Omega-3 fatty acids are very important for brain development, mental health, vision, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, regulation of inflammation, and other functions. In most countries, the omega-3 consumption is too low, according to a large global update where scientists have measured the concentration of the two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in the red blood cells. Too little omega-3 increases the risk of cognitive impairment, depression, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular ailments, and early death. Also, pregnant women risk premature delivery or giving birth to a baby with lower IQ. It is important that health authorities are aware of this so they can encourage people to improve their health to reduce the huge burden of all these chronic diseases.

It is commonly known that oily fish and fish oil supplements contain the two omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that are good for the brain. Now, scientists from Singapore have discovered a special omega-3 fatty acid that is of particular importance to brain cells that are surrounded by a protective myeline sheath. The scientists say that their discovery may help prevent brain ageing and lead to the development of new therapies aimed at treating neurological disorders like sclerosis that are associated with myelin damage. Their new study is published in Journal of Clinical Investigation and it appears that fish roe is the best source of these special omega-3 fatty acids that are needed to stimulate the myeline sheath.

Over the past decades, the number of children and teenagers with ADHD has skyrocketed, and the diet has a lot to say. According to a new American-Canadian study, supplementing with all the essential vitamins and minerals can improve young ADHD sufferers’ mood, emotional disturbances, and ability to concentrate. The supplements can even stimulate their growth.

Aggressive behavior is known to be linked to social and cultural factors, but it can also be rooted in biological factors in the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish and fish oil supplements are able to reduce the problem in both adults and children, according to a meta-analysis that is published in Aggression and Violent Behavior. The authors also mention that omega-3 fatty acids control local brain inflammation that can negatively affect mood and behavior. The diet plays a large and overlooked role in mental health, and the authors say that because aggressive behavior has huge personal and socioeconomic costs it is important to look seriously into possible ways to prevent it.

Alzheimer’s is an insidious disease and the leading cause of dementia. It’s also one of the major causes of death in old age. Diet plays a major role in preventing the disease. In fact, having high concentrations of the omega-3fatty acid, DHA, in the blood can halve the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study that is published in Nutrients. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is found in oily fish and fish oil supplements. This essential fatty acid is also found in all our cell membranes (including nerve cells) and plays a key role in maintaining our general health and cognitive skills. Unfortunately, modern diets contain far too little omega-3, but science is not quite sure how much we need.

Veganism is on the rise, and experts have different views on whether or not plant-diets are suited for children. A team of Polish scientists has now discovered that children on vegan diets have low stature and lower bone density than children who eat meat and dairy products. Children on vegan diets also are also more likely to lack amino acids, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin A, iron, selenium, iodine, and the omega-3 fattyacid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). It is particularly important for growing children to get enough nutrients to support their muscles, bones, brain, and a variety of enzyme processes. Also, children on vegan diets should be given relevant supplements to compensate for their shortcomings.

Apparently so. Omega-3 is a class of essential fatty acids with a host of different functions in the body. We primarily get omega-3 from oily fish but it is also found in certain other foods. Our intake of omega-3 has been reduced substantially as a result of altered diets and the use of unnatural animal feed. It appears that having more omega-3 in the blood can help us live longer. This was shown in a study that is published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The question is how do we get enough omega-3?

Preterm babies have a risk of impaired vision, but if they are given supplements of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids at the age of two and half years their vision improves. This was demonstrated in a Swedish study that is published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. The scientists explain why these fatty acids are so important, not just for eye health but for the brain and for health in general.

Omega-3and omega-6 fatty acids are vital for our brain function, nervous system, and immune defense but small children get too little of these two essential fatty acids. According to a Canadian study, this increases their risk of chronic inflammation and chronic diseases. The intake of omega-3 from oily fish and shellfish is particularly limited. For children who dislike seafood, a fish oil supplement is worth considering for the sake of their health and development.

According to a pilot study from Los Angeles, patients with higher blood levels of omega-3fatty acids in their blood are 75 percent less likely to die from a COVID-19 infection. The scientists behind the study assume it is because of the anti-inflammatory properties of the omega-3 fatty acids and their ability to regulate the immune defense, which is often completely derailed in serious cases of COVID-19. The scientists also mention other nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties.

