Consumption Of Fatty Fish Research Articles

Lifestyle and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D among community-dwelling old adults with dementia, mild cognitive impairment, or normal cognitive function.

Several studies have indicated that older adults with cognitive impairment have a poorer lifestyle than their healthy peers including lower 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels (25OHD). To investigate the associations between lifestyle and 25OHD depending on cognitive status among old adults. Community-dwelling old adults (65-96years) participated in this cross-sectional study based on the Age-Gene/Environment-Susceptibility-Reykjavik-Study. The analytical sample included 5162 subjects who were stratified by cognitive status, i.e., dementia (n = 307), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 492), and normal cognitive status (NCS, n = 4363). Lifestyle variables were assessed and 25OHD was measured. The associations between lifestyle and 25OHD were calculated using linear models correcting for potential confounders. According to linear regression models, 25OHD was significantly lower in older people with dementia (53.8 ± 19.6nmol/L) than in NCS participants (57.6 ± 17.7nmol/L). Cod liver oil (7.1-9.2nmol/L, P < 0.001) and dietary supplements (4.4-11.5nmol/L, P < 0.001) were associated with higher 25OHD in all three groups. However, physical activity ≥ 3h/week (2.82nmol/L, P < 0.001), BMI < 30kg/m2 (5.2nmol/L, P < 0.001), non-smoking (4.8nmol/L, P < 0.001), alcohol consumption (2.7nmol/L, P < 0.001), and fatty fish consumption ≥ 3x/week (2.6nmol/L, P < 0.001) were related to higher 25OHD in NCS only, but not in participants with dementia or MCI. Older people living in Iceland with dementia are at higher risk for 25OHD deficiency when compared to healthy individuals. Physical activity reported among participants with dementia, and MCI is low and is not significantly associated with 25OHD. Lifestyle factors among NCS participants are associated with 25OHD levels. Importantly, healthy lifestyle should be promoted among individuals with MCI and dementia.

Effect of fatty fish or nut consumption on concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in overweight or obese men and women: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Background and aimsWhile excess energy intake and physical inactivity constitute the obvious causes of body fat accumulation, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are novel factors that have been linked to cardiometabolic disorders. Major sources of POPs are animal fats including fatty fish. Given the putative protective effects of fish on cardiovascular disease, we explored whether high consumption of fatty fish increased serum concentrations of POPs. Methods and resultsMen and women aged 35–70 years with body mass index between 25 and 38 kg/m2 and at least 1 cardiometabolic component were randomized to high intakes of fatty fish (mostly farmed salmon, ∼630 g/week; n = 45), high intakes of nuts (∼200 g/week; n = 42) or a control group following their usual diet but restricting fatty fish and nuts for 6 months (n = 44). Concentrations of 15 POPs (5 organochlorinated compounds, 2 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls and 8 non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls) and cardiometabolic risk factors were measured at baseline and end of the study. Results showed that changes in concentrations of individual and classes of POPs did not differ between the dietary groups and controls (p > 0.05). Among cardiometabolic risk factors HDL-cholesterol increased in the fatty fish group compared to controls (+0.10 mmol/L, CI (0.05–0.20); p = 0.005) while no changes were observed in the group consuming nuts. ConclusionFatty fish consumption for 6 months did not increase the serum concentrations of POPs in individuals with overweight or obesity and metabolic risk. While this finding appears reassuring regarding short-term intakes of farmed salmon, long term variations in POPs in adipose stores require further study.

