Vloeibare Visolie

DHA tijdens zwangerschap

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:07:25 +0000

Hier vindt u informatie over een onderzoek uit 2007 over DHA tijdens zwangerschap

Het doel van deze website is om meer “evidence based research” informatie te geven over de Omega 3 vetzuren DHA, EPA en ALA. De makers van deze website kunnen niet aansprakelijk worden gesteld indien de informatie niet voldoet aan juistheid, volledigheid of effectiviteit. Het gebruik van de informatie geschiedt volledig op basis van eigen risico van de gebruiker.

Bron: http://www.dhaomega3.org/Eye-Visual-Health/A-Docosahexaenoic-Acid-Functional-Food-During-Pregnancy-Benefits-Infant-Visual-Acuity-at-Four-but-not-Six-Months-of-Ag

Omega 3 Research

A DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID-FUNCTIONAL FOOD DURING PREGNANCY BENEFITS INFANT VISUAL ACUITY AT FOUR BUT NOT SIX MONTHS OF AG

24 SEPTEMBER 2007

Reference:

A Docosahexaenoic Acid-Functional Food During Pregnancy Benefits Infant Visual Acuity at Four but not Six Months of Ag

Judge MP., et al., Lipids, 42: 117-122 (2007).

Department of Nutritional Sciences , University of Conneticut, Storrs, CT. Department of Statistics, University of Conneticut, Storrs, CT.Summary:

The present study was conducted in view of the physiological essentiality of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3) in the retina of the eye for optimal visual acuity in infants and the generally low intakes of DHA particularly during the last trimester of pregnancy where accelerated DHA accumulation in the brain and retina of infants occurs. In this study, 30 pregnant women were assigned to either a placebo group or to a treatment group where a DHA–containing functional food was consumed in the form of a cereal bar from 24 weeks of pregnancy to delivery. The basal diet as consumed by the women provided approximately 80mg/day such that the placebo control group and the group on the DHA-functional food had total daily DHA intakes of approximately 80mg/day and 294 mg DHA/day (with 214mg of DHA coming from the cereal bar), respectively.

As seen in the figure below showing the results from this study for infants tested via acuity card procedure (ACP) as a measure of visual acuity, the visual acuity scores were significantly higher (by 19%) in the infants from mothers consuming the DHA-enriched diet (via the DHA-containing functional food) as compared to those mothers on the basal diet. No significant difference in visual acuity in the infants was found between the two groups at 6 months of age. The authors conclude based on their results that DHA supplemented during pregnancy may play a supportive role in the maturation of the visual system in infants.

Dr. Holub’s Comments:

It is of interest to point out that the daily DHA intake form the base diet of these American women (80 mg/day) is very close to the daily DHA intake of 82 mg/day reported by our group at the University of Guelph via direct assessment. (J. Nutr. 135: 206-211, 2005) Such low intakes are reflective of a very modest intake of DHA-containing fish during pregnancy in North America where the average consumption of fish is approximately only one serving every 10 days with many women having intakes well below 80-82 mg DHA/day. While some fish (example, swordfish, shark, some types of tuna, others) are considered unsuitable for regular consumption during pregnancy due to contaminants (including methyl mercury) many other fatty fish rich in DHA (eg, salmon, rainbow trout, others) consumed at the level of 2-3 times per week can provide an average daily intake of approximately 250-300mg DHA/day. For the majority of the population who chose not to increase fish consumption for various reasons, the availability of DHA-containing functional foods such as those employed by the present investigators can offer important alternative sources of DHA during pregnancy. In addition, supplementation with DHA as well as folic acid (for the prevention of spina bifida in infants) is becoming increasingly popular as a means of ingesting these important nutrients during pregnancy.

DHA en zicht bij kinderen

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:04:08 +0000

Hier vindt u informatie over een onderzoek uit 2008 over DHA en zicht bij kinderen

Bron: http://www.dhaomega3.org/Eye-Visual-Health/Higher-DHA-Intakes-in-Preterm-Infants-and-Visual-Acuity

Omega 3 Research

HIGHER DHA INTAKES IN PRETERM INFANTS AND VISUAL ACUITY

26 OCTOBER 2008

Reference:

Higher Dose of Docosahexaenoic Acid in the Neonatal Period Improves Visual Acuity of Preterm Infants: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Smithers LG et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 88:1049-1056, 2008.