A panel of physicians and professors collaborating with the Swiss Society for Nutrition (SSN) recently reviewed the scientific evidence on the role of micronutrients in supporting a well-functioning immune defense for optimal health with particular focus on viral infections related to COVID-19. They conclude that there is widespread lack of vitamin C, vitamin D, selenium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are crucial nutrients for the immune system. These deficiencies contribute to new waves of COVID-19 and can cause the infections to become life-threatening. The panel calls for immediate action with relevant focus on diet and supplements.

In ancient times when our ancestors hunted, they consumed every inch of the animal – from one end to another. Organ meat such as the liver, the heart, and the kidneys were delicacies that contained far more essential nutrients than other parts of the animal. In Western countries, we primarily consume muscle meat. In addition, animals often get unnatural fodder with suboptimal nutrient content. This results in deficiencies and an imbalance between amino acids and fatty acids. In the following article, you can read more about organ meats (also known as offal), bone marrow, and bone broth and their high content of essential amino acids, vitamin B12, iron, selenium, Q10, calcium, magnesium, collagen, glucosamine, CLA, and other vital nutrients. Also, you can read more about why it makes sense to choose meat from free-range livestock.

Poor wound healing, a somewhat common and well-known problem, especially among hospital patients, is associated with huge health costs. Proper wound healing is contingent upon on the presence of different nutrients, and it appears that the ratio between omega-3 and omega-6fatty acids is particularly important. This was demonstrated in a new study of rats, where higher intake of omega-3 at the expense of omega-6 turned out to have the best effect on the formation of new blood vessels, increased collagen synthesis, and faster wound healing. In the study, which is published in Nutrients, the authors look closer at the fact that modern diets typically contain too much omega-6 and too little omega-3, and this contributes to problems such as cardiovascular disease, overweight, diabetes, and other lifestyle diseases.

Oily fish and fish oil have a high content of the two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), that are important for our brain, nervous system, intelligence, and mental health. Modern diets, however, are to blame for our lack of omega-3. A team of scientists from England has found that supplementation with EPA-rich fish oil for 26 weeks improves mental acuity and reaction time in healthy, young adults. This was not the case with DHA-rich oil fish oil, on the other hand. The scientists were surprised to find that EPA is more important than DHA for these cognitive skills.

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain ability of brain cells to carry out structural and functional changes that are of vital importance to our development and health. It has been shown that neuroplasticity is impaired in connection with various diseases of the central nervous system, including such conditions as depression and dementia. In a review article that is published in Brain Plasticity, scientists have looked closer at how exercise, the Mediterranean diet, and nutrients like omega-3 and vitamin B12 can improve neuroplasticity by way of a protein called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Selenium is also known to be important for the formation of new brain cells, which can help prevent cognitive decline via other mechanisms.

- a typical problem that is seen with ageing, overweight, diabetes and other chronic diseases

Chronic low-grade inflammation has a negative effect on our health. It pummels the body with free radical damage to healthy cells and tissue. Chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to ageing, overweight, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems. In the case of infections, there is also a risk that the immune defense overreacts with hyperinflammation, which can turn out to be very problematic. Now, science has discovered that our gut flora also affects the immune system. Some gut bacteria have a pro-inflammatory effect, while others help fight inflammation. Fish oil’s anti-inflammatory effect involves other mechanisms. Supplements of beneficial gut bacteria, better known as probiotics, and fish oil supplements help increase gut flora diversity. This is good for fighting inflammation, according to a new study published in Nutrients. Another thing to make sure of is to get enough vitamin D.

Alzheimer’s disease is an ailment that takes years to develop. More and more people are affected by this condition, which is the main cause of dementia. Diet and lifestyle play a major role, and it appears that daily supplementation with fish oil can significantly reduce the risk – especially in those who are genetically predisposed for the disease. This was shown in a new study that is published in JAMA Network Open.

Women who are overweight before becoming pregnant have an increased risk of abnormal fetal growth and low birth weight. However, it appears that fish oil supplementation can lower the risk of these complications, according to a new pilot study that is published in the science journal, Nutrients. The scientists behind the study explain how omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil support a healthy pregnancy and help control inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism, all of which tend to be off balance in overweight pregnant women.

