Correlates of regular fish consumption in French elderly community dwellers: data from the Three-City study

Changes in food habits during the transition to retirement: the Whitehall II cohort study

BACKGROUND

The transition to retirement is a significant turning point in life, which may lead to changes in food habits.

OBJECTIVE

To examine changes in red meat, fish, vegetables and fruit consumption during the retirement transition and whether these changes vary between sociodemographic groups.

METHODS

The data were from the Whitehall II study, a cohort of 10 308 British civil servants aged 35-55 years at study induction (1985-1988). Data collection has taken place every 2-3 years. Food consumption (n=2484-2491) was assessed with the Food Frequency Questionnaire in the periods before (max. 16 years) and after retirement (max. 16 years). Changes in preretirement and postretirement consumption were compared in the total cohort and subgroups by sex, marital status, preretirement occupation status and financial hardship using linear regression analyses with generalised estimating equations.

RESULTS

Weekly red meat consumption was stable before retirement but increased after retirement (p=0.02), especially among women, single and lower occupational status participants. Fish consumption increased during the follow-up and the increase was steeper before retirement than postretirement period (p=0.02). Vegetable and fruit consumption also increased during the entire follow-up, but more strongly during preretirement than postretirement period (p<0.001 for both).

CONCLUSION

The transition to retirement is accompanied by favourable (increase in fruit, vegetable and fish) and unfavourable (increase in red meat) dietary changes, varied to some extent by sex, marital status and preretirement occupational status. Our findings suggest that attention should be paid to this transitional phase to promote eating habits in accordance with the recommendations for retirement.

Fish consumption, cognitive impairment and dementia: an updated dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment is projected to affect a preponderant proportion of the aging population. Lifelong dietary habits have been hypothesized to play a role in preventing cognitive decline. Among the most studied dietary components, fish consumptionhas been extensively studied for its potential effects on the human brain.

AIMS

To perform a meta-analysis of observational studies exploring the association between fish intake and cognitive impairment/decline and all types of dementia.

METHODS

A systematic search of electronic databases was performed to identify observational studies providing quantitative data on fish consumption and outcomes of interest. Random effects models for meta-analyses using only extreme exposure categories, subgroup analyses, and dose-response analyses were performed to estimate cumulative risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The meta-analysis comprised 35 studies. Individuals reporting the highest vs. the lowest fish consumption were associated with a lower likelihood of cognitive impairment/decline (RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.90, I2 = 61.1%), dementia (RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.93, I2 = 38.7%), and Alzheimer's disease (RR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.96, I2 = 20.3%). The dose-response relation revealed a significantly decreased risk of cognitive impairment/decline and all cognitive outcomes across higher levels of fish intake up to 30% for 150 g/d (RR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.95). The results of this relation based on APOE ε4 allele status was mixed based on the outcome investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Current findings suggest fish consumption is associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment/decline in a dose-response manner, while for dementia and Alzheimer's disease there is a need for further studies to improve the strength of evidence.

Fish consumption and depression in Korean population: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2021

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies in some populations showed that dietary intake of fish may be inversely associated with depression, but large studies in Korean population are limited. Thus, we investigated the association between fish consumption and depression, considering the serving size of fish, in Korean adults.

METHODS

This study was based on the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2021), which is a large nationally representative study of Korean population. Fish consumption was assessed with a 24-hour dietary recall, and physician-diagnosed depression status was assessed using questionnaires from the health interview survey. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for depression.

RESULTS

A total of 31,632 adults aged 19-64 years were included in the analysis. After adjusting for covariates, highest fish consumption (≥4 servings/week) was significantly associated with 26 % lower odds of depression compared to the lowest fish consumption (<1 servings/week) (OR 0.74; 95 % CI, 0.60-0.92, P for trend = 0.007). A similar inverse association was found in female adults (OR 0.76; 95 % CI, 0.59-0.97, P for trend = 0.018), but no significant association was found in male adults (OR 0.75; 95 % CI, 0.49-1.15, P for trend = 0.223).

LIMITATIONS

Since KNHANES is a cross-sectional study, it is difficult to evaluate the causal relationship between fish consumption and depression risk.

CONCLUSIONS

This study results suggest that high fish consumption is associated with lower risk of depression in Korean adults, especially in female adults.

Socioeconomic differences in animal food consumption: Education rather than income makes a difference

Background/aims

Evidence points toward more sustainable and health-conscious dietary behaviors among individuals with higher socioeconomic status. However, these differences vary considerably depending on which indicator of socioeconomic status is examined. Here, we present a systematic parallel investigation of multiple indicators of socioeconomic status as predictors of animal food consumption frequency and selected food-related behaviors in Germany.

Methods

Data from the German subsample of two large representative European consumer studies (Study 1 n = 1,954; Study 2 n = 2,045) was used. We assessed the associations between the socioeconomic indicators income, current occupation as well as education and consumption frequency of animal foods and selected food-related behaviors in separate ordinal logistic regressions.

Results

Individuals with higher educational attainment engaged in more sustainable and health-conscious dietary behaviors, indicated by significant associations between educational attainment and the consumption frequency of animal foods. Low- and middle-income participants consumed processed meat more frequently (Study 1 only; medium income: OR 1.5, CI 1.09-2.05, p = 0.012; low income: OR 1.43, CI 1.01-2.05, p = 0.047) and fish less frequently (Study 2 only; medium income: OR 0.76, CI 0.59-0.97, p = 0.026; low income: OR 0.061, CI 0.46-0.82, p < 0.001) than participants with high income. Current occupation did not predict the consumption of animal foods or food-related behaviors. Intake frequency of animal-based foods indicates that most participants exceeded national dietary recommendations for meat and processed meat and remained below recommendations for fish and dairy/eggs intake.

Conclusion

Educational attainment appears to be the strongest and most consistent socioeconomic indicator of sustainable dietary choices in Germany based on current large, representative studies. Future efforts should be directed toward education interventions about nutrition and interpretation of food labels to compensate for differences in dietary behavior among groups with different levels of education.

