐owned cats with sHCM.MethodsA prospective, randomized, double‐blind, multicenter study enrolled cats with end‐diastole interventricular septum thickness (IVSd) or left ventricular wall thickness (LVWd) ≥6 mm, or both. Nonsedated, fasted cats were examined at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of Test (restricted starch and EPA + DHA supplements) (n = 23) or Control (unrestricted starch without EPA + DHA supplementation) (n = 21) diet. Assessments included auscultation, body weight, body condition score, echocardiography and blood analysis. Linear and generalized mixed models analyzed diet, time and diet * time interactions (5% significance level).ResultsNo differences between diet groups were significant for any variable at any timepoint. There were significant decreases in the Test but not Control group in maximum IVSd (P = .03), maximum LVWd (P = .02) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 levels (P = .04) after 12 months, and in ultrasensitive cardiac troponin I (cTnI) (P = .001) after 6 months; effect sizes (95% confidence interval) were 0.53 (0.09; 0.99), 0.63 (0.18; 1.09), 0.61 (0.16; 1.07), and 0.37 (−0.06; 0.8), respectively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCats with sHCM fed Test diet had significant decreases in echocardiographic variables of sHCM and in cTnI and IGF‐1.

Association of DHA Concentration in Human Breast Milk with Maternal Diet and Use of Supplements: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Data from the Japanese Human Milk Study Cohort.

ABSTRACTBackgroundDHA (22:6n–3) is essential for neurodevelopment in children, and its concentration in human breast milk is historically high in Japan. Dietary patterns in Japan might affect the fatty acid (FA) composition among lactating mothers.ObjectivesThis study aimed to characterize the composition of milk FAs and to identify any dietary and sociodemographic factors associated with the variability of DHA concentration in breast milk in the Japanese population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed as part of the Japanese Human Milk Study. Milk FAs were analyzed by GC at 1–6 mo postpartum, and maternal diet was estimated using an FFQ, including 11 types and cooking methods of seafoods, and the use of DHA supplements. The association of milk DHA with maternal diet and sociodemographic factors was investigated.ResultsMilk FA concentrations were measured in 78 mothers, including 24 who routinely used DHA supplements. The DHA concentration in milk (overall median: 0.62%; IQR: 0.47%–0.78%) was higher in women who took DHA supplements than in women who had never used DHA supplements (0.74%compared with 0.55%; P = 0.011). A linear regression model showed the association of milk DHA concentration with maternal dietary intake of grilled fish (β ± SE: 0.006 ± 0.003; standardized β: 0.234; r2 = 0.232, P = 0.036) after adjustment for DHA supplementation status, maternal and infant age, maternal BMI, and infant birth weight. Other FA concentrations were consistent, whereas caproic acid (6:0), undecylic acid (11:0), pentadecylic acid (15:0), palmitoleic acid (16:1n–7), and vaccenic acid (18:1n–7) varied by DHA supplementation status.ConclusionsThe DHA concentration in human milk may be influenced by maternal grilled fish consumption and frequent DHA supplementation in lactating Japanese women. Milk DHA concentrations may reflect a dietary habit in Japanese mothers.This trial was registered at www.umin.ac.jp/ctr as UMIN000015494.

Comparative analyses of DHA-Phosphatidylcholine and recombination of DHA-Triglyceride with Egg-Phosphatidylcholine or Glycerylphosphorylcholine on DHA repletion in n-3 deficient mice

BackgroundDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is important for optimal neurodevelopment and brain function during the childhood when the brain is still under development.MethodsThe effects of DHA-Phosphatidylcholine (DHA-PC) and the recombination of DHA-Triglyceride with egg PC (DHA-TG + PC) or α-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (DHA-TG + α-GPC) were comparatively analyzed on DHA recovery and the DHA accumulation kinetics in tissues including cerebral cortex, erythrocyte, liver, and testis were evaluated in the weaning n-3 deficient mice.ResultsThe concentration of DHA in weaning n-3 deficient mice could be recovered rapidly by dietary DHA supplementation, in which DHA-PC exhibited the better efficacy than the recombination of DHA-Triglyceride with egg PC or α-GPC. Interestingly, DHA-TG + α-GPC exhibited the greater effect on DHA accumulation than DHA-TG + PC in cerebral cortex and erythrocyte (p < 0.05), which was similar to DHA-PC. Meanwhile, DHA-TG + PC showed a similar effect to DHA-PC on DHA repletion in testis, which was better than that of DHA-TG + α-GPC (p < 0.05).ConclusionWe concluded that different forms of DHA supplements could be applied targetedly based on the DHA recovery in different tissues, although the supplemental effects of the recombination of DHA-Triglyceride with egg PC or α-GPC were not completely equivalent to that of DHA-PC, which could provide some references to develop functional foods to support brain development and function.

DHA May Have a Profoundly Protective Impact on the Lungs of Smokers

Evidence has accumulated over the last twenty years that smokers who frequently ingest fish are at lower risk for both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Plasma phospholipid levels of DHA, but not EPA, have been reported to correlate inversely with risk for COPD in smokers, suggesting that DHA may be primarily responsible for the apparent protection afforded to lungs of smokers by fish consumption. Meanwhile, evidence is emerging that certain metabolites of DHA - including 4 - hydroxy hexenal (4-HHE), 17 - oxo - DHA, and resolvin D1 - can activate Nrf2 - mediated transcription of heme oxygenase - 1 and other antioxidant / cytoprotective enzymes. Since the oxidant stress imposed by cigarette smoke exposure could be expected to promote peroxidation of membrane DHA and hence boost production of 4 - HHE, DHA in lung membranes may in effect up-regulate the protective feedback mechanism whereby oxidative stress provokes Nrf2 - mediated induction of cytoprotective enzymes. DHA can also give rise to the autacoid resolvin D1, which, via activation of a receptor, suppresses NF - kappaB activation and the consequent production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Resolvin D1 can also inhibit macrophage NADPH oxidase and promote an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype in lung macrophages. Not surprisingly, inhalation of resolvin D1 has a marked anti-inflammatory impact on the lungs of mice exposed to tobacco smoke. These considerations help to rationalize the epidemiology linking fish consumption to lung health, and suggest that smokers who can’t or won’t quit their habit would be well advised to consume fish or DHA supplements regularly. Higher intakes of fruits and vegetables - likely in part because many of these contain Nrf2 - activating phytochemicals - likewise are associated with lower risk for COPD, and can be recommended for smokers.

Analysis of hospital cost outcome of DHA-rich fish-oil supplementation in pregnancy: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveRecent research emphasized the nutritional benefits of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) during pregnancy. Based on a double-blind randomised controlled trial named “DHA to Optimize Mother and Infant Outcome” (DOMInO), we examined how omega 3 DHA supplementation during pregnancy may affect pregnancy related in-patient hospital costs. MethodWe conducted an econometric analysis based on ordinary least square and quantile regressions with bootstrapped standard errors. Using these approaches, we also examined whether smoking, drinking, maternal age and BMI could influence the effect of DHA supplementation during pregnancy on hospital costs. ResultsOur regressions showed that in-patient hospital costs could decrease by AUD92 (P<0.05) on average per singleton pregnancy when DHA supplements were consumed during pregnancy. Our regression results also showed that the cost savings to the Australian public hospital system could be between AUD15 – AUD51 million / year. ConclusionGiven that a simple intervention like DHA-rich fish-oil supplementation could generate savings to the public, it may be worthwhile from a policy perspective to encourage DHA supplementation among pregnant women.