The number of seniors in the world is growing steadily which means a surge in problems like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory illnesses, overweight, diabetes, rheumatism, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. These diseases that have a widespread impact on human lives and are a burden to society are often linked to chronic inflammation. A group of scientists therefore decided to look closer at studies that have found a positive effect of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA on cognitive functioning, maintenance of muscle mass, and prevention and treatment of a host of serious diseases that are related to ageing. It is vital to start supplementing early and to take the right doses, according to the new review article published in Nutrients.

Because COVID-19 mutates from time to time, a vaccine can only provide temporary protection. Also, studies suggest that what makes COVID-19 dangerous is when the immune defense overreacts by launching so-called hyperinflammation that can damage the circulatory system and healthy tissues. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil turn out to have the potential to prevent COVID-19 infections from becoming life-threatening due to hyperinflammation. That way, fish oil can also help improve survival, according to a review article that is published in International Journal of General Medicine.

The rate of autism and ADHD has exploded over the past decades, and the problem comes with an enormous human and socio-economic price tag. A study from the University of Copenhagen has shown that fish oil helps adults with autism and ADHD by improving their attention and working memory. In the study that is published in British Journal of Nutrition, the scientists look closer at omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil and their vital role in the brain and nervous system.

Fish oil contains EPA and DHA, two omega-3 fatty acids with a number of different functions in the brain and nervous system. It appears that middle-aged people who consume more oily fish or who take fish oil supplements have improvements in their brain structure and cognitive skills. This was shown in a study that is published in Neurology. The study results are quite interesting because cognitive decline and dementia are increasing problems that affect millions of people worldwide. The study supports previous research where it was seen that having higher concentrations of DHA in the red blood cell can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 50 percent.

Menopause is typically linked to hormonal changes that increase the risk of aching joints, overweight, cardiovascular disease, muscle weakness, and metabolic disturbances. According to a study published in Nutrients, however, high-dosed supplementation with fish oil for eight weeks has a positive effect on blood pressure, muscle strength, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress, which can otherwise set the stage for atherosclerosis, joint pain, and number of chronic ailments. Earlier research has also demonstrated that fish oil supplements help against dry mucous membranes and depression that are often caused by brain inflammation.

A well-functioning memory is vital for our quality of life. With the increasing number of seniors, however, the dementia rate is on an incline. According to a study that is published in Clinical Nutrition, it looks as if a combination of fish oil and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin may improve memory in elderly seniors. You can support your brain and memory on a daily basis by eating oily fish or fish oil supplements together with antioxidants from foods such as cabbage, spinach and other leafy greens, and eggs. Another important antioxidant is mezo-zeaxanthin that is found in certain fish and in fish skin.

Most people have experienced a normal headache, while migraines are far more complex. Although the pain can be caused by a number of factors, essential nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, fish oil, and coenzyme Q10 may play a vital role according to a review article that is published in Current Pain and Headache Reports. The authors describe how certain nutrients affect underlying mechanisms that may prevent or mitigate different types of headaches.

As we grow older, our risk of hearing loss increases, and our diet plays a major role. Apparently, there is a link between hearing loss and being deficient in an omega-3 fatty acid that we get from oily fish and fish oil supplements. This was seen in a study that was presented in Boston at a meeting for the American Society for Nutrition – an American company for professional researchers and practitioners in nutrition. The scientists mention that increased intake of this particular omega-3 fatty acid from the diet or from supplements may help prevent hearing loss.

The essential omega-3 fatty acids support many metabolic processes, especially the two forms, EPA and DHA, which are found in oily fish and fish oil supplements. The concentration of omega-3 in our cells is affected by what we eat and our level of physical activity. Intense physical training can actually lower the cellular content of DHA and increase the concentration of saturated fatty acids, thereby increasing the risk of inflammation, cell damage, and aching joints. This was shown in a study of high performance runners. The researchers therefore recommend taking fish oil as a way of preventing injuries and pain. Fish oil supplementation is generally a good idea if you have inflammation in your joints or other places.