The association between meat consumption and the metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study and meta-analysis

The findings regarding the associations between red meat, fish and poultry consumption, and the metabolic syndrome (Mets) have been inconclusive, and evidence from Chinese populations is scarce. A cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the associations between red meat, fish and poultry consumption, and the prevalence of the Mets and its components among the residents of Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, China. A total of 4424 participants were eligible for the analysis. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the OR and 95 % CI for the prevalence of the Mets and its components according to red meat, fish and poultry consumption. In addition, the data of our cross-sectional study were meta-analysed under a random effects model along with those of published observational studies to generate the summary relative risks (RR) of the associations between the highest v. lowest categories of red meat, fish and poultry consumption and the Mets and its components. In the cross-sectional study, the multivariable-adjusted OR for the highest v. lowest quartiles of consumption was 1·23 (95 % CI 1·02, 1·48) for red meat, 0·83 (95 % CI 0·72, 0·97) for fish and 0·93 (95 % CI 0·74, 1·18) for poultry. In the meta-analysis, the pooled RR for the highest v. lowest categories of consumption was 1·20 (95 % CI 1·06, 1·35) for red meat, 0·88 (95 % CI 0·81, 0·96) for fish and 0·97 (95 % CI 0·85, 1·10) for poultry. The findings of both cross-sectional studies and meta-analyses indicated that the association between fish consumption and the Mets may be partly driven by the inverse association of fish consumption with elevated TAG and reduced HDL-cholesterol and, to a lesser extent, fasting plasma glucose. No clear pattern of associations was observed between red meat or poultry consumption and the components of the Mets. The current findings add weight to the evidence that the Mets may be positively associated with red meat consumption, inversely associated with fish consumption and neutrally associated with poultry consumption.

[Nutritional advices for postmenopausal woman. Postmenopausal women management: CNGOF and GEMVi clinical practice guidelines]

Menopause is a key period for health due to physiological changes, particularly of body composition (with decrease of lean mass and increase of fat mass) and of body fat distribution, leading to a higher risk for bone and muscular health and cardiometabolic health. Nutritional advices, associated to physical activity advices, may partially prevent these effects. The energy balance will be moderately negative if there is a weight gain, while the protein intake will be preserved and a regular physical activity will be increased. A Mediterranean style diet will be beneficial on cardiovascular health. Dairy products will be preserved, but restrictive and dietary exclusion will be avoided.

Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Are They Beneficial for Physical and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults?

BACKGROUND

There is equivocal evidence about beneficial properties of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LCPUFA) for older adults.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the relationship between circulating ω-3 LCPUFA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels and their corresponding dietary intakes with cognition and physical function in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults at risk of dementia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 142 community-dwelling older adults (60-85 years) with subjective memory complaints. Erythrocyte fatty acids (ω-3 LCPUFA) and the omega-3 index were measured; dietary DHA and EPA were assessed with a LCPUFA specific questionnaire. Cognition was measured using the Cogstate computerised battery and Trail-making tests. Muscle strength was assessed by grip strength and physical function via the four-square step test, 30-second sit-to-stand, timed up-and-go test, and 4-m walk test. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between erythrocyte ω-3 LCPUFA, dietary intake, cognitive and physical function.

RESULTS

Higher dietary DHA and EPA were associated with better global cognitive function (DHA: β=0.164, p=0.042; EPA: β=0.188, p=0.020). Higher dietary EPA was associated with better attention/psychomotor composite scores (β=0.196, p=0.024), mobility (four-square step test: β=-0.202, p=0.015) and gait speed (4m walk test: β=-0.200, p=0.017). No associations were found between erythrocyte ω-3 LCPUFA and cognitive or functional performance measures.

CONCLUSIONS

In community-dwelling older adults with subjective memory complaints, higher dietary ω-3 LCPUFA intake was associated with better cognitive and physical function, supporting the evidence that ω-3 fatty acids play a role in optimising physical and cognitive health during ageing.

Healthy brain, healthy life: a review of diet and exercise interventions to promote brain health and reduce Alzheimer's disease risk

With the world's population aging at a rapid rate, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has significantly increased. These statistics are alarming given recent evidence that a third of dementia cases may be preventable. The role of lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, can directly alter the risk of disease development. However, an understanding of the effectiveness of dietary patterns and exercise strategies to reduce AD risk or improve brain function is not fully understood. The aim of this review is to discuss the effects of diet and exercise on AD risk. Key components of the Western and Mediterranean diets are discussed in relation to AD progression, as well as how physical activity promotes brain health. Components of the Western diet (saturated fatty acids and simple carbohydrates) are detrimental to the brain, impair cognition, and increase AD pathologies. While components of the Mediterranean diet (polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants) are considered to be neuroprotective. Exercise can significantly reduce the risk of AD; however, specific exercise recommendations for older adults are limited and optimal intensity, duration, and type remains unknown. This review highlights important modifiable risk factors for AD and points out potential avenues for future research. Novelty Diet and exercise are modifiable factors that can improve brain health and reduce the risk of AD. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants are neuroprotective. Exercise reduces neuroinflammation, improves brain insulin sensitivity, and increases brain derived neurotrophic factor.

Fish Consumption for the Adult Population of Hawai'i, Collected with a Self-Reported Household Survey

