Dietary Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Versus Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Effects on Cognition and Inflammation

Association of omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids intakes and omega-6: omega-3 ratio with the prevalence of suicidal ideation: mediating role of C-reactive protein

BACKGROUND

Although dietary omega fatty acids have been recognized for positive effects on mental health, the specific association between omega fatty acids intake and suicidal ideation remains ambiguous. This study aims to explore the potential association between the prevalence of suicidal ideation and dietary omega fatty acids intake in American adults.

METHODS

The data of 27,944 American adults collected from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed in this study. To assess the association between dietary omega fatty acids intake and suicidal ideation as measured by Item 9 of PHQ-9, logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression, and stratified analyses, mediation analyses were employed.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analyses indicate that the intakes of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were inversely associated with the prevalence of suicidal ideation, and dietary omega-6/omega-3 ratio was positively associated with the prevalence of suicidal ideation. Subgroup analyses further revealed a stronger association between suicidal ideation and omega fatty acids intake in individuals with a history of stroke. Furthermore, a saturation effect and non-linear association were identified between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids intake and the prevalence of suicidal ideation, characterized by an L-shaped curve with an inflection point at 1.36 g/d, 13.69 g/d, respectively. Notably, C-reactive protein (CRP) partially mediated the association between omega-6, omega-3 fatty acids intake and suicidal ideation by a proportion of 3.8% and 4.0%.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that higher omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids intake and lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio is associated with a declined prevalence of suicidal ideation.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids alleviate hyperuricemic nephropathy by inhibiting renal pyroptosis through GPR120

Hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN) is characterized by increased serum uric acid levels that incite renal inflammation. While omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, their impact on HN remains unclear. This study explored the effects of omega-3 PUFAs, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on HN. Using a mouse model induced by adenine and potassium oxonate, we treated HN mice with DHA, EPA, or both for four weeks. The results showed that omega-3 PUFAs significantly reduced serum uric acid levels and improved kidney function, with DHA, EPA, and their combination showing similar efficacy. Transcriptome sequencing and further analysis revealed that these fatty acids alleviate renal pyroptosis by reducing key markers such as NOD-like receptor pyrin containing 3 (NLRP3), cleaved gasdermin-D, caspase-1, and interleukin-1β. To further investigate the underlying mechanism, we focused on G-protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR120), a receptor activated by DHA. The use of a GPR120 antagonist (AH7614) partially blocked DHA's effects, while the agonist (TUG891) mimicked its anti-pyroptotic actions. Co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that DHA activates GPR120, leading to its internalization and interaction with β-arrestin2, ultimately inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome formation and reducing inflammation. Overall, omega-3 PUFAs, particularly through GPR120 activation, appear to protect against renal inflammation in HN by modulating the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.

An in situ and real-time analytical method for detection of freeze-thew cycles in tuna via IKnife rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry

Freezing is one of the most commonly used preservation methods for Bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis). However, repeated freezing and thawing would inevitably occur due to the temperature fluctuation, leading to the microstructure damage, lipid oxidation and protein integrity decline of tuna muscle without notable visual appearance change. In this study, we used a rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) technique for the real-time determination of the extent of repeated freezing and thawing cycles in tuna fillets. We found significant variance in the relative abundance of fatty acids between bluefin tuna and its fresh counterpart following freeze-thaw cycles. Meanwhile, the difference is statistically significant (p < 0.05). The quality of tuna remains largely unaffected by a single freeze-thaw cycle but significantly deteriorates after freeze-thaw cycles (freeze-thaw count ≥2), and the relative fatty acid content of the ionized aerosol analysis in the REIMS system positively correlated with the number of freeze-thaw cycles. Notably, palmitic acid (C 16:0, m/z 255.23), oleic acid (C 18:1, m/z 281.24), and docosahexaenoic acid (C 22:6, m/z 327.23) displayed the most pronounced changes within the spectrum of fatty acid groups.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the omega-3 fatty acids effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

BACKGROUND

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FAs) have attracted the attention of researchers because of their influence on circulatory levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Our objective was to review systematically and Meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of omega-3 FAs supplementation on serum BDNF concentration.

