Wall Street Journal explores the benefits of omega 3s

Did anyone see yesterday's Wall Street Journal? Check out the article "Beyond the Heart, What Else Can Omega 3s Do?" in the Health & Wellness section. The article explains that while omega 3s are commonly known for their role in promoting heart health, they are also being researched for their potential role in the treatment of other conditions including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and rheumatoid arthritis.

The article goes on to explore the mechanisms by which omega 3s are believed to help maintain heart health including reducing inflammation and triglyceride levels.

To learn more about the roles of omega 3s in promoting health click here to read the online version of this article.

New Research: Autism, omega 3s and vitamin E

Exciting new research indicates that omega 3s, in combination with vitamin E, may yield improvements in children with autism. A study published this month in Alternative Therapies In Health And Medicine reveals that children who received omega 3 and vitamin E supplements showed significant improvement in areas including speech, imitation, coordination, eye contact, behavior, sensory issues and development of pain sensation.

For more information or to read a summary of this research, click here.

Morris CR, Agin MC. Syndrome of allergy, apraxia, and malabsorption: characterization of a neurodevelopmental phenotype that responds to omega 3 and vitamin E supplementation. Altern Ther Health Med. Aug2009;15(4):34-43.

Scientific Workshop Supports DRI for EPA+DHA

In June 2008, the Technical Committee on Dietary Lipids of the International Life Sciences Institute North America sponsored a 2-day workshop to review research data on eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids for heart benefits, cancer, and cognitive decline. Previously in 2002, the Institute of Medicine concluded there was insufficient evidence available to define Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for EPA and DHA. Since then, significant research data has emerged meriting a reassessment for DRI recommendations. The workshop concluded “consistent evidence from multiple research paradigms demonstrates a clear, inverse relationship between EPA+DHA intake and risk of fatal (and possibly nonfatal) coronary heart disease, providing evidence that supports a nutritionally achievable DRI for EPA+DHA between 250 and 500 mg/d.”

Researchers also note that evidence of beneficial effects of EPA+DHA for cognitive health is emerging. Epidemiological data suggests positive benefits from eating one fish meal per week on neurodegenerative diseases.

The article can be located in The Journal of Nutrition and Nutraingredients.com. Harris, W., et al. Towards establishing dietary reference intakes for eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. Journal of Nutrition. 139(4): 804S-819S, 2009.

http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/139/4/804S