The population of Hawai'i has traditionally been high in average fish consumption when compared to the national average. However, information is lacking on patterns of fish consumption among subpopulations. Data on fish consumption in the last 30 days from 11,293 adults was collected with the use of the Hawai'i Health Survey (an annual telephone survey of households and household members) during the years 2007 and 2008 and weighted to represent the adult population of Hawai'i. The US Department of Agriculture's, Environmental Protection Agency, and the United States Food and Drug Administration, recommend 8-12 ounces of fish per week for associated health benefits. Present estimates of fish consumption were skewed to the right (mean 10.5 and median 7.9 ounces) with some adults eating large amounts of fish per day and frequently. It may be of concern, given high amounts of methylmercury in select fish, that 13.7% of adults were eating fish 20 or more times per month. In addition, the serving size increased with increasing number of times per week fish was eaten. The subpopulation variables examined included age, sex, marital status, education, ethnicity, poverty, and demographics representing the adults of Hawai'i. The prevalence of adults consuming 8 or more ounces was highest for other than Honolulu counties, men, ages 18-74, married, with at least one year of college, Filipino and Native Hawaiian ethnicities (White, Japanese, Chinese, and All Others were also examined), employed, and adults living with higher income levels (lower poverty). However, only an estimated 46.9% of adults in Hawai'i were eating the eight or more ounces of fish weekly. Prevalence was lowest for women, Chinese, age >74 years, and the City and County of Honolulu. Adults who rated their general health better (excellent/good compared to fair/poor) were more likely to consume 8 or more ounces of fish per week, significantly for men. Men who rated their physical health higher and their mental health higher (via Optum SF™ Health Surveys) were associated with higher prevalence of consuming 8 or more ounces of fish per week. Higher consumption of the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids associated with fish low in methylmercury needs to be encouraged for those not meeting the recommended ounces of fish per week, particularly women, Chinese, older age groups, and adults living below the poverty level.

Sensory Preference and Professional Profile Affinity Definition of Endangered Native Breed Eggs Compared to Commercial Laying Lineages' Eggs

Simple Summary

A local breed’s particularities may provide eggs with sensory properties which may overcome laying lineage, regardless of their production system characteristics. Hence, methods clarifying what the appreciation of a certain product is like can outline the actions required to improve the market value of that product. Affine and non-affine profiles were defined based on the information provided by sixty-four professionally-instructed panelists on sensory attributes, diet habits, production context awareness, product consciousness, cuisine applicability and panelist attributes. Egg consumption was lower in non-affine profile professionals, as were the scores provided to sensory attributes. The higher the knowledge about Utrerana breed, the greater the importance provided to the ecological and autochthonous nature of the products. The level of study, gender and age are crucial factors to consider when approaching the commercialization of Utrerana hen eggs. Conclusively, defining consumer profiles among professionals of the cuisine sector may improve the profitability of Utrerana eggs and may help educating non-affine profiles, something key to the success in product appreciation.

Abstract

This study aimed to compare Utrerana native hen eggs’ sensory properties to Leghorn Lohmann LSL-Classic lineage’s commercial and ecological eggs through free-choice profiling. Second, affine and non-affine profiles were defined using the information provided by professionally-instructed panelists on six sets (sensory attributes, diet habits, production context awareness, product consciousness, cuisine applicability and panelist attributes) using nonlinear canonical correlation analysis. Sixty-four instructed professional panelists rated 96 eggs on 39 variables comprising the above-mentioned sets. Observers reported a significantly higher appreciation (p > 0.05) towards yolk color, odor, flavor, texture, overall score, and whole and on plate broken egg visual value when Utrerana eggs were compared to the rest of categories. Professional Profile A (PPA), or egg non-affine profile, consumed less eggs and provided lower scores to sensory attributes than Professional Profile B (PPB), or affine profile. Additionally, PPB accounted for higher knowledge about the Utrerana breed and provided greater importance to a product’s ecological and autochthonous nature. PPA was generally characterized by women under 20 years old with no higher studies, while PPB comprised 21–40 years old men with secondary studies. In conclusion, defining professional profiles enables correctly approaching market needs to improve the profitability of Utrerana eggs, meeting professional demands and educating non-affine profiles.

Modulation of Adenosine Receptors and Antioxidative Effect of Beer Extracts in in Vitro Models

The fight against neurodegenerative diseases is promoting the searching of nutrients, preferably of wide consumption, with proven effects on health. Beer is widely consumed and has potential benefits on health. In this work, three different extracts from dark beer (DB), non-alcoholic beer (NAB), and lager beer (LB) were assayed at 30 min and 24 h in rat C6 glioma and human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in order to study their possible protective effects. Cell viability and adenosine A₁, A_2A, A_2B, and A₃ receptor gene expression and protein levels were measured in control cells and in cells challenged with hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant stressor. Among the three extracts analyzed, DB showed a greater protective effect against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and cell death. Moreover, a higher A₁ receptor level was also induced by this extract. Interestingly, A₁ receptor level was also increased by NAB and LB extracts, but to a lower extent, and the protective effect of these extracts against H₂O₂ was lower. This possible correlation between protection and A₁ receptor level was observed at 24 h in both C6 and SH-SY5Y cells. In summary, different beer extracts modulate, to a different degree, adenosine receptors expression and protect both glioma and neuroblastoma cells from oxidative stress.

The sociodemographic characteristics and dietary and blood plasma fatty acid profiles of elderly Saudi women with Alzheimer disease

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, and due to various physiological and psychological factors the patients are at risk of nutritional insufficiencies. The purpose of this study was to assess the dietary fatty acid intake and its effect on plasma fatty acids in elderly Saudi women and to compare the differences in their food and plasma fatty acid profile on the basis of their residence.

Methods

A total of 76 elderly women (50–100 years) were recruited through a random sampling method. A structured proforma was designed to gather information related to their age, income, dietary habits, and presence of any disease and awareness of AD. A 24-h dietary recall method for 3 days and food frequency questionnaire, concentrating on fish consumption and consumption of foods rich in ω-3 fatty acids, which was planned by dietitians, was used for dietary assessment. The gathered data were then analyzed using food processor software. The blood samples were collected to determine plasma fatty acids.

Results

The mean age of women diagnosed with AD was more than 75 years, and the prevalence of illiteracy was higher among AD subjects. As compared to the AD group, the concentration of LA and total ω-6 was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in the control group from both recruitment sites [National Guard Health Affairs, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh (NGH) and Social Welfare Homes for the Elderly (SWH)]. Similarly, the concentrations of EPA, DHA, and ω-3 were also slightly higher in the control group at both sites, but the difference between the control and AD subjects was only significant (p ≤ 0.05) in subjects from NGH. We found no significant difference in the ω-6/ ω-3 ratio between groups. Also, no significant difference was found in the mean level of the plasma fatty acid when comparing the control and AD groups. The concentration of DHA in controls only and AA, EPA and ω-6 in both control and AD were significant (although weakly) correlated with their respective dietary intakes. No correlations were found between the intake of 18 C precursors (LA and ALA) and plasma levels of their long chain derivatives (AA, EPA, and DHA). Education, income, overall health status and the concentration of various fatty acids from food was higher and better in subjects from SWH than NGH. The lower plasma level indicates lower impaired systemic availability of several nutrients.