METHODS

Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched until April 2023. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was utilized to evaluate the quality of the studies. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the overall effect size of BDNF levels, using the Standard Mean Difference (SMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using chi-squared and I2 statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies involving 587 subjects were included. The supplementation of PUFA was found to be associated with a significant increase in serum levels of BNDF in the group receiving the supplements, as compared to the placebo group (SMD: 0.72 pg/mL, 95% CI: 0.28, 1.15; P < 0.001) (I2 = 84.39%, P < 0.001). Sub-group analyses revealed similar findings in trials with fewer than 10 weeks, which utilized both animal (fish oil) and herbal (flaxseed) forms of omega-3 supplements with a high daily dosage of 2000mg.

CONCLUSION

The present systematic review and meta-analysis indicate the efficacy of omega-3 FAs in increasing the serum concentration of BDNF. Therefore, omega-3 FAs should be prioritized as agents for increasing BDNF in interventions.

Is diet related to skin condition? A Mendelian randomization study

Observational studies have revealed associations between various dietary factors and skin conditions. However, the causal relationship between diet and skin condition is still unknown. Data on 17 dietary factors were obtained from the UK Biobank. Data on four skin conditions were derived from the UK Biobank and another large-scale GWAS study. Genetic predictions suggested that the intake of oily fish was associated with a lower risk of skin aging (OR: 0.962, P = 0.036) and skin pigmentation (OR: 0.973, P = 0.033); Tea intake was associated with a lower risk of skin pigmentation (OR: 0.972, P = 0.024); Salad/raw vegetables intake was associated with a lower risk of keratinocyte skin cancer (OR: 0.952, P = 0.007). Coffee intake was associated with increased risk of skin aging (OR: 1.040, P = 0.028); Pork intake was associated with increased risk of skin aging (OR: 1.134, P = 0.020); Beef intake was associated with increased risk of cutaneous melanoma (OR: 1.013, P = 0.016); Champagne plus white wine intake was associated with increased risk of cutaneous melanoma (OR: 1.033, P = 0.004); Bread intake was associated with increased risk of keratinocyte skin cancer (OR: 1.026, P = 0.013). Our study results indicate causal relationships between genetically predicted intake of oily fish, tea, salad/raw vegetables, coffee, pork, beef, champagne plus white wine, and bread and skin conditions.

The relationship between dietary intake of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids and frailty risk in middle-aged and elderly individuals: a cross-sectional study from NHANES

Background

Frailty is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by a decline in the functioning of multiple body systems and reduced adaptability to external stressors. Dietary ω-3 fatty acids are considered beneficial dietary nutrients for preventing frailty due to their anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties. However, previous research has yielded conflicting results, and the association between ω-6 fatty acids, the ω-6: ω-3 ratio, and frailty remains unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between these factors using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database.

Materials and methods

Specialized weighted complex survey design analysis software was employed to analyze data from the 2005-2014 NHANES, which included 12,315 participants. Multivariate logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were utilized to assess the relationship between omega intake and frailty risk in all participants. Additionally, a nomogram model for predicting frailty risk was developed based on risk factors. The reliability of the clinical model was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

In dietary ω-3 intake, compared to the T1 group (≤1.175 g/d), the T3 group's intake level (>2.050 g/d) was associated with approximately 17% reduction in frailty risk in model 3, after rigorous covariate adjustments (odds ratio (OR) = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.70, 0.99)). In dietary ω-6 intake, the T2 group's intake level (>11.423, ≤19.160 g/d) was associated with a 14% reduction in frailty risk compared to the T1 group (≤11.423 g/d) (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.00, p = 0.044). RCS results indicated a non-linear association between ω-3 and ω-6 intake and frailty risk. Both ROC and DCA curves demonstrated the stability of the constructed model and the effectiveness of an omega-rich diet in reducing frailty risk. However, we did not find a significant association between the ω-6: ω-3 ratio and frailty.

