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.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common and very painful wrist condition. Although there are many underlying factors, chronic inflammation appears to be the main cause of the pain. It also looks as if the pain can be relieved with high-dosed vitamin D supplements, at least in those patients who are deficient to begin with, according to a study published in Nutrients.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Some patients also develop rheumatoid symptoms and metabolic disturbances. The diet plays a major role, and psoriasis patients appear to have fewer polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids in their red blood cells. According to a Polish study that is published in Nutrients, psoriasis patients seem to have an entirely different lipid profile in their red blood cells, which promotes inflammatory processes and increases the severity of the disease.

Melatonin is primarily known as a sleep hormone. However, it also serves as a powerful antioxidant and has an anti-ageing effect at a cellular level throughout the body, according to a review article of melatonin’s numerous functions. Our endogenous melatonin synthesis decreases with age, making us more vulnerable in many ways. Ageing is associated with oxidative stress and “inflammaging”, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders like depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. A melatonin supplement, on the other hand, works as a natural anti-ageing therapy against such diseases.

Most studies of vitamin D, dental health, and caries have focused on children and teenagers. According to a population study published in Nutrients, however, older people also depend on having sufficient amounts of vitamin D to maintain healthy teeth and prevent caries. The authors mention that it is important to have optimal vitamin D status in the blood, but the official guidelines for vitamin D are no guarantee of reaching that level.

Vitamin D is important for our immune defense, mood, blood sugar, cardiovascular system, bone health, and health in general. However, the form of vitamin D that we synthesize in our skin and from supplements is passive and must be converted. First, the liver converts it into the form of vitamin D that is measured in blood tests. Afterwards, the vitamin is converted into the active steroid form that most cells and organs need. This conversion is not possible without magnesium, zinc, and vitamin K. Therefore, plenty of sun exposure or vitamin D supplementation is no guarantee of having enough vitamin D in the blood or being able to utilize the nutrient. You need the other nutrients, as well, according to a review article published in Nutrients.

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.

Extreme fatigue, unsuccessful attempts to lose weight, mood swings, dry skin, constipation, swollen throat, and many other symptoms may be a sign of Hashimoto’s disease that slows down the metabolic rate. This thyroid disorder that develops slowly is increasing at a rapid rate. Other thyroid disorders like Graves’ disease that cause hyperthyroidism are also a problem. In a review article published in Nutrients, researchers have looked at how nutrients such as iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, and vitamin D support the thyroid gland, the body’s production of thyroid hormones, and the regulation of chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. Millions of people around the world lack one or several nutrients that are needed to prevent and treat these common thyroid disorders. Lack of nutrients can also explain why many people receiving medical therapy for their condition aren’t helped. The digestive system and food intolerance may also play a role.