Conclusion

We found that dietary intervention might play a role in the prevention of AD.

Fish consumption and risk of depression: Epidemiological evidence from prospective studies

INTRODUCTION

The evidence on the association of fish or omega-3 fatty acid intake with depression is inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to examine this association.

METHODS

Database searches in PubMed and Web of Science were conducted to identify relevant articles published up to April 2018, which were supplemented by hand-searches of reference lists of the retrieved articles. Using a random-effects model, we calculated pooled relative risks (RR) of depression in relation to consumption of fish or omega-3 fatty acids after adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 10 prospective cohort studies with 6672 cases of depression among 109 764 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled adjusted RR of depression for the highest vs lowest category of fish consumption was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.80-0.99). The pooled adjusted RR of depression for the highest vs lowest category of omega-3 intake was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.74-1.04). In the dose-response analysis, the pooled adjusted RRs for an increment of 1 serving/week of fish consumption and 500 mg/day of omega-3 fatty acid intake were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.75-1.04) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.94-1.04), respectively. There was no evidence of heterogeneity.

DISCUSSION

Our findings provide quantitative evidence for a modest inverse association between fish or omega-3 fatty acid intake and risk of depression, especially in women. These findings from the observational studies need to be confirmed through large randomized clinical trials of fish consumption or omega-3 fatty acid intake and risk of depression.

Food for Mood: Relevance of Nutritional Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Depression and Anxiety

The central nervous system (CNS) has the highest concentration of lipids in the organism after adipose tissue. Among these lipids, the brain is particularly enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) represented by the omega-6 (ω6) and omega-3 (ω3) series. These PUFAs include arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), respectively. PUFAs have received substantial attention as being relevant to many brain diseases, including anxiety and depression. This review addresses an important question in the area of nutritional neuroscience regarding the importance of ω3 PUFAs in the prevention and/or treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases, mainly depression and anxiety. In particular, it focuses on clinical and experimental data linking dietary intake of ω3 PUFAs and depression or anxiety. In particular, we will discuss recent experimental data highlighting how ω3 PUFAs can modulate neurobiological processes involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression. Potential mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective and corrective activity of ω3 PUFAs in the brain are discussed, in particular the sensing activity of free fatty acid receptors and the activity of the PUFAs-derived endocannabinoid system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Neuro-nutrients as anti-alzheimer's disease agents: A critical review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a massive neuronal death causing memory loss, cognitive impairment and behavioral alteration that ultimately lead to dementia and death. AD is a multi-factorial pathology controlled by molecular events such as oxidative stress, protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuro inflammation. Nowadays, there is no efficient disease-modifying treatment for AD and epidemiological studies have suggested that diet and nutrition have a significant impact on the development of this disorder. Indeed, some nutrients can protect all kind of cells, including neurons. As prevention is better than cure, life style improvement, with a special emphasis on diet, should seriously be considered as an anti-AD track and intake of nutrients promoting neuronal health is the need of the hour. Diets rich in unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols and vitamins have been shown to protect against AD, whereas saturated fatty acids-containing diets deprived of polyphenols promote the development of the disease. Thus, Mediterranean diets, mainly composed of fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids, stand as valuable, mild and preventive anti-AD agents. This review focuses on our current knowledge in the field and how one can fight this devastating neurodegenerative disorder through the simple proper modification of our life style.

Fish consumption and depression in Korean adults: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

There is a growing body of evidence that supports the potential role of fish consumption in relation to depression, but the data in Korean population is scarce. Thus, we examined the association between fish consumption and depression in Korean adults.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 9183 Korean adults aged 19-64 years who participated in the 6TH Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015), which is a large nationally representative study of Korean population. Fish consumption and depression status were assessed using questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for physician-diagnosed clinical depression.

RESULTS

Out of the 9183 subjects, 389 (4.2%) were diagnosed with depression. After adjusting for potential confounders, the multivariable-adjusted ORs for clinical depression across fish consumption were 1.00 (reference) for <1 time/week, 0.76 (95% CI: 0.56-1.04) for 1-3 times/week and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.37-0.74) for ≥4 times/week (P for trend = 0.0005). The inverse association for ≥4 times/week of fish consumption was stronger in women (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.29-0.67, P for trend < .0001), but there was no significant association in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that high consumption of fish is associated with lower odds of depression in Korean adults, particularly in women. These results warrant further prospective studies to verify the association between fish consumption and risk of depression in Korean adults.

Dietary patterns in french home-living older adults: Results from the PRAUSE study

The aim of the present study was to provide descriptive dietary patterns of home-living older adults, and to examine their association with sociodemographic and 'diet-related' variables, and health and psychological factors. Dietary patterns were analyzed using separately cluster analysis for men (N=151,M_age=72.72, SD=8.80, range=56-97) and women (N=251, M_age=76.74, SD=9.95, range=55-97) in 402 older adults aged 55 years and over. Cluster analyses showed four distinct dietary profiles for each gender. In older men, the four distinct dietary clusters were associated with any differences in sociodemographic and 'diet-related' variables, cognitive function, and health and psychological factors. Likewise, in older women, the four distinct dietary clusters were associated with any differences in sociodemographic and 'diet-related' variables'. However in older women, results showed that the cluster 1 "high fish-fruit-vegetable" was associated with a better cognitive function, a better self-rated health and no depressive symptoms, whereas cluster 3 "moderate ready meals" was associated with cognitive decline, slight depression, and poor perceived health. Results emphasize the interest to take into consideration health and psychological factors associated with dietary patterns to better target the vulnerability of individuals and enable an effective prevention.