Conclusion

This study provides support for the notion that a high intake of ω-3 and a moderate intake of ω-6 may contribute to reducing frailty risk in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Nutritional aspects of prehabilitation in adults with cirrhosis awaiting liver transplant

Malnutrition, sarcopenia (low muscle mass), and physical frailty have gained increasing recognition in candidates for liver transplant (LT) as these conditions can impact postoperative functional capacity. Multidimensional prehabilitation programs have been proposed as a safe intervention in adults awaiting LT but the nutritional pillar of prehabilitation has been understudied. This review summarizes the nutritional recommendations for prehabilitation for individuals with cirrhosis awaiting LT. Three major aspects of nutritional prehabilitation are discussed: (1) Assess: Evaluate nutritional status and assess for malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty to guide the nutritional prehabilitation intervention intensity, increasing across universal, targeted, and specialist levels; (2) Intervene: Prescribe a nutritional prehabilitation intervention to meet established nutrition guidelines in cirrhosis with a targeted focus on improving nutritional status and muscle health; (3) Reassess: Follow-up based on the required intensity of nutritional care with as needed intervention adjustment. Topics covered in the review include nutritional care levels for prehabilitation, energy prescriptions across body mass index strata, detailed considerations around protein intake (amount, distribution, and quality), carbohydrate and fat intake, other nutritional considerations, and the potential role of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. Future research is warranted to more accurately evaluate energy needs, evaluate emerging dietary supplementation strategies, and establish the role of nutraceuticals alongside food-based interventions. While the general principles of nutritional prehabilitation are ready for immediate application, future large-scale randomized controlled trials in this space will help to quantify the benefit that can be gained by transitioning the LT approach from passive "transplant waitlist time" to active "transplant preparation time."

Optimal omegas - barriers and novel methods to narrow omega-3 gaps. A narrative review

Dietary intakes of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (O3LC-PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid are central to development and health across the life course. O3LC-PUFAs have been linked to neurological development, maternal and child health and the etiology of certain non-communicable diseases including age-related cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. However, dietary inadequacies exist in the United Kingdom and on a wider global scale. One predominant dietary source of O3LC-PUFAs is fish and fish oils. However, growing concerns about overfishing, oceanic contaminants such as dioxins and microplastics and the trend towards plant-based diets appear to be acting as cumulative barriers to O3LC-PUFAs from these food sources. Microalgae are an alternative provider of O3LC-PUFA-rich oils. The delivery of these into food systems is gaining interest. The present narrative review aims to discuss the present barriers to obtaining suitable levels of O3LC-PUFAs for health and wellbeing. It then discusses potential ways forward focusing on innovative delivery methods to utilize O3LC-PUFA-rich oils including the use of fortification strategies, bioengineered plants, microencapsulation, and microalgae.

Relationship between dietary inflammation index and frailty in patients with osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic joint disease that significantly affects an individual's quality-of-life and frailty has become one of the common complications in OA patients as the disease progresses. The relationship between dietary patterns is not clear.

METHODS

All participants are from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and have been diagnosed with OA. The dietary inflammation index (DII) is calculated based on the dietary intake reported by the participants. Logistic regression analysis is used to investigate the relationship between DII and frailty. Restricted cubic splines are utilised to explore their nonlinear relationship. Mediation analysis is conducted to explore the role of inflammation in this relationship.

RESULTS

A total of 2,530 OA patients were included in the study, with an average age of 64.46 (12.67) years. After adjusting for covariates, for each one standard deviation increase in DII, the risk of frailty increased by 15% (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.03-1.28). Compared to patients with DII < -1, patients with DII > 1 had a significantly higher risk of frailty (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.05-2.14).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicate a positive association between DII and the risk of frailty in OA patients. These results underscore the potential impact of dietary interventions in improving the quality-of-life for OA patients.