The association between types of seafood intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

Background: Seafood is the main source of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs) with beneficial health effects; however, findings on the association between the consumption of different types of seafood and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are conflicting. Our objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the relationship between different types of fish/seafood and the risk of T2DM in adult populations. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science (ISI) databases was performed for cohort studies, published in English, before 1 September 2017. Multivariate adjusted relative risk (RR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each category of seafood were pooled to examine the association. Results: Comparing the highest vs. lowest fatty fish intake categories indicated that there was a significant inverse association between the consumption of fatty fish and onset of T2DM (RR:0.89; 95 % CI: 0.82, 0.98; I2: 0%, P=0.54). However, after performing sensitivity analysis, we found that eliminating one study resulted in a non-significant association (RR: 0.93; 95 % CI:0.80, 1.09). There were no significant associations between lean fish (RR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.87,1.22, I2: 51.0%, P=0.08), seafood other than fish (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.83, 1.10, I2: 71.2%,P=0.002), fish products (RR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.13, I2:0%, P=0.62), and fried fish (RR: 1.02;95% CI: 0.83, 1.26, I2:71.2%, P=0.06) and T2DM risk. Conclusion: The risk of T2DM was not associated with the intake of lean fish, seafood other than fish, and fish products. However, due to the low robustness of findings regarding protective roles of oily fish, more longitudinal studies are needed to clarify this association.

Determinants of persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations in human breast milk of a cross-sectional sample of primiparous mothers in Belgium

BackgroundBio-accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment and in the food chain can lead to high pollutant concentrations in human fat-containing tissues and breast milk. ObjectivesWe aimed to identify the maternal characteristics that determined POP concentrations in breast milk of primiparous mothers in Belgium. MethodsBreast milk samples were obtained from a cross-sectional sample of 206 primiparous mothers in 2014. POP concentrations in breast milk samples were determined by GC-ECNI-MS and GC-EI-MS/MS depending on the analytes' sensitivity. Associations between POP concentrations in breast milk and potential determinants were investigated using two-way contingency tables and multivariable generalized linear models. ResultsFifteen of the 23 screened POPs were detected in the breast milk samples. Four organochlorine compounds (p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, HCB and β-HCH) and two brominated flame retardant congeners (BDE-47, BDE-153) were detected at concentrations above the limit of quantification in >50% of the breast milk samples. Maternal age and BMI were usually associated with higher POP concentrations. Rural residency and consumption of home-produced eggs, fatty fish and fish oil supplements were associated with higher concentrations of DDT and DDE. Consumption of fatty fish and being breastfed during childhood were associated with higher concentrations of HCB and β-HCH. Fish oil supplements and home-produced eggs were associated with higher concentrations of BDEs, but for BDE congeners exposure routes other than diet require further investigation. ConclusionsDietary and non-dietary determinants predict individual POP concentrations in breast milk.

Associations of n-3 Fatty Acids and Fish Consumption with the Metabolic Syndrome in College Students (P18-022-19)

ObjectivesEvidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) and fish consumption may reduce the risk of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in older adults. We previously reported that MetS components are prevalent among college students. Identifying modifiable risk factors of developing MetS and its components in young adults will inform potential targets to reduce the risk of age-related health conditions. Our objectives were to measure the cross-sectional impacts of n-3 FA and fish consumption on ≥2 or ≥3 MetS criteria and individual criteria among college students. MethodsThe College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey is an on-going cross-sectional study at a public New England college. We examined data from Jan 2008 – May 2017. After excluding those with missing data our final sample size was n = 4271 for n-3 FA &n = 2072 for fish intake analyses. Diet was assessed by a 3 day food record; MetS criteria were collected in fasted state. We expressed n-3 FAs as g/1000 kcals/d. Servings of fish/week was obtained via an online survey. Individuals were categorized as consuming ≥ 2 servings/week or not. MetS was defined as meeting ≥ 3 criteria: elevated glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, waist circumference, and low HDL. Analyses were conducted by logistic regression. ResultsThe average n-3 FA intake was 0.4 g/1000 kcal/d ± 0.25 & 40% consumed ≥ 2 servings of fish/week. Prevalence estimates for meeting ≥ 2 criteria was 18.8% and 4.8% for MetS. In sex- and energy- adjusted models, n-3 FA consumption was inversely associated with MetS (OR = 0.38; 95%CI: 0.20, 0.71) and ≥2 MetS criteria (OR = 0.67; 95%CI: 0.49, 0.91). Associations were no longer significant after considering additional confounders. Fish consumption was not significantly associated with MetS or ≥2 criteria in any model. Further n-3 FAs and fish consumption was not associated with any individual MetS criteria. ConclusionsIn this cross-sectional study among college students, n-3 FA and fish consumption were not significantly associated with MetS outcomes. Further research is needed in this population using longitudinal study designs to understand long-term impact of n-3 consumption on the development of MetS and associated cardio metabolic risk factors in young adults. Funding SourcesNew Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project 1010738.