Women’s and Children’s Health Research Institute and Neonatal Medicine, Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service, North Adelaide, Australia.

Summary:

Randomized control trials have indicated an improvement in visual acuity and overall retinal sensitivity in infants receiving infant formula enriched with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) + arachidonic acid. The last trimester of gestation is a particularly active period for the accretion of DHA into retinal and neural tissues. The present study assessed visual responsiveness of pre-term infants (less than 32 weeks gestation) fed human milk and formula with a high DHA concentration (1% of milk fat) as compared to infants fed human milk and formula containing DHA at a level of approximately 0.3% of milk fat (standard practice). Both groups received similar concentrations of arachidonic acid (0.43-0.45% of total milk fat). The primary end-point measurement was a measure of visual acuity by sweep visual evoked potential (VEP) acuity at 4 months corrected age.

Visual acuity in the high-DHA group did not significantly differ from the control (low DHA) group at 2 months corrected age. However, the high-DHA group exhibited a significantly higher acuity at 4 months corrected age (mean value of 9.6 cycles per degree as compared to 8.2; the measured acuity was ultimately higher by 17% in the high-DHA group. The authors conclude that the DHA requirement (optimal intake) for preterm infants may be higher than that currently provided by preterm formula or human milk in Australian women.

Dr. Holub’s Comments:

These results from Australia emphasize the importance of ongoing clinical trials in both preterm and full-term infants with varying levels of DHA (with varying levels of arachidonic acid) to establish the optimal level of DHA to support neuronal and visual functioning in infants. In this regard, it is of interest to note that a recent study of the concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid in human breast milk worldwide showed dramatic differences across countries ranging from values of 0.12-0.20% of milk fat in Canada and the USA and up to concentrations of 0.99% and 1.40% in Japan and the Canadian Arctic, respectively (Brenna et al., 85:1457-1464 (2007)). The mean concentrations of DHA in breast milk (from 65 studies worldwide of 2474 women) was 0.32% by weight of milk fat as DHA and 0.47% in the case of arachidonic acid.

Visolie en oogziekten

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:00:34 +0000

Hier vindt u informatie over een onderzoek uit 2009 over visolie en oogziekten

Bron: http://www.dhaomega3.org/Eye-Visual-Health/Higher-Intakes-of-Fish-and-DHAEPA-Associated-with-Protection-against-Age-Related-Macular-Degeneration

Omega 3 Research

HIGHER INTAKES OF FISH AND DHA/EPA ASSOCIATED WITH PROTECTION AGAINST AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

29 OCTOBER 2009

Reference:

Dietary Fatty Acids and the 10-Year Incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Center for Vision Research, Department of

Ophthalmology, Westmead Millennium Institute, Australia

Tan et al., Arch. Ophthamol., 127: 656-665, 2009.

Summary:

This study involved an elderly Australian group wherein 3654 participants were examined at baseline and 2454 were examined 5 and/or 10 years later so as to evaluate any relationships between baseline dietary intakes of various fatty acids and the 10- year incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The so-called Blue Mountains Eye study indicated that increasing intakes of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids as DPA/EPA consumed in the form of fish (were associated with a significant reduced risk of developing early AMD) with better proximate 50% lowered apparent risk of developing early AMD in those with above-average intakes of DHA/EPA. it is noted that these latter effects were only seen among participants with lower intakes of linoleic acid (omega-6) as commonly found in certain plant oils such as corn oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, and other sources. The authors conclude that increased intakes of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (DHA+EPA) and regular consumption of fish in the diet may protect against the development of early AMD.

Dr. Holub’s Comments:

Relatively modest intakes of fish (at least one serving of fish per week) was sufficient to support a beneficial effect in reducing the risk of early AMD as compared to those individuals consuming less than one serving of fish per week. It is noteworthy that the average fish intake amounts to approximately one serving every ten days in North America and approximately less than 50% of the population consumed fish over a 7-day period. The present study adds to the potential benefits of greater consumption of fish and DHA/EPA for overall health in the population (as well as disease prevention / measurement) over and above the improvement of cognitive functioning, cardiovascular care, and other disorders which have received more intense investigation to date. It is of interest to note that the apparent protective effects of increased consumption of fish and DHA/EPA with respect to AMD incidence were evident in those having a reduced ratio of omega-6 : omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Such has not been found in other studies related to cardiovascular disease benefits where higher intakes of fish and DHA/EPA appear to be beneficial regardless of the omega-6 : omega-3 ratio in the diet. The mechanisms by which higher intakes of fish an DHA/EPA may be beneficial with respect to the risk of early AMD await further investigation.