According to a new English study, increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids during the childhood years may lower your risk of developing asthma later in life but only if you have a specific gene variation. In addition, a previous Australian study reports that lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids in adults is associated with poorer asthma control. Diet generally seems to play a major role in the development of the disease and overweight individuals appear to benefit more than others from increasing their omega-3 intake. The big question is how much do they need to take?

Migraine is a common neurological disease that reduces quality of life and results in many sick days. Migraine medication does not work for everyone and many people have adverse effects, so it makes more sense to focus on prevention. A new American study shows that diets with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish can reduce the frequency of migraines compared with eating an average diet. People who dislike the taste of fish can take a high-quality fish oil supplement, instead.

Lung fibrosis is a condition characterized by accelerating scarring of lung tissue, which impairs breathing, reduces the oxygen level in the blood, and lowers the cellular energy turnover. Some types of lung fibrosis are very aggressive and there is currently no cure. Healthy omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish and fish oil supplements may delay the progression of the disease and postpone the immediate need for lung transplants, according to a study that is published in the journal CHEST.

Ageing is characterized by increased physical and mental frailty that reduces one’s ability to deal with various external stress factors. Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in oily fish and fish oil supplements are believed to prevent frailty through their immune-regulating and anti-inflammatory properties, but studies have shown conflicting results. Nonetheless, daily intake of two grams of omega-3 appears to reduce frailty. According to a large population study that is published in Frontiers in Nutrition, it is also important to include moderate quantities of high-quality omega-6.

Most chronic pulmonary diseases – including asthma, bronchitis, and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) – are characterized by chronic inflammation that makes both the symptoms and the prognosis worse. Fish and fish oil supplements contain specific omega-3 fatty acids that appear to have an anti-inflammatory effect and may therefore be useful as both prevention and therapy for chronic pulmonary diseases. This was demonstrated in a large American population study that also included Europeans. What the researchers also mention is that people who fail to meet the official guidelines for fish consumption are often at increased risk of developing chronic lung diseases.

Contact sports like football and boxing are associated with frequent blows to the head that can cause physical traumas and long-term effects. However, a new study that is published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition suggests that high-dosed supplements of omega-3 fatty acids can protect against the damage caused by head traumas in American football. There is even a positive effect on cardiovascular health and joints. Excessive training and high performance sport can also increase the risk of oxidative stress that is linked to acute injury, inflammation, and subsequent development of neurological disease. It is therefore also important to get plenty of antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E plus selenium and zinc if you engage in sport at a high level.

The two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are of vital importance to the development of a baby’s brain and central nervous system during pregnancy and the first years of life. The best sources of these fatty acids are oily fish and fish oil supplements. There is widespread deficiency of these fatty acids, which increases the risk of a lower IQ, ADHD, depression, or other neurological disturbances in the baby, according to a review article published in Nutrients. It is also important for brain health to balance one’s intake of omega-3 and omega-6.

Elevated blood pressure, a problem many people have without knowing it, is the major cause of early death. Our lifestyle and what we eat play an enormous role and according to a new meta-analysis that is published in Journal of the American Heart Association, daily intake of three grams of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce your blood pressure. It is possible to get this amount of omega-3by consuming a serving of oily fish like herring or taking a high-quality fish oil supplement.

Type 1 diabetes can eventually lead to eye damage and if this is not discovered in time it may cause blurry or impaired vision. According to a new study that is published in Diabetes, supplementing with omega-3 for six months can regenerate damaged corneal nerves, so the scientists believe that eating more oily fish or taking a fish oil supplement may represent a promising add-on to existing therapies.

Both diet and lifestyle affect your risk of developing liver cancer. According to a large population study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, regular intake of fish oil lowers your risk of contracting the disease. In fact, it seems that fish oil has a number of different cancer-preventing mechanisms that even reduce the risk of other types of cancer.

Epidemiological studies have shown that relatively high doses of omega-3 fatty acids that are found in oily fish and fish oil supplements have a positive effect on neurodegenerative diseases such as sclerosis, but the underlying mechanisms are not known. A mouse study reveals that one particular omega-3 fatty acid is able to control the immune defense and regulate the inflammatory processes in the central nervous system.