Oily fish and raw vegetable consumption can decrease the risk of AQP4-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: a Mendelian-randomization study

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are severe inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system targeting aquaporin-4 (AQP4). The risk factors for NMOSD remain to be determined, though they may be related to diet and nutrition. This study aimed to explore the possibility of a causal relationship between specific food intake and AQP4-positive NMOSD risk. The study followed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design. Genetic instruments and self-reported information on the intake of 29 types of food were obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 445,779 UK Biobank participants. A total of 132 individuals with AQP4-positive NMOSD and 784 controls from this GWAS were included in our study. The associations were evaluated using inverse-variance-weighted meta-analysis, weighted-median analysis, and MR-Egger regression. A high consumption of oily fish and raw vegetables was associated with a decreased risk of AQP4-positive NMOSD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.78 × 10-16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.60 × 10-25-1.22 × 10-7, p = 0.001; OR = 5.28 × 10-6, 95% CI = 4.67 × 10-11-0.598, p = 0.041, respectively). The results were consistent in the sensitivity analyses, and no evidence of directional pleiotropy was observed. Our study provides useful implications for the development of AQP4-positive NMOSD prevention strategies. Further research is needed to determine the exact causal relationship and mechanisms underlying the association between specific food intake and AQP4-positive NMOSD.

Effect of Dietary Supplements with ω-3 Fatty Acids, Ascorbic Acid, and Polyphenolic Antioxidant Flavonoid on Gene Expression, Organ Failure, and Mortality in Endotoxemia-Induced Septic Rats

Sepsis syndrome develops through enhanced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Sepsis syndrome is characterized by vascular hyperpermeability, hypotension, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and increased mortality, among others. Endotoxemia-derived sepsis is an important cause of sepsis syndrome. During endotoxemia, circulating endotoxin interacts with endothelial cells (ECs), inducing detrimental effects on endothelium function. The endotoxin induces the conversion of ECs into fibroblasts, which are characterized by a massive change in the endothelial gene-expression pattern. This downregulates the endothelial markers and upregulates fibrotic proteins, mesenchymal transcription factors, and extracellular matrix proteins, producing endothelial fibrosis. Sepsis progression is modulated by the consumption of specific nutrients, including ω-3 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoids. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly described. The notion that gene expression is modulated during inflammatory conditions by nutrient consumption has been reported. However, it is not known whether nutrient consumption modulates the fibrotic endothelial gene-expression pattern during sepsis as a mechanism to decrease vascular hyperpermeability, hypotension, MODS, and mortality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the consumption of dietary ω-3 fatty acids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoid supplements on the modulation of fibrotic endothelial gene-expression patterns during sepsis and to determine the effects on sepsis outcomes. Our results indicate that the consumption of supplements based on ω-3 fatty acids and polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoids was effective for improving endotoxemia outcomes through prophylactic ingestion and therapeutic usage. Thus, our findings indicated that specific nutrient consumption improves sepsis outcomes and should be considered in treatment.

Perspective: Advancing dietary guidance for cognitive health - focus on solutions to harmonization of test selection, implementation, and evaluation

This perspective paper is a product of a workshop of experts convened by Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS), a non-profit organization that brings together scientists from government, academia, and industry to catalyze science relevant to food and nutrition. An expert group was convened in March 2022 to discuss the current issues surrounding cognitive task selection in nutrition research, with a focus on solutions towards informing dietary guidance for cognitive health, to address a gap identified in the 2020 US DGAC report, specifically the "considerable variation in testing methods used, [and] inconsistent validity and reliability of cognitive testing methods" (p.31). To address this issue, we firstly undertook an umbrella review of relevant reviews already undertaken; these indicate agreement on some of the issues that affect heterogeneity in task selection, and on many of the fundamental principles underlying selection of cognitive outcome measures. However, resolving the points of disagreement is critical to ensuring meaningful impact on the issue of heterogeneity in task selection; these issues hamper evaluation of existing data for informing dietary guidance. This summary of the literature is therefore followed by the expert group's perspective in the form of a discussion of potential solutions to these challenges, with the aim of building on the work of previous reviews in the area and advancing dietary guidance for cognitive health. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Despite several high-quality reviews in this field over the last two decades, there has been little in the way of substantive change in the methods being used to conduct studies, hampering harmonization of the evidence and thus, its utility for informing dietary guidance. The present paper comprehensively updates the field by firstly providing an umbrella review of the published reviews, followed by the IAFNS expert group's perspective on how to move the field forward by addressing the challenges and areas of disagreement in the existing reviews. REGISTERED ON PROSPERO: CRD42022348106. Data described in the manuscript, code book, and analytic code will be made publicly and freely available without restriction at doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/XRZCK.

