Omega-3s Archives - Big Bold Health Professional

December 21, 2021

EPA and DHA Attenuate Stress-Induced Vascular Senescence

This 12-week clinical trial of time-restricted but not energy-restricted eating in overweight and obese adults demonstrates that even a limited period of time-restricted eating (TRE) can improve weight and body composition in these individuals. It further establishes that TRE is a feasible approach to managing behaviors that impact glucose metabolism and risk for inflammatory and cardiometabolic disorders.

December 15, 2021

EPA and DHA Affect Skin Immune Response Differently

This 12-week clinical trial of time-restricted but not energy-restricted eating in overweight and obese adults demonstrates that even a limited period of time-restricted eating (TRE) can improve weight and body composition in these individuals. It further establishes that TRE is a feasible approach to managing behaviors that impact glucose metabolism and risk for inflammatory and cardiometabolic disorders.

November 29, 2021

EPA’s Impact on Mood

This meta-analysis of 26 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials concluded that a daily dosage of ≤1 gram of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) provided in omega-3 formulations consisting of at least 60% EPA showed significant benefit in 2160 with depression or depressive symptoms, compared to placebo. The authors discussed several mechanisms for the efficacy of EPA in addressing mood.

October 25, 2021

Omega-3s as Potential Prebiotics

This clinical trial is among the first to demonstrate that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, even at a moderate daily dosage of 500 milligrams, alters the gut microbiome and intestinal fermentation processes in ways that may partly account for the well-known cardiovascular benefits of omega-3s.

October 19, 2021

Omega-3s Coordinate Innate and Adaptive Immune Teamwork

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to be incorporated into the cell membranes of every type of immune cell tested. Many immune cells possess enzymes needed to produce omega-3 metabolites called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs/PRMs), which in turn regulate their function. This review details how omega-3s (mainly eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, EPA and DHA) influence the activity and genetic expression of immune cells from both innate and adaptive compartments of the immune system.

October 11, 2021

Omega-3 Supplementation Reprograms the Immune Response

Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA, DHA, and DPA have demonstrated many direct benefits to immune, cardiovascular, and neurocognitive health. Their nutritional influence extends further, however, through the actions of their specialized pro-resolving mediator (SPM/PRM) metabolites.

August 30, 2021

The Big Three in Nutritional Modulation of Immunosenescence

Cellular senescence is increasingly linked to biological aging of immune cells, which regulate the accumulation of senescent cells within tissues. This review examines aging processes that affect specific populations of immune cells from both adaptive and innate aspects of immunity. The authors propose three classes of nutraceuticals—phytonutrients, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids—for slowing and potentially reversing the progress of senescence in immune cells and, ultimately, reducing senescent cell burden.

June 28, 2021

Targeted Dietary Change Nourishes Mental Health

Connections between mood and diet have long been proposed. However, there are only a few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that specifically look at the link between diet and depression. One recent RCT in depressed adults was published in 2019 in Nutritional Neuroscience, and helps to shed light on this important topic. In this study, strategic dietary improvements, including adoption of a Mediterranean eating pattern and long-term supplementation with omega-3 fats, were linked to better scores in validated assessments for depression, mood, and quality of life.

June 21, 2021

How DHA and EPA Contribute to the Omega-3 Index

Supplementation with omega-3 fats—especially of longer-chain DHA, EPA, and DPA—is an increasingly crucial consideration for individuals with cardiometabolic concerns. The results of this study demonstrate that each of these elongated fatty acids presents different metabolic advantages to men and to women, and reinforces the importance of the Omega-3 Index as a key biomarker for immune balance and inflammatory potential.

May 18, 2021

Fish Oil and Essential Fats Build Skin’s Resilience

This review summarizes the most recent research into the effects of essential fats on skin integrity, comfort, and moisture retention. Special emphasis is given to studies on fish oil, as it contains a broad range of components that are integrated into skin structures or metabolized by skin-residing immune cells.