Maternal Fatty Fish Intake Prior to and during Pregnancy and Risks of Adverse Birth Outcomes: Findings from a British Cohort.

Fish is an important source of the essential fatty acids contributing to foetal growth and development, but the evidence linking maternal fatty fish consumption with birth outcomes is inconsistent. In the UK, pregnant women are recommended to consume no more than two 140 g portions of fatty fish per week. This study aimed to investigate the association between fatty fish consumption before and during pregnancy with preterm birth and size at birth in a prospective birth cohort. Dietary intake data were acquired from a cohort of 1208 pregnant women in Leeds, UK (CARE Study) to assess preconception and trimester-specific fatty fish consumption using questionnaires. Multiple 24-h recalls during pregnancy were used to estimate an average fatty fish portion size. Intake was classified as ≤2, >2 portions/week and no fish categories. Following the exclusion of women taking cod liver oil and/or omega-3 supplements, the associations between fatty fish intake with size at birth and preterm delivery (<37 weeks gestation) were examined in multivariable regression models adjusting for confounders including salivary cotinine as a biomarker of smoking status.. The proportion of women reporting any fatty fish intake decreased throughout pregnancy, with the lowest proportion observed in trimester 3 (43%). Mean intakes amongst consumers were considerably lower than that recommended, with the lowest intake amongst consumers observed in the 1st trimester (106 g/week, 95% CI: 99, 113). This was partly due to small portion sizes when consumed, with the mean portion size of fatty fish being 101 g. After adjusting for confounders, no association was observed between fatty fish intake before or during pregnancy with size at birth and preterm delivery.

The effect of Atlantic salmon consumption on the cognitive performance of preschool children – A randomized controlled trial

Long chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids (LC-PUFA) are of functional and structural importance for brain development. Observational studies have shown positive relations between fatty fish consumption and cognitive performance in children, but Results from intervention studies using supplementary n-3 LC-PUFA are conflicting. Salmon is a good source of n-3 LC-PUFA, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We tested the hypothesis that an increased dietary salmon intake results in better cognitive outcomes than a meat based diet. Children (n=205, age 4-6 years) in this trial were individually randomized to eating meals containing farmed Atlantic salmon or meat three times weekly for 16 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention a cognitive test (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 3rd edition, WPPSI-III) and a fine-motor coordination test (Nine Hole Peg Test, 9-HPT) were performed. Biochemical analyses included glycerophospholipid fatty acid profiles in plasma and cheek cells, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and urinary iodine concentration. Dietary intake before and during the study were determined using food frequency questionnaires. Intakes of EPA, DHA, vitamin D and iodine were higher in the salmon than the meat group, but on biomarker level only EPA and DHA increased significantly in the salmon group compared to the meat group (p<0.001). In general linear models no significant differences between the intervention groups were found in the scale scores of the WPPSI-III tests and the 9-HPT. In analyses of the raw scores, the salmon group showed significantly better improvement in two of the eight raw scores compared to the meat group (symbol search p=0.038, picture concepts p=0.047). Intake of farmed Atlantic salmon led to a greater increase of the raw scores of the picture concept and symbol search subtests, while in the six other subtests raw scores were not different between the groups. This might indicate a modest positive association of salmon intake with the performance of preschool children in some subtests evaluating fluid intelligence but does not suggest an influence on global IQ development. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT01951937.