The effects of omega 3 fatty acids on the serum concentrations of pro inflammatory cytokines anddepression status in patients with bipolar disorder: A randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial

Background

The inflammation accelerates the progression of bipolar disorder. Supplementation of anti-inflammatory supplements in adjuvant with medications may alleviate disorder signs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and depression status in patients with bipolar disorder.

Materials and Methods

This randomized clinical trial study was conducted in Zahedan city in 2021. Patients with bipolar disorder (n = 60) were grouped into two groups: omega-3 fatty acid supplement group (n = 30, 15 men and 15 women) and placebo one using a permuted block stratified randomization. The patients in the omega-3 group received 2 g of omega-3 fatty acids daily for 2 months while patients in the placebo group received 2 g soft gels daily in the same form. Depression score and the serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assessed before and after the study.

Results

Depression score and the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP were decreased after intervention in the omega-3 fatty acid group also compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). The results also show a positive correlation between the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP with depression scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Prescription of omega-3 fatty acids can decrease inflammatory parameters and help to decrease depression in patients with bipolar disorder. This supplement can be used along with medications for decreasing the inflammatory markers in these patients.

Nutritional interventions to support acute mTBI recovery

When mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) occurs following an impact on the head or body, the brain is disrupted leading to a series of metabolic events that may alter the brain's ability to function and repair itself. These changes may place increased nutritional demands on the body. Little is known on whether nutritional interventions are safe for patients to implement post mTBI and whether they may improve recovery outcomes. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic review to determine what nutritional interventions have been prescribed to humans diagnosed with mTBI during its acute period (<14 days) to support, facilitate, and result in measured recovery outcomes.

Methods

Databases CINAHL, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception until January 6, 2021; 4,848 studies were identified. After removing duplicates and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, this systematic review included 11 full papers.

Results

Patients that consumed enough food to meet calorie and macronutrient (protein) needs specific to their injury severity and sex within 96 h post mTBI had a reduced length of stay in hospital. In addition, patients receiving nutrients and non-nutrient support within 24-96 h post mTBI had positive recovery outcomes. These interventions included omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), vitamin D, mineral magnesium oxide, amino acid derivative N-acetyl cysteine, hyperosmolar sodium lactate, and nootropic cerebrolysin demonstrated positive recovery outcomes, such as symptom resolution, improved cognitive function, and replenished nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D) for patients post mTBI.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that nutrition plays a positive role during acute mTBI recovery. Following mTBI, patient needs are unique, and this review presents the potential for certain nutritional therapies to support the brain in recovery, specifically omega-3 fatty acids. However, due to the heterogenicity nature of the studies available at present, it is not possible to make definitive recommendations.

Systematic review registration

The systematic review conducted following the PRISMA guidelines protocol was registered (CRD42021226819), on Prospero.

Dietary ω-3 intake for the treatment of morning headache: A randomized controlled trial

Morning headache (MH) is a frequent condition with a not fully explained pathogenesis. During the past years, several studies have been performed to identify a better diet therapy to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Our study aims to determine if an adequate omega-3 (ω-3) intake in a Modified Mediterranean Diet (MMD) can improve the frequency and intensity of MH and, subsequently, the quality of life. Of the 150 enrolled subjects, 95 met the inclusion criteria (63.3%). Patients were included in the study and randomized into two groups: group A following MMD A and group B following MMD B. The MMD A group was designed to arise at least a 1.5:1 ω-6/ω-3 ratio; the MMD B group was designed to derive at least a 4:1 ω-6/ω-3 ratio. Eighty-four subjects completed the 6 weeks intervention (56%). After 6 weeks (t1), group A showed a significant reduction in both Headache Impact Test-6 and Visual Analog Scale scores (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). During dietary treatment, group A progressively dismissed ketoprofen-based pharmacological treatment (p = 0.002) from baseline to t1. Furthermore, a decrease in the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at t1 in group A (p = 0.02) was observed compared to group B. Concluding, this study provides evidence of a positive impact of ω-3-enriched MMD regimen on the inflammatory status and MH.

Clinical trial registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01890070, identifier: NCT01890070.