Regular sport is good for you, whereas arduous training and high-performance sport can result in physical injuries, infections, chronic inflammation, and serious diseases due to oxidative stress. This phenomenon occurs as a result of the increased energy turnover, which produces an excess of free radicals that cause damage to cells and tissues. Oxidative stress is also associated with impaired performance, poor restitution, and faster ageing. Our only natural defense against free radicals is the presence of antioxidants, and it is especially things like vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, Q10, omega-3 fatty acids, and turmeric that protect against oxidative damage and improve recovery time. According to a review article published in Nutrients, supplements with the right doses of different nutrients can also help boost your physical and mental performance.

- and could potentially be used for prevention and treatment

It is commonly known that omega-3 fatty acids are involved in a number of essential functions in the body. One of the fatty acids, DHA, may even have a toxic effect on cancer cells because they are unable to store the fatty acid correctly. In a new Belgian study published in Cell Metabolism, scientists explain the exact mechanisms. They also suggest that omega-3 supplements may be useful in cancer therapy, especially because the average omega-3 intake from the diet is far too limited and because there is a risk of becoming resistant to medical cancer drugs. The new study puts omega-3 fatty acids and their anti-cancer effects in a whole new light.

Breast cancer is most widespread in the western countries, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Diet and lifestyle play a key role in the development of the disease. Earlier studies have shown that eating more oily fish or taking fish oil supplements that contain the omega-3fatty acids, EPA and DHA, lowers the risk. A new study has shown that DHA supplements can be used as an adjuvant in cancer therapy. This particular omega-3 fatty acid inhibits the formation of some harmful molecules that stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.

It is well-known that omega-3fatty acids counteract inflammation, which is the common thread in most chronic diseases. A team of scientists from Tufts University in the United States has now discovered that the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which we get from oily fish and fish oil supplements have different anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Their study is published in the science journal Atherosclerosis and supports earlier studies that have shown how important omega-3 is for preventing circulatory diseases, rheumatism, and other lifestyle diseases.

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a potentially life-threatening disease that affects the spinal cord and the motor nerves of the brain. The disease is incurablebut according to an American study that is published in Neurology, it progresses at a slower rate in patients with a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids from different dietary sources.

Since the 1950s, the rate of asthma has increased dramatically, especially among children and adolescents. Altered diet habits play a significant role, and now a Swedish population study shows that children who get too little omega-3 and too much omega-6 in their diets have an increased risk of developing asthma later in life. There is also evidence that increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish or from fish oil supplements can counteract the inflammatory processes that are seen with asthma.

Plant-based vegan diets have become increasingly popular among young adults and they even introduce these diets to their children. It is common knowledge that vegan diets lack vitamin B12, which is why many vegans take a supplement. However, a sizeable number of vegans also lack iodine, iron, zinc, and selenium. Most studies have looked at adults but it appears that children on vegan diets also risk metabolic changes, and they have lower blood levels of vitamins A and D compared with children on normal diets. This was demonstrated in a new study that is published in the esteemed international science magazine, EMBO Molecular Medicine.

It is vital to take good care of your eyes throughout life to maintain good vision. Our eyes need a number of different vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that are important for cellular function and for protecting against oxidative stress. In this article, you can read more about vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and Q10 and their vital role in maintaining healthy vision. We will also look at certain antioxidants that are found in eggs, salmon, spinach, broccoli, red bell pepper, and blueberries.

Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death, and both diet and lifestyle are of huge importance. According to a new meta-analysis, fish oil, folic acid, and Q10 are some of nutrients with the greatest potential to lower the risk. It is important to underline that supplements are not likely to make much of a difference if the dosage is too low or if the quality of the preparations is poor.

According to WHO, chronic inflammation is the leading cause of death worldwide. Although it is not something that can be felt as such, chronic inflammation sets the stage for a host of different diseases. In a new review article that is published in StatPearls, the authors look closer at why chronic inflammation is so dangerous and how a healthier lifestyle with vitamin D, selenium, magnesium, zinc, and fish oil can help fight the inflammation and prevent the many different diseases and early death that follow in its wake.