Seafood Consumption, Omega-3 Fatty Acids Intake, and Life-Time Prevalence of Depression in the PREDIMED-Plus Trial.

Background: The aim of this analysis was to ascertain the type of relationship between fish and seafood consumption, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) intake, and depression prevalence. Methods: Cross-sectional analyses of the PREDIMED-Plus trial. Fish and seafood consumption and ω-3 PUFA intake were assessed through a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Self-reported life-time medical diagnosis of depression or use of antidepressants was considered as outcome. Depressive symptoms were collected by the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between seafood products and ω-3 PUFA consumption and depression. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to assess the association between fish and long-chain (LC) ω-3 PUFA intake and depressive symptoms. Results: Out of 6587 participants, there were 1367 cases of depression. Total seafood consumption was not associated with depression. The odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quintiles of consumption of fatty fish were 0.77 (0.63–0.94), 0.71 (0.58–0.87), and 0.78 (0.64–0.96), respectively, and p for trend = 0.759. Moderate intake of total LC ω-3 PUFA (approximately 0.5–1 g/day) was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of depression. Conclusion: In our study, moderate fish and LC ω-3 PUFA intake, but not high intake, was associated with lower odds of depression suggesting a U-shaped relationship.

Are we really what we eat? Nutrition and its role in the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.

Accumulating research evidence suggests that individual dietary factors and dietary patterns might be implicated in the risk of development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This narrative review aims to present this evidence and provide nutritional recommendations for reducing RA risk in susceptible individuals. Overall, a 'Western' type diet rich in energy intake, total and saturated fat, an unbalanced ratio of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids, high in refined carbohydrates and sugar and low in fiber and antioxidants might increase the risk of RA both directly through increasing inflammation and indirectly through increasing insulin resistance and obesity, with the latter being a known risk factor for RA. On the contrary, consumption of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, derived from fish and fish oil, is associated with a reduced risk of RA probably due to their anti-inflammatory properties. The Mediterranean diet (MD), rich in plant-based foods such as wholegrains, legumes, fruit, vegetables, extra-virgin olive oil and low in red meat consumption, might have the potential to reduce the risk of RA. Based on current research evidence, it is suggested that adherence to the MD enhanced with an increased consumption of fatty fish, reduced consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and maintenance of a normal body weight, contributes to reducing the risk of RA. Further research on RA susceptibility will allow for more specific dietary recommendations to be made.

Exploring solutions for healthy, safe, and sustainable fatty acids (EPA and DHA) consumption in The Netherlands

Advisory bodies such as the World Health Organization and the Dutch Health Council (DHC) recommend including fatty fish in one’s diet, based on the health benefits of their content of n − 3 poly unsaturated fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid—EPA and docosahexaenoic acid—DHA) being, i.e., the reduction of the risk of fatal cardio vascular disease and stroke. These dietary advices on these fatty acids’ (e.g., fatty fish) consumption are only based on the expected health benefits. But what would a dietary advice look like when the health benefits were weighed up against relevant sustainability and food safety considerations? The aim of the current study was to explore the consequences for safety, health, and sustainability of solutions to meet the DHC’s recommendation on EPA/DHA consumption. To this end, first, the health, food safety, and sustainability perspectives of the current fish production and consumption, being the main source of EPA/DHA, were identified. Second, alternative diet scenarios, meeting the daily advised intake of EPA/DHA, were collected and subsequently judged on their health, safety and (environmental) sustainability characteristics. To enable structuring the process of finding solutions for such complex problems, a specific framework was applied: solution-focused sustainability assessment. Based on stakeholder consultation, three scenarios were assessed: higher production and consumption of fatty fish (here: farmed salmon); increased human use of by-catch and discards; and increased consumption of alternative EPA/DHA sources (here: walnuts). It appeared that only in the scenario of increased use of by-catch and discards, the effects on human health and the environment and resources coincide, whereas in the other two scenarios, the positive health effects are expected to result in one or more negative effects on the environment. Besides, increased fish consumption causes more food safety problems; however, if one changes his/her diet and replaces meat by fish, this will lead to a net higher food safety. The analysis shows the sustainability limits of increased production and consumption of fatty fish and alternative EPA/DHA sources. This can support policy makers in setting goals and deciding on measures to encourage healthy and environmentally sustainable fish (i.e., EPA/DHA) consumption. Furthermore, this study shows in general the impact a policy initiative focusing on health aspects only can have on other aspects, such as environment and food safety. It emphasizes the added value of integrative assessments, which cover multiple effects when designing new sustainable policies.