EPA/DHA vermindert kans op oogziekten

admin — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:57:48 +0000

Hier vindt u informatie over een onderzoek uit 2009 over EPA/DHA vermindert kans op oogziekten

Bron: http://www.dhaomega3.org/Eye-Visual-Health/Higher-Intakes-of-DHAEPA-Associated-with-Lowest-Risk-for-Eye-Diseases

Omega 3 Research

HIGHER INTAKES OF DHA/EPA ASSOCIATED WITH LOWEST RISK FOR EYE DISEASES

07 JANUARY 2010

Reference:

Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake and 12-year Incidence of Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration and Central Geographic Atrophy: AREDS Report 30, a Prospective Cohort Study f

SanGiovanni, J. P. et al. , American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 90 : 1601-1607, 2009.

National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland , USA.

Summary:

A total of 1837 participants (ages 60 – over 70 years), with near equal representation of both genders , who were at moderate- to high-risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were followed for up to 12 years in relation to their DHA/EPA omega-3 intake and their progression to advanced AMD. AMD is an eye disease involving the retina which can significantly impair visual ability. During this period, 32 % of the subjects progressed to neovascular AMD. Interestingly, those with the highest average daily intakes of (DHA plus EPA) , amounting to 0.11 % of total daily energy (Calorie) intake had a 32 % lower risk of progressing to neovascular AMD when compared to those consuming only 0.013 energy %. Those with the higher intakes of DHA/EPA also exhibited a 35 % lower risk of developing ‘geographic atrophy’ which is another form of macular degeneration. The authors indicate that support for their findings from other studies could guide the development of low-cost preventive strategies including higher intakes of DHA/EPA to prevent progression to advanced AMD in the population.

Dr. Holub’s Comments:

Assuming that a typical intake per day in adults was approximately 2250 Calories , the highest average intake of DHA/EPA (sum) in the present study (reported as 0.11 % of daily energy intake) is the equivalent of 275 mg /person/day. This intake is approximately double that for current average intakes in North America and eight times that for the sector with the lowest intake (0.013 % of energy) in the present study (the equivalent of approx. 32 mg /person/day).

EPA/DHA en oogziekten

admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:48:56 +0000

Hier vindt u informatie over een onderzoek uit 2011 over EPA/DHA en oogziekten

Bron: http://www.dhaomega3.org/Eye-Visual-Health/Higher-DHAEPA-Intakes-and-Fish-and-Decreased-Occurrence-of-Macular-Degeneration-in-Women

Omega 3 Research

HIGHER DHA/EPA INTAKES AND FISH AND DECREASED OCCURRENCE OF MACULAR DEGENERATION IN WOMEN

14 MARCH 2011

Reference :

Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Fish Intake and Incident Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Women

Christen , W. G. et al., Arch. Ophthamol., in press , 2011

Div. of Preventive Medicine and Aging , Dept. of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

Summary :

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common disorder which can lead to severe vision loss in its advanced stages.The objective of the present study was to determine if higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids and fish could influence the occurrence of AMD over an extended time period in a large population of women on follow-up. For this purpose, 39,876 women (average age of 55 years) free of AMD at onset were assessed for their food/fish intakes via a food-frequency questionnaire along with estimation of their individual fatty acid intakes from nutrient compositions of the foods consumed. During an average follow-up period of 10 years, the development of AMD responsible for a reduction in visual acuity was determined.

Women in the highest tertile (top 33 %) with respect to DHA intakes (median intake of 230 mg /day) exhibited a 38 % lower risk for developing visually-significant AMD relative to those in the lowest tertile (median DHA intake of only 60 mg/day) when adjusting for numerous other factors (age, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking , others). Those in the highest tertile for EPA intakes and (DHA plus EPA ) intakes exhibited lowered risks of 34 % and 37 %, respectively, as compared to those in the lowest tertile. No significant reductions in risk were seen for higher intakes of alpha-linolenic omega-3 (ALA) or omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Total fish intakes of one or more servings per week were associated with a 42 % lower risk as compared to those women who rarely ate fish (less than one serving/month). The authors indicate that higher intakes of DHA/EPA and fish may be of significant benefit in the primary prevention of AMD.