Dietary patterns in French home-living older adults: Results from the PRAUSE study

The aim of the present study was to provide descriptive dietary patterns of home-living older adults, and to examine their association with sociodemographic and 'diet-related' variables, and health and psychological factors. Dietary patterns were analyzed using separately cluster analysis for men (N=151,M_age=72.72, SD=8.80, range=56-97) and women (N=251, M_age=76.74, SD=9.95, range=55-97) in 402 older adults aged 55 years and over. Cluster analyses showed four distinct dietary profiles for each gender. In older men, the four distinct dietary clusters were associated with any differences in sociodemographic and diet-related variables, cognitive function, and health and psychological factors. Likewise, in older women, the four distinct dietary clusters were associated with any differences in sociodemographic and 'diet-related' variables'. However in older women, results showed that the cluster 1 "high fish-fruit-vegetable" was associated with a better cognitive function, a better self-rated health and no depressive symptoms, whereas cluster 3 "moderate ready meals" was associated with cognitive decline, slight depression, and poor perceived health. Results emphasize the interest to take into consideration health and psychological factors associated with dietary patterns to better target the vulnerability of individuals and enable an effective prevention.

Dietary n-3 PUFA, fish consumption and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Fish consumption and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been hypothesized to exert preventive effects toward depressive disorders, but findings are contrasting. We aimed to systematically review and perform meta-analysis of results from observational studies exploring the association between fish, n-3 PUFA dietary intake, and depression.

METHODS

A search on the main bibliographic source of the observational studies up to August 2015 was performed. Random-effects models of the highest versus the lowest (reference) category of exposure and dose-response meta-analysis were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 31 studies including 255,076 individuals and over 20,000 cases of depression, were examined. Analysis of 21 datasets investigating relation between fish consumption and depression resulted in significant reduced risk (RR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.69, 0.89), with a linear dose-response despite with moderate heterogeneity. Pooled risk estimates of depression for extreme categories of both total n-3 PUFA and fish-derived n-3 PUFA [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] resulted in decreased risk for the highest compared with the lowest intake (RR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.92 and RR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.92, respectively) and dose-response analysis revealed a J-shaped association with a peak decreased risk for 1.8g/d intake of n-3 PUFA (RR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.98).

LIMITATION

Design of the studies included and confounding due to lack adjustment for certain variables may exist.

CONCLUSIONS

The present analysis supports the hypothesis that dietary n-3 PUFA intake are associated with lower risk of depression.

Nutrition and mortality in the elderly over 10 years of follow-up: the Three-City study

In the last 20 years, many prospective cohort studies have assessed the relationships between food consumption and mortality. Result interpretation is mainly hindered by the limited adjustment for confounders and, to a lesser extent, the small sample sizes. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary habits and all-cause mortality in a multicentre prospective cohort that included non-institutionalised, community-based elderly individuals (Three-City Study). A brief FFQ was administered at baseline. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % CI for all-cause mortality were estimated relative to the consumption frequency of several food groups, using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for sex, centre, socio-demographic characteristics and health status indicators. Among the 8937 participants (mean age: 74·2 years, 60·7 % women), 2016 deaths were recorded during an average follow-up of 9 years. The risk of death was significantly lower among subjects with the highest fruit and vegetable consumption (HR 0·90; 95 % CI 0·82, 0·99, P=0·03) and with regular fish consumption (HR 0·89; 95 % CI 0·81, 0·97, P=0·01). The benefit of olive oil use was found only in women (moderate olive oil use: HR 0·80; 95 % CI 0·68, 0·94, P=0·007; intensive use: HR 0·72; 95 % CI 0·60, 0·85, P=0·0002). Conversely, daily meat consumption increased the mortality risk (HR 1·12; 95 % CI, 1·01, 1·24, P=0·03). No association was found between risk of death and diet diversity and use of various fats. These findings suggest that fruits/vegetables, olive oil and regular fish consumptions have a beneficial effect on the risk of death, independently of the socio-demographic features and the number of medical conditions.

Differences in nutrient composition and choice of side dishes between red meat and fish dinners in Norwegian adults

BACKGROUND

Food-based dietary guidelines often recommend increased consumption of fish and reduced intake of red and processed meat. However, little is known about how changing the main protein source from red meat to fish may influence the choice of side dishes.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether side dish choices differed between red meat and fish dinners. Moreover, to compare intakes of macronutrients and selected micronutrients in red meat and fish dinners and to see whether whole-day intakes of these nutrients differed between days with red meat dinners and days with fish dinners.

DESIGN

Data were collected in a cross-sectional nationwide Norwegian dietary survey using two non-consecutive telephone-administered 24-h recalls. The recalls were conducted approximately 4 weeks apart. In total, 2,277 dinners from 1,517 participants aged 18-70 were included in the analyses.

RESULTS

Fish dinners were more likely to include potatoes and carrots than red meat dinners, whereas red meat dinners more often contained bread, tomato sauce, and cheese. Red meat dinners contained more energy and iron; had higher percentages of energy (E%) from fat, saturated fat, and monounsaturated fat; and a lower E% from protein and polyunsaturated fat than fish dinners. Fish dinners contained more vitamin D, β-carotene, and folate than red meat dinners. Similar differences were found when comparing whole-day intakes of the same nutrients on days with red meat versus fish dinners.

CONCLUSION

Fish dinners were accompanied by different side dishes than red meat dinners. With regard to nutrient content, fish dinners generally had a healthier profile than red meat dinners. However, iron intake was higher for red meat dinners. Information about associated foods will be useful both for developing public health guidelines and when studying associations between dietary factors and health outcomes.

Fish consumption and depressive symptoms in undergraduate students: A cross-sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests that fish consumption may have beneficial effects on mood disorders. However, no study has been reported on this issue in young adults to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between fish consumption and depressive symptoms in Japanese undergraduate students.

METHODS

The 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to measure depressive symptoms with a cut-off score of 16. A total of 4190 completed questionnaires (from 2124 men and 2066 women) were received for analysis.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic analysis showed that fish intake was inversely associated with risk of depressive symptoms in undergraduate students. After adjustment for possible confounders, the odds-ratios (95% confidence intervals) for fish intake 1-2 times/month, 1-2 times/week, 3-4 times/week, and almost every day (compared with "almost never") were 0.78 (0.62-0.99), 0.70 (0.56-0.87), 0.67 (0.53-0.85) and 0.65 (0.46-0.92), respectively. This association tended to be stronger in women than in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequent fish consumption in undergraduate students seems to moderate depressive symptoms. Further research is warranted to clarify the causality.