Fish consumption, fish oil supplements and risk of atherosclerosis in the Troms\xf8 study

BackgroundWhether long-chain n–3 PUFAs of marine origin have an anti-atherogenic effect in the general population has hardly been studied. In this population-based study, we hypothesized that fatty fish and fish oil intake protect against development of novel atherosclerotic plaques and is associated with reduced plaque size.MethodsWe obtained questionnaire-based information on fish consumption and carotid ultrasonography from 3900 persons aged 45–74 years. The questionnaires were validated by measuring serum concentrations of PUFAs and triglycerides in a subgroup. At follow-up seven years later, 2983 (76%) went through a second ultrasound scanning. Logistic regression and general linear models were used to analyze the outcome (plaque presence and plaque area) as a function of fish consumption, including analyses stratified on fish oil supplements.ResultsAt baseline, lean fish intake < 1 time/week vs. 1–1.9 times/week was associated with risk of plaque (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.03–1.76). Fatty fish intake and use of fish oil supplements were not statistically significantly associated with atherosclerosis at baseline. In persons without plaque at baseline, total fish consumption ≥3 times/week vs. 1–1.9 times/week was associated with risk of novel plaque (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.01–1.73) and larger plaque area (1.76 mm2 vs. 1.46 mm2, p = 0.02) at follow-up. Adjustments for use of fish oil supplements had no impact on the associations, and no interactions were seen between total, fatty or lean fish consumption and fish oil intake.ConclusionsWe found no protective effect of fatty fish eating or fish oil supplements on atherosclerotic plaque formation or plaque area in a general population. Lean fish consumption was associated with a reduced risk for plaque in cross-sectional analysis, suggesting that the beneficial effects of fish consumption on atherosclerosis may be mediated through other mechanisms than n-3 PUFAs.

The effects of fatty fish intake on adolescents\u2019 nutritional status and associations with attention performance: results from the FINS-TEENS randomized controlled trial

:BackgroundAdolescence involves changes in dietary habits that may induce imbalances in the intake of different nutrients. Fish is an important dietary source of omega-3 (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), vitamin D, several minerals and high-quality protein. By using secondary outcomes and exploratory analyses, the aims of this paper were to evaluate if nutritional biomarkers (red blood cell fatty acids, serum (s)-25(OH)D, s-ferritin and urinary iodine concentration (UIC)) were altered during a dietary intervention, and if they mediated previously reported changes in attention performance. In addition, to examine the status of the biomarkers and explore associations between dietary pattern, biomarkers and attention performance cross-sectionally at baseline.MethodsThe Fish Intervention Studies-TEENS (FINS-TEENS) was a three-armed intervention trial, including adolescents from eight secondary schools (n = 415; age: 14–15y) in Bergen, Norway. Participants were individually randomized to receive either fish meals, meat meals or n-3 LCPUFA supplements, three times a week for a total of 12 weeks. Blood and urine samples were collected pre and post intervention and attention performance was assessed with the d2 test of attention. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) assessed differences between groups in changes of biomarkers and linear mixed models were applied in analyses of attention performance and biomarkers. The trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02350322).ResultsAt baseline, the mean omega-3 index was 5.8 ± 1.3% and deficient status were identified for s-25(OH)D (54%), s-ferritin (10%) and UIC (40%). The intervention resulted in an increase in DHA and the omega-3 index which was larger in the supplement group compared to the fish and meat group (P < 0.01), and in the fish group compared to the meat group (P < 0.01). No differences between the groups were observed for changes in 25(OH)D, s-ferritin or UIC. None of the biomarkers mediated performance in the d2 test. The intake of fatty fish and a healthy dietary pattern was associated with scores in processing speed at baseline.ConclusionsThese results show that Norwegian adolescents have insufficient status of important nutrients, which may be improved with fatty fish consumption or n-3 LCPUFA supplements. However, nutritional status was not associated with scores in the d2 test of attention.