Dr. Holub’s Comments :

A reduced formation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids from arachidonic acid (omega-6) upon the ingestion of DHA/EPA and the production of anti-inflammatory bioactive molecules known as resolvins and protectins from DHA/EPA are suggested to contribute to the reduced AMD with higher intakes of fish containing these long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The intake of the short-chain omega-3 fatty acid as ALA (mainly from plant-based food sources ) , which is ingested at approx. 10-times the level of DHA, did not show a preventive effect on AMD in this study. This likely reflects the very limited conversion of ALA to DHA/EPA in the human body (average of 3.5 % conversion efficiency from ALA to DHA in adults of mixed genders).

Omega 3 als ontstekingsremmer

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:44:15 +0000

Hier vindt u informatie over een onderzoek uit 2007 over Omega 3 als ontstekingsremmer

Bron: http://www.dhaomega3.org/Inflammatory-Diseases/Omega-3-Fatty-acids-fish-oil-as-an-anti-inflammatory-an-alternative-to-nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-for-discogenic-pain

Omega 3 Research

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS (FISH OIL) AS AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: AN ALTERNATIVE TO NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS FOR DISCOGENIC PAIN

26 SEPTEMBER 2007

Reference:

Omega-3 Fatty acids (fish oil) as an anti-inflammatory: an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain

Maroon JC and Bost JW, Surgical Neurology, 65 : 326-311 (2006).

Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, Pittsburgh , PA

Summary:

The authors evaluated the effect of supplementation with fish oil containing DHA/EPA omega-3 fatty acids in 250 patients who had been seen by a neurosurgeon and found to have nonsurgical neck or back pain. Pain symptoms including joint pain was assessed by questionnaire. The majority of the patients had degenerative disease and were already taking NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) which are discogenic spine pain (with 75 percent of the subjects on COX 2 inhibitors). The patients were asked to take omega-3 fatty acids (pharmaceutical-grade fish oil containing DHA plus EPA) at a dose of 2.4 g (DHA/EPA combined) for two weeks and then 1.2 g thereafter. After the initial two week period, they were instructed to taper off on their NSAIDs over 1-2 weeks. The average duration of time on DHA/EPA supplementation was 75 days. Supplementation with DHA/EPA omega-3 fatty acid was found to yield the following findings: 1) most patients (59%) stopped their NSAIDs and pain medicines after a 2 month period on fish oil. 2) the majority (60%) had less pain symptoms. 3) joint pain improved in 60% of the respondents. 4) 80% indicated satisfaction with fish oil supplementation containing DHA/EPA. The authors concluded that ‘… fish oil supplements appear to be a safer alternative to NSAIDs for treatment of nonsurgical neck or back pain in this select group’.

Dr. Holub’s Comments:

This open trial which strongly supports the possible alternative use of appropriate levels of DHA/EPA omega-3 as an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for discogenic pain is certainly deserving of follow up clinical trials. Future randomized controlled trials (placebo-controlled) in the target population (patients having nonsurgical neck or back pain) are warranted. The levels of DHA/EPA consumed daily in providing the apparent pain relief ranged from 1200 mg-2400 mg; these intake levels are below the optimal safe intake indicated by the Food and Drug Administration (3000 mg DHA/EPA combined per day from all sources).

It should be pointed out, that Dr. J. I. Ausman (MD, PhD and Editor of Surgical Neurology) concluded in an editorial (Surgical Neurology, 65:325 (2006)) entitled ‘Why Omega-3 Fatty Acids are Important to Neurosurgeons’ gave the following statement: “The importance of this work to neurosurgeons is that now there is an analgesic agent that can take the place of the COX-2 inhibitors and be used with no side effects.”

Omega 3 en ALS (Amyolotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

admin — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:50:30 +0000

Hier vindt u informatie over een onderzoek uit 2007 over Omega 3 en ALS (Amyolotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

Bron: http://www.dhaomega3.org/Nervous-System/Amyolotrophic-Lateral-Sclerosis-and-Omega-3-Fatty-Acids

Omega 3 Research

AMYOLOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS AND OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

21 SEPTEMBER 2007

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease is a rapidly progressing fatal motor neuron disease. In ALS, the neurons that innervate voluntary muscle are attacked and they eventually degenerate preventing messages from being sent to the muscle from the brain causing the muscles atrophy and fasciculate. Eventually the patient loses the ability to move their arms legs and body. Ultimately, the diaphragms and chest wall muscles fail and the person cannot breathe on their own resulting in death.