A Correlation Study of Docosahexaenoic Acid Intake with Its Levels in Breast Milk in Chinese Lactating Women

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the correlation of DHA intake in a recent month assessed by a tailored iPad‐based electronic food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with breast milk DHA in lactating women residing in coastland (Weihai), lakeland (Yueyang) and inland (Baotou) of China.MethodsA total of 406 lactating women (42±7 days postpartum) were recruited equally from the three regions from May to July 2014. The FFQ comprised three parts: seafood, freshwater food, and DHA milk powder and supplements. Trained staff interviewed women to complete FFQ.ResultsThe median DHA intake was 13.8 (IQR: 6.0–34.1) mg/d. The mean absolute DHA concentration was 141.8±106.4 μg/ml; the mean DHA percentage by weight of total fatty acids was 0.36±0.22. The crude and region‐adjusted Spearman correlation coefficient between DHA intake and the DHA concentrations was 0.33 and 0.30 (p values&lt;0.0001). The crude and adjusted Spearman correlation coefficient for DHA percentages was 0.35 and 0.29 (p values&lt;0.0001). The region‐specific Spearman coefficients were given in Region number of women DHA concentrations DHA percentages Spearman correlation coefficient p value Spearman correlation coefficient p value Weihai 136 0.38 &lt;0.001 0.41 &lt;0.001 Yueyang 135 0.29 &lt;0.01 0.22 &lt;0.05 Baotou 135 0.24 &lt;0.01 0.22 &lt;0.05 The crude and adjusted Pearson coefficients of log‐transformed DHA intake with DHA concentrations were 0.34 and 0.31, and with DHA percentages 0.35 and 0.31(all p values &lt;0.0001). The region‐specific Pearson correlation coefficients were given in Region number of women DHA concentrations DHA percentages Pearson correlation coefficient p value Pearson correlation coefficient p value Weihai 136 0.31 &lt;0.001 0.38 &lt;0.001 Yueyang 135 0.35 &lt;0.001 0.27 &lt;0.01 Baotou 135 0.30 &lt;0.001 0.24 &lt;0.01 ConclusionThe DHA intake is moderately correlated with breast milk DHA, indicating a possibility for using the FFQ to estimate DHA intake in Chinese lactating women.

Effect of n−3 PUFA supplementation on cognitive function throughout the life span from infancy to old age: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

n-3 PUFAs play an important role in cognitive function. The objective was to investigate the effect of n-3 PUFA supplements on cognitive development, function, and decline throughout the life span. The study included randomized controlled trials and provided ≥3 mo of treatment. Potential studies were independently screened in duplicate, and study characteristics and outcomes were extracted. A meta-analysis was performed by using fixed- or random-effects models. The results are presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs. Of the 3692 citations retrieved, 34 studies of a total of 12,999 participants (1031 infants, 1517 children, 3657 adults, and 6794 elderly individuals) were included. Compared with placebo, n-3 PUFA supplements significantly improved cognitive development in infants, including the Mental Development Index (SMD: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.52), the Psychomotor Development Index (0.27; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.45), and language (0.27; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.42), motor (0.29; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.43), and cognitive (0.31; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.45) abilities. However, n-3 PUFAs did not promote cognitive function in terms of composite memory, executive function, and processing speed domains in children, adults, or the elderly, except for the attention domain. No association was found between n-3 PUFA intake and improvements in cognitive performance in terms of recognition, immediate and delayed word recall, digit span backward and forward tests, rapid visual information processing, verbal fluency, and simple and choice reaction times. In addition, n-3 PUFA supplements were not associated with improvements in cognitive decline or with any effects on Alzheimer disease in elderly people. n-3 PUFA supplements may significantly improve cognitive development in infants but do not improve cognitive performance in children, adults, or the elderly. n-3 PUFA intake, especially that of DHA supplements, may benefit cognitive development during infancy.