Age and IQ Explained Working Memory Performance in a RCT with Fatty Fish in a Group of Forensic Inpatients.

To investigate the effect of a long-term fatty fish intervention on a pure cognitive mechanism important for self-regulation and mental health, i.e. working memory (WM), controlling for age and IQ. A randomized controlled trial. A forensic facility. Eighty-four young to middle aged male forensic inpatients with psychiatric disorders. Consumption of farmed salmon or control meal (meat) three times a week during 23 weeks. Performance on WM tasks, both accuracy and mean reaction time, were recorded pre and post intervention. Performance on a cognitive functioning tasks taxing WM seemed to be explained by age and IQ. Fatty fish consumption did not improve WM performance in a group of young to middle aged adults with mental health problems, as less impressionable factors such as aging and intelligence seemed to be the key components. The present study improves the knowledge concerning the interaction among nutrition, health and the aging process.

Children's Hair Mercury Concentrations and Seafood Consumption in Five Regions of Japan.

Exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) during the foetal and postnatal periods is known to have adverse effects on children's development. However, little attention has been paid to MeHg exposure during early childhood in Japan. To examine the regional differences in MeHg exposure and seafood consumption and the association between MeHg exposure and seafood consumption and dental metal restorations, we measured the total mercury (T-Hg) concentration in hair as an MeHg exposure index, and using questionnaires, we measured the frequency and amount of seafood consumption and the presence of dental metal restorations in 118 children aged 3-6years in five regions of Japan. The arithmetic and geometric means of the T-Hg concentrations in hair were 1.03 and 0.87ppm, respectively, and approximately 40% of the children exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency recommendation of 1.0ppm. Significant regional differences in the hair T-Hg concentrations were found among the five regions, and the regional differences were consistent with the traditional regional patterns of eating fatty fish. According to the regression analysis, the consumption of fatty fish, particularly tuna/swordfish, had a significant effect on hair T-Hg concentrations, whereas age, sex, the materials used for dental metal restorations, and other types of seafood or fish/shellfish had no significant effects.

The microbiome and food that fuels the fire of inflammation

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), encompassing two main conditions – Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are multifactorial chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases with increasing incidence worldwide, especially in countries adopting a westernized lifestyle. Recent findings point towards a major impact of diet on human health since it can affect both the gut microbiota and the host response. Epidemiological studies have identified that the consumption of processed food, red meat, saturated fat and low fibre/vegetables are high-risk factors for IBD, while the consumption of fatty fish, fermentable fibres and vegetables lowers risk for IBD. Experimental studies have supported these findings. Animals fed certain specific diets demonstrate alterations in host immune responses and microbiota composition including the blooming of pathobionts as a result of diet treatment. Recent seminal studies have also provided evidence on the role of food additives such as emulsifiers in IBD and metabolic diseases. In the future, controlled trials and mechanistic studies will identify diet-induced beneficial or triggering mechanisms which will lead to the development of new treatment strategies for these debilitating diseases.

Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, fish consumption, and endometrial cancer risk: a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies

The relationship between intake of fish and n-3 fatty acids and endometrial cancer risk has not been consistent across epidemiological studies. We quantitatively assessed the aforementioned association through a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed and Embase were searched through March 2017 for eligible epidemiological studies. Fixed or random-effects models were used to pool relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The dose-response relationship was also evaluated. Based on the literature search, five prospective studies and 11 case-control studies were identified. All 16 studies were categorized as high-quality studies. After pooling available risk estimates, no significant association was detected between overall fish intake and endometrial cancer risk. In subgroup analyses, every one additional serving/week of fish intake was significantly associated with inversed endometrial cancer risk in studies adjusted for smoking (RR (95% CI): 0.95 (0.91–1.00)), or studies performed in Europe (RR (95% CI): 0.90 (0.84–0.97)), but not in other tested subgroups. In studies conducted in Asia, there was significant positive association (RR (95% CI): 1.15 (1.10–1.21)). Regarding n-3 PUFA intake, marginally inverse associations of high EPA or DHA intake were detected (EPA: RR (95% CI) = 0.79 (0.61–1.04); DHA: RR (95% CI) = 0.85 (0.64–1.11)). Dose-response analyses suggested a significant nonlinear relationship between DHA intake and endometrial cancer risk (p: 0.04). Overall, this meta-analysis suggests that intake of n-3 PUFA may be inversely associated with endometrial cancer risk at some level of evidence, although the exact relationship, especially for fish intake, needs further characterization. Further well-designed studies are warranted.

Fish consumption, intake of fats and cognitive decline at middle and older age: the Doetinchem Cohort Study.

To get insight in the impact of fish and fat intake in the prevention of accelerated cognitive decline with ageing, we tested associations between fish and different fat intakes and 5-year change in cognitive functions. In 2612 men and women of the Doetinchem Cohort Study, aged 43-70years at baseline, dietary intake (including fish consumption) and cognitive function were assessed at baseline and at 5-year follow-up. Average fish consumption (frequency) and intakes (as energy percentages) of total fat, saturated, mono unsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), linoleic, docosahexaenoic, eicosapentaenoic, and a-linolenic acid (ALA), and cholesterol were averaged over baseline and follow-up. Intakes were studied in relation to 5-year change in global cognitive function, memory, information processing speed, and cognitive flexibility, using ANCOVA and multivariate linear regression analyses. No consistent association between (fatty) fish consumption and cognitive decline was observed. Higher cholesterol intake was associated with faster cognitive decline (p<0.05). Higher n-3 PUFA (especially ALA) intake was associated with slower decline in global cognitive function and memory (p<0.01). Intakes of other fatty acids were not associated with cognitive decline. Higher cholesterol intake was detrimental, while higher ALA intake was beneficial for maintaining cognitive function with ageing, already at middle age.

Low Omega‐3 Fatty Acid Status Found in Wellness Screening Participants

OBJECTIVE96% of Americans nationally have a sub‐optimal omega‐3 status. The objective of this study was to determine the omega‐3 index and its relationship to diet and dietary supplement use in by volunteers participating in the Healthyroads™ biometrics wellness screening administered at their work site by their employer.METHODS636 employees at 16 DSM worksites in the United States consented to have whole blood, finger stick fatty acid testing as part of their Healthyroads™ wellness biometrics screening, and a second omega‐3 test was offered 3 months later. The research protocol was designed in accordance with the Principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the New England IRB (#20160533) before subjects underwent any study‐related procedures. Basic demographics, a validated food frequency questionnaire, and a whole blood sample were collected at baseline and follow‐up. Blood samples were shipped to OmegaQuant LLC for fatty acid analysis and questionnaires for data collation and anonymization. Data were analyzed with SAS version 9.3. At the time of abstract submission, 7 sites and 135 participants had completed a second testing.RESULTS40% (N=252) of participants were female, and 25% (N=161) reported use of dietary supplements containing omega‐3 fatty acids. Participants reported mean intakes of 244±206 (±SD) mg/d EPA+DHA from foods and 183±454 mg/d EPA+DHA from supplements. Mean omega‐3 index (% EPA+DPA+DHA of total fatty acid concentration) was 4.9±0.2%; 29% had an omega‐3 index below 4%, 67% had an insufficient status (4% to 8%) and 3.6% had an adequate status (8% and above).Dietary supplement users' EPA+DHA intakes from food were higher (267±207 mg/d) than dietary supplement non‐users (236±205 mg/d), but this was not statistically significant. Total EPA+DHA intake were significantly higher in dietary supplement users (989±694 mg/d vs 236±205 mg/d, p&lt;0.001).Males had a significantly lower omega‐3 index (4.7±0.1%) than females (5.0±0.1%, p&lt;0.01). Dietary supplement users had a significantly higher omega‐3 index (6.0±0.2%) than non‐users (4.5%±0.1, p&lt;0.001). There was a significant, positive relationship between total EPA+DHA intake and omega‐3 index (β=0.0013, intercept=4.3, p&lt;0.001). For 135 individuals with a follow‐up visit, omega‐3 index was 5.2±0.2%, significantly higher than at baseline (mean increase 0.2%, p=0.03).CONCLUSIONSLess than 5% of employees participating in the Healthyroads™ biometrics wellness screening had an adequate omega‐3 index (&gt;8%). Both regular consumption of fatty fish and use of omega‐3 dietary supplements were associated with higher whole blood concentrations of EPA+DHA. Preliminary findings from a limited number of sites finds that participants who elected to undergo a follow‐up omega‐3 test, after receiving the results from their first test, had taken action to increase their omega‐3 index.