A recent case control study examined the possible association between the dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the risk of developing ALS. Cases were obtained by patients who had definite, probable or possible ALS according to the El Escorial criteria who had a specific ALS referral centre, PUFA intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire.

Energy adjusted dietary intake of PUFA’s had was associated with a decreased risk of developing ALS, as did vitamin E. Interaction analysis showed that the Odds Ratio (OR) for PUFA was decreased by almost 60%, additionally the OR for vitamin E was also decreased by almost 50%. The authors of this paper suggest that these findings may indicate a synergistic relationship between PUFAs and vitamin E.

This study demonstrated that a 50-60% decreased risk of developing ALS is associated with higher dietary intake of PUFAs and vitamin E independent total energy intake and possible confounding factors.

Veldink JH. Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E reduces the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurosurg Psychiatry. 000:1-6, 2006.

EPA/DHA supplementeren bij ouderen en eiwitsynthese

admin — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:26:29 +0000

Hier vindt u informatie over een onderzoek uit 2011 over EPA/DHA supplementeren bij ouderen en eiwitsynthese

Bron: http://www.dhaomega3.org/Fitness-Body/DHAEPA-Supplementation-Found-to-Increase-Muscle-Protein-Synthesis-in-Elderly

Omega 3 Research

DHA/EPA SUPPLEMENTATION FOUND TO INCREASE MUSCLE PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN ELDERLY

31 JANUARY 2011

Reference:

Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Increases the Rate of Muscle Protein Synthesis in Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Smith, G. et al., Am. J. Clinical Nutr., 93: 402-412 , 2011

Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Science, Washington University School of Medicine , Saint Louis, MO, USA

Summary:

The primary purpose of this research trial was to determine if omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources (as DHA/EPA) could influence muscle protein synthesis in older adults. This group was chosen since the loss of muscle mass with aging is a major public health concern. For this purpose, elderly adults (average age of 71 years) were randomly assigned to receive either supplementary corn oil (control group) or omega-3 (1.5 gm DHA plus 1.9 gm EPA daily ) for 8 weeks. Muscle protein synthesis was measured under basal conditions or in response to amino acid and insulin infusion using tracer technology (labeled amino acid) and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses. Corn oil supplementation had no effect on either the basal muscle protein synthesis rate or on the increase in the rate of muscle synthesis in response to amino acid and insulin infusion. In contrast , omega-3 supplementation had no effect on basal rates of muscle protein synthesis but significantly increased the response to amino acid and insulin infusion such that the fractional muscle protein synthesis rate was increased by 71 %..

Dr. Holub’s Comments:

Age-related ‘sarcopenia’ is characterized by a progressive decrease in muscle mass which leads to overall weakness and fraility. It remains to be evaluated if DHA/EPA omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may offer a safe and cost-effective treatment for preventing or treating age-related sarcopenia. The cellular mechanisms which underlie the effects of omega-3 supplementation on muscle protein synthesis are worthy of future investigation.

EPA/DHA inname tijdens de zwangerschap en overgewicht bij kinderen

admin — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:21:30 +0000

Hier vindt u informatie over een onderzoek uit 2011 over EPA/DHA inname tijdens de zwangerschap en overgewicht bij kinderen

Bron: http://www.dhaomega3.org/Fitness-Body/Higher-DHAEPA-Intakes-during-Pregnancy-and-Lower-Childhood-Obesity

Omega 3 Research

HIGHER DHA/EPA INTAKES DURING PREGNANCY AND LOWER CHILDHOOD OBESITY

06 APRIL 2011

Reference :

Prenatal Fatty Acid Status and Child Adiposity at Age 3 y : results from a US Pregnancy Cohort

Donahue, S et al., Amer. J. Clin. Nutr., 93: 780-788 , 2011

Dept. of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA , USA

Summary :

The purpose of the present study was to determine if higher intakes of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) plus EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid ) during pregnancy, as consumed primarily from fish, and a higher body status of DHA/EPA may be associated with the prevalence of child obesity and adiposity. For this research using 1250 mother-child pairings and assessments, dietary intakes of omega-3 fatty acids were assessed in the mothers at midpregnancy via food frequency questionnaires and database estimates of the fatty acid compositions of the foods as consumed. Maternal blood (plasma) and umbilical cord blood (plasma) were also taken to assess the omega-3 status by fatty acid analyses using gas-liquid chromatographic procedures. Child obesity was measured at 3 years of age and defined as a BMI (body mass index) value in the top 5 % (equal or greater than the 95 percentile) with comparisons then being made to those children with BMI values below the 85th percentile. The degree of ‘adiposity’ (related to fat found in adipose tissue) was assessed by measuring the sub-scapular ( under the scapula ) thickness and triceps skin-fold thickness using calipers.