Dietary patterns and depressive symptoms in a Taiwanese population aged 53 years and over: Results from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study of Aging

AIM

The present study aimed to examine the associations between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms in a Taiwanese population aged 53 years and over, and evaluate the longitudinal impacts of dietary patterns on depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Data were from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study of Aging.

RESULT

Depressive symptoms were identified in 23% of adults aged ≥53 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a Western dietary pattern, which was characterized by frequent consumption of meat/poultry and eggs, with infrequent consumption of fish, beans/legumes, vegetables and fruit, was cross-sectionally associated with a high risk of depressive symptoms (P < 0.05). A traditional dietary pattern, which was characterized by frequent consumption of meat/poultry and eggs with infrequent consumption of fish, increased by 60% the risk of depressive symptoms during the subsequent 8 years (P < 0.05). A healthy dietary pattern, which was characterized by frequent consumption of fish, vegetables and fruits, was not significantly associated with subsequent depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary patterns correlate with depressive symptoms in a Taiwanese population aged 53 years and over. The Western and traditional dietary patterns, characterized by frequent consumption of meat/poultry and eggs, and infrequent consumption of fish, increased the risk of current and subsequent depressive symptoms. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1289-1295.

Components of a Mediterranean diet and their impact on cognitive functions in aging

BACKGROUND

Adhering to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) is known to be beneficial with regard to many age-associated diseases including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies also suggest an impact on cognition and brain structure, and increasing effort is made to track effects down to single nutrients.

AIMS

We aimed to review whether two MeDi components, i.e., long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LC-n3-FA) derived from sea-fish, and plant polyphenols including resveratrol (RSV), exert positive effects on brain health in aging.

CONTENT

We summarized health benefits associated with the MeDi and evaluated available studies on the effect of (1) fish-consumption and LC-n3-FA supplementation as well as (2) diet-derived or supplementary polyphenols such as RSV, on cognitive performance and brain structure in animal models and human studies. Also, we discussed possible underlying mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

A majority of available studies suggest that consumption of LC-n3-FA with fish or fishoil-supplements exerts positive effects on brain health and cognition in older humans. However, more large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to draw definite recommendations. Considering polyphenols and RSV, only few controlled studies are available to date, yet the evidence based on animal research and first interventional human trials is promising and warrants further investigation. In addition, the concept of food synergy within the MeDi encourages future trials that evaluate the impact of comprehensive lifestyle patterns to help maintaining cognitive functions into old age.

Association between Fish Consumption and Prefrontal Function during a Cognitive Task in Male Japanese Workers: A Multi-Channel Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between fish consumption and prefrontal function during a cognitive task in male Japanese workers. The study included 208 male workers who underwent medical health examinations 3 months after a change in their work assignment. We measured the hemoglobin concentration changes in the prefrontal region during working memory tasks using 52-channel near-infrared spectroscopy. The frequency of fish consumption was calculated on the basis of the subjects' self-reported customary intake frequency over the previous 3 months. A significant positive relationship was observed between fish consumption and left dorsolateral prefrontal function during a working memory task. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report an association between fish consumption and functional cortical activity with an ample sample size, suggesting that fish consumption modulates functional activity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake in relation to circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 levels in renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A high circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in renal transplant recipients and the general population. N-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may contribute to cardiovascular risk reduction. We investigated whether fish and EPA-DHA intake are related to FGF23 levels in renal transplant recipients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis in 619 stable renal transplant recipients (mean age 53 years, 57% male, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 53 ± 20 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). Dietary intake was assessed by a 177-item food frequency questionnaire. Serum intact FGF23 was measured by ELISA. We examined differences in FGF23 levels across categories of fish and EPA-DHA intake using analysis of variance models adjusted for age, sex, dietary and lifestyle factors and key determinants of FGF23. Patients consumed on average 15 g of fish and 139 mg EPA-DHA/day. Median FGF23 was 62 pg/mL (IQR 43-98 pg/mL). Higher dietary EPA-DHA and fish intake were associated with lower serum FGF23 levels. Subgroup analyses revealed that particularly in patients with reduced renal function (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), adjusted FGF23 levels (114, 79, 75 pg/mL, P = 0.0001) were inversely associated with tertiles of EPA-DHA intake. Similarly, we observed an inverse association between fish consumption and serum FGF23 levels in adjusted analyses.

CONCLUSION

A higher intake of fish and dietary n-3 fatty acids (EPA-DHA) is related to lower circulating FGF23 levels in renal transplant recipients. Further research is needed to assess the causality of this association and the clinical implications.

Regular fish consumption and age-related brain gray matter loss

BACKGROUND

Brain health may be affected by modifiable lifestyle factors; consuming fish and antioxidative omega-3 fatty acids may reduce brain structural abnormality risk.

PURPOSE

To determine whether dietary fish consumption is related to brain structural integrity among cognitively normal elders.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from 260 cognitively normal individuals from the Cardiovascular Health Study with information on fish consumption from the National Cancer Institute Food Frequency Questionnaire and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The relationship between fish consumption data collected in 1989-1990 and brain structural MRI obtained in 1998-1999 was assessed using voxel-based morphometry in multiple regression analyses in 2012. Covariates were age, gender, race, education, white matter lesions, MRI-identified infarcts, waist-hip ratio, and physical activity as assessed by the number of city blocks walked in 1 week. Volumetric changes were further modeled with omega-3 fatty acid estimates to better understand the mechanistic link between fish consumption, brain health, and Alzheimer disease.

RESULTS

Weekly consumption of baked or broiled fish was positively associated with gray matter volumes in the hippocampus, precuneus, posterior cingulate, and orbital frontal cortex even after adjusting for covariates. These results did not change when including omega-3 fatty acid estimates in the analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary consumption of baked or broiled fish is related to larger gray matter volumes independent of omega-3 fatty acid content. These findings suggest that a confluence of lifestyle factors influence brain health, adding to the growing body of evidence that prevention strategies for late-life brain health need to begin decades earlier.