The debate on omega 3: recent developments

Long-chain omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA entered the nutrition and cardiovascular pharmacology fields quite recently, after the now famous studies of Bang and Dyrberg were published in the second half of the XX century. These molecules have a wide spectrum of activities, whose precise nature is often difficult to classify. For example they can be derived from food (in particular from appropriate diets) and yet they sometimes need to be taken as supplements: some of their favorable effects on the cardiovascular system, on the other hand, can only be obtained following pharmacological treatments that supply up to ten-twenty times the amounts usually present in Western diets. The triple connotation of EPA and DHA (food components, supplements, and drugs) translates into the positive effects that have been attributed to their regular consumption. It is not rare to read scientific papers in which a hypotriglyceridemic action is ascribed to “dietary” doses, whereas only pharmacological treatment can achieve this result. Yet, even at appropriate doses omega 3 fatty acids have been recently criticized. Some trials and a meta-analysis did negate the cardioprotective activities of omega 3 fatty acids that had been previously reported by, e.g., the famous GISSI-Prevenzione study carried out in Italy in the ’90s. The review by Connye N. Kuratko, Coleen C. Nolan, and Norman Salem Jr. published in this issue of Nutrafoods delivers an in-depth analysis of these complex issues and provides readers with information necessary to interpret the manifold physiological and functional actions of omega 3 fatty acids. Indeed, their effects recently extended to areas that are being now explored. As an example, in addition to the anti-arrhythmic activities and those on triglyceridemia and heart rate control, actions on inflammation and on endothelial function have been explored. In addition, recent data suggest that omega 3 fatty acids stabilize atherosclerotic plaques via increased fibrous cap thickness and reduction of inflammatory infiltration. How can we reconcile this increasing knowledge of omega 3-mediated cardioprotective mechanisms with the disappointing results stemming from clinical trials of pharmacological use we mentioned above? One potential answer can be found after careful analysis of how randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled studies are carried out. In these protocols the drug at study is added “on top” of an established “best treatment”. In fact, this model may underestimate the effects of a compound added to pharmacological treatment, especially if the tested molecule (as in the case of omega 3 fatty acids) shares effects such as anti-inflammation, amelioration of endothelial function, plaque stabilization with established therapeutic agents, i.e. statins.

Frequencies and demographic determinants of breastfeeding and DHA supplementation in a nationwide sample of mothers in Germany

German guidelines recommend breast milk as ideal for infant's nutrition, supporting exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months. Moreover, in mothers with insufficient fish intake, DHA status may be improved by supplementation during pregnancy and lactation. However, little is known on current rates of breastfeeding and DHA supplementation in Germany. The objective of this study was to analyse frequencies and demographic determinants of breastfeeding and DHA supplementation in Germany. Data derived from a nationwide consumer survey of 986 mothers with children between 5 and 36 months of age in Germany. 78.3% reported that they ever breastfed their children, and 55.6% of the mothers exclusively breastfed for at least 4 months. Mothers who did not breastfeed were less likely to be informed by their paediatrician or midwife and were more often not informed at all; 27.8% of mothers used DHA supplements during pregnancy, 16.8% postnatal. DHA supplementation was more common in women with a high versus a low fish intake. The social status was the major determinant of breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity and also DHA supplementation. Breastfeeding initiation and duration of exclusive breastfeeding in Germany need to be improved. Professional counselling and support, with a focus on mothers from lower social classes, appears necessary to increase current rates of breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusiveness, but also to ensure a sufficient supply with DHA in pregnant and lactating women, particularly in women with low fish consumption.

Beneficial n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels and n6:n3 ratios after 4-week EPA + DHA supplementation associated with reduced CRP: A pilot study in healthy young adults

Chronic systemic inflammation is associated with many conditions of aging such as atherosclerosis. Lowering high n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratios are commonly found in Western diets aids in preventing inflammatory-related diseases. However, it is not clear whether dietary interventions designed to alter n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios can reduce systemic inflammation in younger adults. Studies that evaluate PUFA intake often use subjective data from food frequency questionnaires or food records rather than more precise physiological measures of PUFAs (e.g. plasma levels). Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study that analyzed data from the experimental parent study of younger adults (n = 18), was to determine whether plasma PUFA levels were associated with levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, and if supplementation with n-3 PUFAs was correlated with rising n-3 PUFA concentrations in plasma and decreasing n-6:n-3 ratios. In the parent study, participants received daily either placebo or n-3 PUFA softgels (1.6 g eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and 1.2 g docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]). EPA and DHA are the biologically active components in fish oil. Measures included blood for PUFA quantification at baseline and four weeks later, when blister wounds were created and wound fluid and saliva were collected. The saliva samples were used to measure CRP in the present study. We report that CRP was significantly and negatively correlated with total n-3 PUFAs (tau-β = ?0.373, p = 0.031) and positively correlated with n-6:n-3 ratios (tau-β = 0.320, p = 0.063). Those consuming EPA + DHA supplements had significantly higher concentrations of total n-3 PUFAs and significantly lower n-6:n-3 ratios (p The present study has shown that beneficial levels of n-3 PUFAs and n-6:n3 ratios were achieved with 4-weeks of EPA + DHA supplementation and were associated with reduced CRP in young adults. EPA + DHA supplementation for some young adults may help prevent inflammatory conditions later in life.