The average maternal intake of (DHA plus EPA) midpregnancy was 150 mg /day – mostly from fish. Higher maternal intakes of (DHA plus EPA) were associated with a significantly lower prevalence (by 32 %) of childhood obesity and lower ‘adiposity’. Further, higher circulating levels of these omega-3 fatty acids in the umbilical cord blood was also associated with lower ‘adiposity, in their off-spring. The authors concluded that higher prenatal intakes of fish containing DHA/EPA appear to be associated with lower ‘adiposity’ in early childhood.

Dr. Holub’s Comments :

The present study adds less obesity and adiposity to the growing list of improved health outcomes that may result for extended time periods in the offspring of mothers who consume more of the fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids as DHA (plus EPA) . Previous studies have suggested benefits which include better cognitive development and visual acuity, less allergic manifestations such as atopy, reduced behavioural difficulties , plus others. The average intakes of DHA plus EPA as reported in this study via indirect measures are moderately higher that what our lab has reported previously using direct assessments on pregnant Canadian women (J. Nutrition, 135: 206-211 (2005)). These latter intakes are all very much below those of Japanese women which are commonly up to 5-times higher. Public health strategies to increase DHA/EPA intakes in North American mothers appear warranted for the health of both mothers and their offspring. Communicating the levels of DHA/EPA in various fish/seafood sources and clearly indicating the specific types/species (vast majority) which do not present health hazards based on any contaminants that exist is important. Finally, alternative DHA/EPA sources from quality supplements , functional foods , and novel plant sources are available.

EPA en Huntington Disease

admin — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:40:40 +0000

Hier vindt u informatie over een onderzoek uit 2009 over EPA en Huntington Disease

Bron: http://www.dhaomega3.org/Nervous-System/EPA-Supplementation-Without-Effect-in-Huntington-Disease

Omega 3 Research

EPA SUPPLEMENTATION WITHOUT EFFECT IN HUNTINGTON DISEASE

04 JANUARY 2009

Reference:

Randomized controlled trial of ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid in Huntington disease: the TREND-HD study

Huntington Study Group TREND-HD Investigators, Archives of Neurology, 65: 1582-1589, 2008

Department of Neurology (Dr. Ira Shoulson), University of Rochester and other at 41 study locations.

Summary:

Huntington’s disease is characterized after onset by uncoordinated jerky body movements along with a decline in selected mental capabilities including considerable variation between individuals with the condition. The global prevalence of the condition is approximately one person in 14,000 with considerable variations between geographical locations. Onset of Huntington’s disease is more common between the mid-40s; onset before age 28 is referred to as ‘juvenile’ Huntington disease. The TREND-HD study was designed to determine whether supplementation with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) as the ethyl-ester form of EPA would possibly improve the motor features of Huntington disease. This six-month multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was followed by a six-month open-label phase where initial treatment assignments were not disclosed. Three hundred and sixteen adults with Huntington disease participated in the trial and patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo or ethyl-EPA at a dose of one gram taken twice daily. After six months, the Total Motor Score 4 showed no significant difference in those receiving EPA supplementation as compared to those receiving placebo. Furthermore, the Score did not worsen for those who had received EPA treatment for 12 continuous months as compared to those who received active treatment for only 6 months based on completion of the open-label phase. The authors concluded that ethyl-EPA was not beneficial in patients with Huntington disease during the 6 months of placebo-controlled evaluation.

Dr. Holub’s Comments:

Although the present trial results were disappointing with respect to potential benefits for EPA omega-3 fatty acid therapeutics on the Total Motor Score in patients with Huntington disease, it is expected that additional trials will be performed in the future wherein concentrates of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and mixtures of DHA + EPA for varying doses and durations will likely be evaluated. Potential benefits of EPA supplementation on risk factors for cardiovascular disease which are prevalent in the general population including patients with Huntington disease were not evaluated in the present investigation.