The number of older people is constantly increasing, and more and more people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Apparently, seniors who take a daily multivitamin can improve their memory and slow down their cognitive decline, according to a meta-analysis that is published in Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Older people generally have increased need for certain vitamins and minerals because of poor nutrient absorption in the digestive system, impaired enzyme functions, oxidative stress, and regular use of medical drugs that can interact with the nutrients. But how do different vitamins and minerals affect brain health?

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.

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.

- with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Weight-challenged children and teenagers have grown to become a global health threat, and the problem became even worse during the corona pandemic. Overweight is linked to a number of health problems, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that sets the stage for type 2 diabetes and other serious ailments. In a new review article that is published in Nutrients, researchers look closer at how a carbohydrate-restricted diet or the traditional Mediterranean diet can help to counteract the development of overweight and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Also, supplementation with vitamin E, vitamin D, fish oil, and probiotics can block the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver via different metabolic parameters.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that is linked to overweight and type 2 diabetes may eventually cause critical liver inflammation, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. The diet plays a major role, and scientists from Oregon State University have observed that the omega-3 fatty acids that we get from oily fish are able to fight this harmful liver condition. This has enormous therapeutic value because there are currently no available therapies. It is also important to avoid altogether or limit your intake of refined carbohydrates and refined omega-6 fatty acids from plant oil.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Refined foods and plant-based diets lack vital nutrients that are highly important for a pregnant woman and the development of her unborn child’s body and brain. This was shown in a large study of mothers from high-income countries, where 90 percent of the participants lacked key nutrients such as vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. These widespread deficiencies have huge health consequences, which may be irreversible for the child. The scientists explain that the problem is made worse by the global push for eating more plant-based diets. Lack of omega-3 fatty acids that are primarily found in oily fish is also common and may harm the development of the child’s brain and increase the risk of postnatal depression in the mother.

Age-related loss of muscle mass is a natural process and may result in increased feebleness and even disability. Strength training and diet play a major role, and older people need more protein, especially an essential amino acid called leucine. In addition, supplements of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics can have a positive impact on muscle mass and muscle strength, according to a review article that is published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

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.

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.

The two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which are found in oily fish and fish oil supplements are of vital importance to the child’s health and cognitive skills. However, according to a large American population study, 25 percent of pregnant women say that they rarely or never eat fish during their pregnancy, and even fewer take fish oil supplements. Lack of omega-3 during pregnancy can have serious consequences for the development of the child. Also, it increases the risk of postpartum depression in the mother. The study authors therefore advise pregnant women to eat oily fish or take a high-quality fish oil supplement.

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.