Association of fish oil supplement use with preservation of brain volume and cognitive function

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of fish oil supplements (FOSs) is associated with concomitant reduction in cognitive decline and brain atrophy in older adults.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine the relationship between FOS use during the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and indicators of cognitive decline. Older adults (229 cognitively normal individuals, 397 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 193 patients with Alzheimer's disease) were assessed with neuropsychological tests and brain magnetic resonance imaging every 6 months. Primary outcomes included (1) global cognitive status and (2) cerebral cortex gray matter and hippocampus and ventricular volumes.

RESULTS

FOS use during follow-up was associated with significantly lower mean cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale and higher Mini-Mental State Examination scores among those with normal cognition. Associations between FOS use and the outcomes were observed only in APOE ε4-negative participants. FOS use during the study was also associated with less atrophy in one or more brain regions of interest.

Longitudinal associations between fish consumption and depression in young adults

Few studies have examined longitudinal associations between fish consumption and depression; none have defined depression using a diagnostic tool. We investigated whether fish consumption was associated with fewer new depression episodes in a national study of Australian adults. In 2004-2006, 1,386 adults aged 26-36 years (38% males) completed a 127-item (9 fish items) food frequency questionnaire. Fish intake was examined continuously (times/week) and dichotomously (reference group: <2 times/week). During 2009-2011, the lifetime version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview was administered by telephone. New episodes of major depression/dysthymic disorder (since baseline) were defined using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. During follow-up, 160 (18.8%) women and 70 (13.1%) men experienced depression. For women, each additional weekly serving of fish consumed at baseline decreased the risk of having a new depressive episode by 6% (adjusted relative risk = 0.94, 95% confidence interval: 0.87, 1.01). Women who ate fish ≥2 times/week at baseline had a 25% lower risk of depression during follow-up than those who ate fish <2 times/week (adjusted relative risk = 0.75, 95% confidence interval: 0.57, 0.99). Reverse causation was also suggested but appeared to be restricted to persons with recent depression. Fish consumption was not associated with depression in men. These findings provide further evidence that fish consumption may be beneficial for women's mental health.

Special lipid-based diets alleviate cognitive deficits in the APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease independent of brain amyloid deposition

Dietary fish oil, providing n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), associates with reduced dementia risk in epidemiological studies and reduced amyloid accumulation in Alzheimer mouse models. We now studied whether additional nutrients can improve the efficacy of fish oil in alleviating cognitive deficits and amyloid pathology in APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic and wild-type mice. We compared four isocaloric (5% fat) diets. The fish oil diet differed from the control diet only by substituted fish oil. Besides fish oil, the plant sterol diet was supplemented with phytosterols, while the Fortasyn diet contained as supplements precursors and cofactors for membrane synthesis, viz. uridine-monophosphate; DHA and EPA; choline; folate; vitamins B6, B12, C and E; phospholipids and selenium. Mice began the special diets at 5 months and were sacrificed at 14 months after behavioral testing. Transgenic mice, fed with control chow, showed poor spatial learning, hyperactivity in exploring a novel cage and reduced preference to explore novel odors. All fish-oil-containing diets increased exploration of a novel odor over a familiar one. Only the Fortasyn diet alleviated the spatial learning deficit. None of the diets influenced hyperactivity in a new environment. Fish-oil-containing diets strongly inhibited β- and γ-secretase activity, and the plant sterol diet additionally reduced amyloid-β 1-42 levels. These data indicate that beneficial effects of fish oil on cognition in Alzheimer model mice can be enhanced by adding other specific nutrients, but this effect is not necessarily mediated via reduction of amyloid accumulation.

Relationship between diet and plasma long-chain n-3 PUFAs in older people: impact of apolipoprotein E genotype

The main risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, age and the ε4 allele of the APOE gene (APOE4), might modify the metabolism of n-3 PUFAs and in turn, their impact on cognition. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary fat and plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in elderly persons, taking the APOE4 genotype into account. The sample was composed of 1,135 participants from the Three-City study aged 65 years and over, of whom 19% were APOE4 carriers. Mean plasma proportions of EPA [1.01%, standard deviation (SD) 0.60] and DHA (2.41%, SD 0.81) did not differ according to APOE4. In multivariate models, plasma EPA increased with frequency of fish consumption (P < 0.0001), alcohol intake (P = 0.0006), and female gender (P = 0.02), and decreased with intensive consumption of n-6 oils (P = 0.02). The positive association between fish consumption and plasma DHA was highly significant whatever the APOE genotype (P < 0.0001) but stronger in APOE4 noncarriers than in carriers (P = 0.06 for interaction). Plasma DHA increased significantly with age (P = 0.009) in APOE4 noncarriers only. These findings suggest that dietary habits, gender, and APOE4 genotype should be considered when designing interventions to increase n-3 PUFA blood levels in older people.

Omega-3 fatty acids and brain resistance to ageing and stress: body of evidence and possible mechanisms

The increasing life expectancy in the populations of rich countries raises the pressing question of how the elderly can maintain their cognitive function. Cognitive decline is characterised by the loss of short-term memory due to a progressive impairment of the underlying brain cell processes. Age-related brain damage has many causes, some of which may be influenced by diet. An optimal diet may therefore be a practical way of delaying the onset of age-related cognitive decline. Nutritional investigations indicate that the ω-3 poyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content of western diets is too low to provide the brain with an optimal supply of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the main ω-3 PUFA in cell membranes. Insufficient brain DHA has been associated with memory impairment, emotional disturbances and altered brain processes in rodents. Human studies suggest that an adequate dietary intake of ω-3 PUFA can slow the age-related cognitive decline and may also protect against the risk of senile dementia. However, despite the many studies in this domain, the beneficial impact of ω-3 PUFA on brain function has only recently been linked to specific mechanisms. This review examines the hypothesis that an optimal brain DHA status, conferred by an adequate ω-3 PUFA intake, limits age-related brain damage by optimizing endogenous brain repair mechanisms. Our analysis of the abundant literature indicates that an adequate amount of DHA in the brain may limit the impact of stress, an important age-aggravating factor, and influences the neuronal and astroglial functions that govern and protect synaptic transmission. This transmission, particularly glutamatergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus, underlies memory formation. The brain DHA status also influences neurogenesis, nested in the hippocampus, which helps maintain cognitive function throughout life. Although there are still gaps in our knowledge of the way ω-3 PUFA act, the mechanistic studies reviewed here indicate that ω-3 PUFA may be a promising tool for preventing age-related brain deterioration.