Short-Term Fish Oil Supplementation during Adolescence Supports Sex-Specific Impact on Adulthood Visuospatial Memory and Cognitive Flexibility

Numerous studies have supported benefits of omega-3 supplementation using Menhaden fish oil (FO) to promote brain maturation and plasticity during critical developmental periods. The goal of this study was to determine sex-specific immediate and delayed impact of adolescent omega-3 supplementation on visuospatial memory and cognitive flexibility. Sixty-four Wistar rats (n = 32 males and females) received daily FO or soybean oil (CSO) supplementation via oral gavage (0.3 mL/100 g body weight) from postnatal day 28–47. The Barnes Maze Test (BMT) was used to measure visuospatial memory and reversal learning trials (RL) determined cognitive flexibility. Juveniles underwent testing immediately after the gavage period, while adults began testing on postnatal day 90. Adult rats showed reduced working memory errors (WME) and gradual decrease in escape latencies compared to juveniles. Importantly, adult FO-supplemented females displayed fewer WME than males, while males’ performance benefited from CSO supplementation. Overall, sex- and supplementation-dependent effects supported a positive impact of FO in female rats only. Our findings support the potential for supplementation limited to the early adolescence period to influence adulthood spatial learning and cognitive flexibility in a sex-specific manner.

Calanus Oil Supplementation Does Not Further Improve Short-Term Memory or Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Older Women Who Underwent Exercise Training

Purpose

In our study, we examined changes in short-term episodic memory and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in women after an exercise program alone or in combination with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation.

Patients and Methods

Fifty-five healthy elderly women (65-80 years) were randomly split into two groups: in the first group were women attending an exercise program while taking wax esters-rich oil (Calanus) supplementation (n = 28) and in the other group were women undergoing the same exercise program while taking placebo (n = 27). The 16-week exercise program consisted of functional circuit training (twice a week) and Nordic walking lessons (once a week). Short-term episodic memory was evaluated by the Czech screening Test "Pojmenování OBrázků A jejich Vybavení" (POBAV) baseline and after the program lasting 16 weeks.

Results

Our results show that short-term memory significantly improved following the exercise program, but there was no added value in using n-3 PUFA supplements. BDNF values did not differ between baseline and follow-up in either group. However, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between relative change (%) in the POBAV test and VO2peak in the placebo group (r = 0.49).

Conclusion

Despite the added value of n-3 PUFA supplementation not being proven, our results may strengthen the importance of physical activity in averting age-related memory decline and dementia.

Potential mechanisms of macular degeneration protection by fatty fish consumption

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive retinal disease that is a leading cause of visual impairment and severe vision loss. The number of people affected by AMD is increasing and constitutes a huge worldwide health problem. The beneficial effects of fish consumption on AMD have been revealed over the past decades, and in this review, we summarizes the beneficial effects of fatty fish on AMD and its mechanism of action. Fatty fish affects the development of AMD by inhibiting neovascularization, interacting with retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, displacing Omega-6, and inducing cellular responses. It is recommended that people at high risk or with moderate or more severe AMD should consider eating more fatty fish in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle of weight control and smoking cessation and the need to promote new models of personalized AMD prevention and treatment.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of omega-3 fatty acids in depression

Omega-3 fatty acids have been acknowledged for their number of holdings on an individual's health. Not only in physical valuation but also in managing psychiatric disorders, omega-3 fatty acids have been found to be a powerful formula. It is proclaimed that depressive patients suffer anomaly with the levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the body, coupled with insignificant EPA and DHA. Enhancement in brain functioning, neuronal functions, and paying attention in interacting with the brain cells are some of the additional tasks, being performed by the supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids. The leading and primary source via dietary supplementation involves the involvement of fish and fish products. These are hypothesized to be the best and dominant source for omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acid is well safe, that physician highly favors intake of these supplements, remarkably in the case of pregnant women. However, treating this serious life-threatening mental disorder leads to many adverse effects when treated with antidepressants. The dose range includes 1g/d to 10g/d, which is to be incorporated by the patient. It is also tested that the combination of EPA and DHA is found to be more efficacious for a person in treating and preventing depressive symptoms. Some studies verify the supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in diet was coequally productive and successful with minimal side effects when analyzed with antidepressants. Despite these facts, much research is still needed and presently in process for long-term safety and studying the role of omega-3 fatty acids in human health.