Lean Fish Consumption Is Associated with Beneficial Changes in the Metabolic Syndrome Components: A 13-Year Follow-Up Study from the Norwegian Tromsø Study.

Background: Fish consumption may have beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome (MetS); however, limited information of such associations exists. This study investigated possible associations between fish consumption and changes in MetS components during a 13-year follow-up period. Methods: The sample included participants (26–69 years) from the Tromsø Study 4 (1994–1995, n = 23,907) and Tromsø Study 6 (2007–2008, n = 12,981). Data were collected using questionnaires including food frequency questions, non-fasting blood samples, and physical examinations. MetS was defined using the Joint Interim Societies (JIS) definition, in which one point was given for each MetS criteria fulfilled (metabolic score). Longitudinal analyses were performed using Linear mixed models. Results: For both genders, lean fish consumption once a week or more was significantly associated with decreased future metabolic score, decreased triglycerides, and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, whereas decreased waist circumference and blood pressure was identified only for men (age adjusted models). Fatty fish consumption was significantly associated with increased waist circumference for both genders and increased HDL-cholesterol levels in men. Conclusion: The results suggest that fatty and lean fish consumption may influence MetS differently and that lean fish consumption in particular seems to be associated with beneficial changes in the MetS components.

Pattern of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and fish consumption and retinal vascular caliber in children and adolescents: A cohort study

We aimed to investigate whether fish and long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCn-3 PUFA) consumption changed appreciably during adolescence. We also assessed whether these dietary variables are associated with retinal microvascular signs (possible markers of future cardiovascular disease risk). 633 children had dietary data at ages 12 and 17. Fish and LCn-3 PUFA [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Retinal vessel caliber was quantified from digital photographs using computer software. Mean energy-adjusted intakes (mg/day) of total LCn-3 PUFA, EPA, and DHA at age 12 were 297.1±261.1; 102.5±106.9; and 129.7±137.7, respectively; and this increased significantly at age 17 to: 347.0±324.0 (p<0.0001); 122.5±132.7 (p = 0.0001); and 160.3±171.4 (p <0.0001), respectively. Increasing quartiles of LCn-3PUFA intake were associated with widening of mean retinal arteriolar caliber among 17-year old girls ~3.9 μm (multivariable-adjusted P-trend = 0.001). Girls who consumed ≥2 serves of fish/week versus those who did not had ~2.1 μm wider retinal arterioles (p = 0.03). No associations were observed among boys or with retinal venules. Mean dietary intakes of LCn-3 PUFA increased during adolescence, but are still below recommended levels of consumption. These results suggest that LCn-3 PUFA and fish intake might have a beneficial influence.