Characteristic of lipids and fatty acid compositions of the neon flying squid, Ommastrephes bartramii

The lipids and fatty acids of the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii) were an-alyzed to clarify its lipid physiology and health benefit as marine food. Triacylglycerols were the only major component in the digestive gland (liver). In all other organs (mantle, arm, integument, and ovary), sterols and phospholipids were the major components with noticeable levels of ceramide aminoethyl phosphonate and sphingomyelin. The significant levels of sphingolipids suggest the O. bartramii lipids is a useful source for cosmetics. Although the lipid content between the liver and all other tissues markedly differed from each other, the same nine dominant fatty acids in the triacylglycerols were found in all organs; 14:0, 16:0, 18:0, 18:1n-9, 20:1n-9, 20:1n-11, 22:1n-11, 20:5n-3 (icosapentaenoic acid, EPA), and 22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA). Unusually high 20:1n-11 levels in the O. bartramii triacylglycerols were probably characteristic for western Pacific animal depot lipids, compared with non-detectable levels of 20:1n-11 reported in other marine animals. O. bartramii concurrently has high levels of DHA in their triacylglycerols. The major fatty acids in the phospholipids were 16:0, 18:0, 20:1n-9, EPA, and DHA without 20:1n-11. Markedly high levels of both EPA and DHA were observed in phosphatidylethanolamine, while only DHA was found as the major one in phosphatidylcholine. In particular, high levels of DHA were found both in its depot triacylglycerols and tissue phospholipids in all organs of O. bartramii, similar to that in highly migratory fishes. The high DHA levels in all its organs suggest that O. bartramii lipids is a healthy marine source for DHA supplements.

Table of Contents

AbstractDHA Supplements During Pregnancy for Postpartum Depression Not EffectiveDextromethorphan Plus Quinidine to Be Approved for Pseudobulbar AffectEffects of Duloxetine on Antipsychotic Drug ConcentrationsDHA Supplementation Fails to Slow DementiaFDA Proposes Plan to Reduce Opioid AbuseRisperidone LAI for Schizophrenia Relapse PreventionAntidepressant Efficacy for MDD and Comorbid Axis III DisordersResidual Effects of Zolpidem on Next‐Day DrivingRisperidone Long‐Acting Injection in Huntington's DiseaseNovember 2010 Safety Labeling ChangesNew Approvals

Is there a dietary requirement for DHA in pregnancy?

The metabolic demand for docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3, DHA) is increased during pregnancy because of the extra needs of the fetus, expanded maternal cell mass and placenta. In Western countries maternal dietary DHA intake in pregnancy is low and it is not clear whether adaptive metabolic mechanisms, such as increased DHA synthesis from precursor fatty acids, are capable of meeting the increased DHA need in pregnancy. Consequently randomized controlled trials are important to determine whether additional dietary DHA in pregnancy modifies maternal or infant health outcomes. The available randomized comparisons of DHA supplements vs placebo have assessed outcomes as diverse as maternal depression, infant visual acuity and development, and infant growth and allergy. The outcomes of these trials have not been conclusive because they have often been limited by small sample size. On the other hand, large-scale trials assessing marine oil supplementation with large doses indicate that DHA supplementation in pregnancy is safe.