Effect of dietary inclusion of winter brassica crops on milk production, feeding behavior, rumen fermentation, and plasma fatty acid profile in dairy cows

This study determined feeding behavior, dry matter (DM) intake (DMI), rumen fermentation, and milk production responses of lactating dairy cows fed with kale (Brassica oleracea) or swede (Brassica napus ssp. napobrassica). Twelve multiparous lactating dairy cows (560 ± 22 kg of body weight, 30 ± 4 kg of milk/d, and 60 ± 11 d in milk at the beginning of the experiment; mean ± standard deviation) were randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. The control diet comprised 10 kg of grass silage DM/d, 4 kg of ryegrass herbage DM/d, and 8.8 kg of concentrate DM/d. Then, 25% of herbage, silage, and concentrate (DM basis) was replaced with either kale or swede. Cows offered kale had decreased total DMI compared with cows fed the control and swede diets, whereas inclusion of swede increased eating time. Milk production, composition, and energy-corrected milk:DMI ratio were not affected. Cows fed with kale had a greater rumen acetate:propionate ratio, whereas swede inclusion increased the relative percentage of butyrate. Estimated microbial N was not affected by dietary treatments, but N excretion was reduced with inclusion of kale, improving N utilization. Cows fed kale tended to have increased nonesterified fatty acids and showed presence of Heinz-Ehrlich bodies, whereas hepatic enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, and glutamate dehydrogenase were not affected by dietary treatments. In plasma, compared with the control, swede and kale reduced total saturated fatty acids and increased total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total n-3 fatty acids. Overall, feeding cows with winter brassicas had no negative effect on production responses. However, mechanisms to maintain milk production were different. Inclusion of swede increased the time spent eating and maintained DMI with a greater relative rumen percentage of butyrate and propionate, whereas kale reduced DMI but increased triacylglycerides mobilization, which can negatively affect reproductive performance. Thus, the inclusion of swede may be more suitable for feeding early-lactating dairy cows during winter.

Chemical Composition, Fatty Acid Profile and Sensory Characteristics of Chanco-Style Cheese from Early Lactation Dairy Cows Fed Winter Brassica Crops

Simple Summary

Brassica crops such as kales and swedes can be supplied to cow diets during winter. Little is known about the effects of feeding those forage brassicas to lactating cows on cheese nutritional characteristics. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of including kale or swedes in the diet of pasture-fed lactating dairy cows on chemical composition, fatty acid (FA) profile and sensory characteristics of Chanco-style cheese. Kale or swedes can be used in the diet of pasture-fed lactating dairy cows without negative effects on milk production, milk composition and cheese composition. However, with regard to cheese FA profiles, those elaborated from milks from kale and swedes increased total contents of saturated fatty acids.

Abstract

Brassica crops such as kale and swede can be supplied to cow diets during winter, however little is known about the effects of feeding those forage brassicas to lactating cows on cheese nutritional characteristics of milk and cheese. This study evaluated the effect of including kale or swede in pasture-fed lactating dairy cow diets on chemical composition, fatty acid (FA) profile, and sensory characteristics of Chanco-style cheese. Twelve early-lactation cows were used in a replicated (n = 4) 3 × 3 square Latin square design. The control diet consisted of (DM basis) 10.0 kg of grass silage, 4.0 kg of fresh grass pasture, 1.5 kg soybean meal, 1.0 kg of canola meal, and 4.0 kg of cereal-based concentrate. The other treatments replaced 25% of the diet with swede or kale. Milk yield, milkfat, and milk protein were similar between treatments as were cheese moisture, fat, and protein. Swede and kale increased total saturated cheese FA while thrombogenic index was greater in swede, but color homogeneity and salty flavor were greater while ripe cheese aroma less than for kale. Kale or swede can be used in the diet of pasture-fed lactating dairy cows without negative effects on milk production, milk composition, or cheese composition. However, kale and swede increased total cheese saturated FA.