Omega-3 fatty acids deficiency aggravates glutamatergic synapse and astroglial aging in the rat hippocampal CA1

Epidemiological data suggest that a poor ω3 status favoured by the low ω3/ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio in western diets contributes to cognitive decline in the elderly, but mechanistic evidence is lacking. We therefore explored the impact of ω3 deficiency on the evolution of glutamatergic transmission in the CA1 of the hippocampus during aging by comparing 4 groups of rats aged 6-22 months fed ω3-deficient or ω3/ω6-balanced diets from conception to sacrifice: Young ω3 Balanced (YB) or Deficient (YD), Old ω3 Balanced (OB) or Deficient (OD) rats. ω3 Deficiency induced a 65% decrease in the amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, the main ω3 in cell membranes) in brain phospholipids, but had no impact on glutamatergic transmission and astroglial function in young rats. Aging induced a 10% decrease in brain DHA, a 35% reduction of synaptic efficacy (fEPSP/PFV) due to decreased presynaptic glutamate release and a 30% decrease in the astroglial glutamate uptake associated with a marked astrogliosis (+100% GFAP). The ω3 deficiency further decreased these hallmarks of aging (OD vs. OB rats: -35% fEPSP/PFV P < 0.05, -15% astroglial glutamate uptake P < 0.001, +30% GFAP P < 0.01). This cannot be attributed to aggravation of the brain DHA deficit because the brains of OD rats had more DHA than those of YD rats. Thus, ω3 deficiency worsens the age-induced degradation of glutamatergic transmission and its associated astroglial regulation in the hippocampus.

Fish consumption is positively associated with social functioning: a cross-sectional study in male Japanese workers

This study investigated the association of fish consumption with social functioning. One hundred forty male Japanese workers completed the social adaptation self-evaluation scale (SASS) and their customary fish consumption was assessed. The total, interest, and motivation factor scores on SASS showed significant positive correlations with fish consumption.

Diet and lifestyle factors associated with fish consumption in men and women: a study of whether gender differences can result in gender-specific confounding

Background

Fish consumption and intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, a prospective study from northern Sweden showed that high consumption of fish is associated with an increased risk of stroke in men, but not in women. The current study aimed to determine if fish consumption is differently related to lifestyle in men compared with women in northern Sweden.

Methods

Lifestyle information on 32,782 men and 34,866 women (aged 30–60 years) was collected between 1992 and 2006 within the Västerbotten Intervention Programme (a health intervention in northern Sweden). Spearman correlations coefficients (R_s) were calculated between self-reported consumption of fish and other food items. Lifestyle variables were compared between fish consumption categories.

Results

Fish consumption was positively associated with other foods considered healthy (e.g., root vegetables, lettuce/cabbage/spinach/broccoli, chicken, and berries; R_s = 0.21-0.30), as well as with other healthy lifestyle factors (e.g., exercise and not smoking) and a higher educational level, in both men and women. The only gender difference found, concerned the association between fish consumption and alcohol consumption. Men who were high consumers of fish had a higher intake of all types of alcohol compared with low to moderate fish consumers. For women, this was true only for wine.

Conclusions

Except for alcohol, the association between fish consumption and healthy lifestyle did not differ between men and women in northern Sweden. It is important to adjust for other lifestyle variables and socioeconomic variables in studies concerning the effect of fish consumption on disease outcome.

No association between fish intake and depression in over 15,000 older adults from seven low and middle income countries--the 10/66 study

Background

Evidence on the association between fish consumption and depression is inconsistent and virtually non-existent from low- and middle-income countries. Using a standard protocol, we aim to assess the association of fish consumption and late-life depression in seven low- and middle-income countries.

Methodology/Findings

We used cross-sectional data from the 10/66 cohort study and applied two diagnostic criteria for late-life depression to assess the association between categories of weekly fish consumption and depression according to ICD-10 and the EURO-D depression symptoms scale scores, adjusting for relevant confounders. All-catchment area surveys were carried out in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, China, and India, and over 15,000 community-dwelling older adults (65+) were sampled. Using Poisson models the adjusted association between categories of fish consumption and ICD-10 depression was positive in India (p for trend = 0.001), inverse in Peru (p = 0.025), and not significant in all other countries. We found a linear inverse association between fish consumption categories and EURO-D scores only in Cuba (p for trend  = 0.039) and China (p<0.001); associations were not significant in all other countries. Between-country heterogeneity was marked for both ICD-10 (I²>61%) and EURO-D criteria (I²>66%).

Conclusions

The associations of fish consumption with depression in large samples of older adults varied markedly across countries and by depression diagnosis and were explained by socio-demographic and lifestyle variables. Experimental studies in these settings are needed to confirm our findings.

Knowledge and barriers relating to fish consumption in older Australians

Among 854 Australians ≥ 51 years of age, this cross-sectional survey explored knowledge regarding finfish consumption, sources of information on fish and omega 3 fatty acids, what barriers limit finfish consumption and what factors predict its consumption. The survey consisted of a validated quantitative fish frequency questionnaire with additional questions on barriers and knowledge relating to finfish. Twelve percent of respondents consumed oily fish ≥ 2 times per week. Cost was the most frequently (37%) reported barrier for fresh finfish consumption. In multiple regression analysis, respondents' exposure to multiple sources of information (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.135 (1.01, 1.28), who correctly identified the current recommendations for fish consumption; 1.87 (1.13, 3.07), agreed that fish improves general health; 3.57 (1.13, 11.30), and reported fewer barriers towards canned fish consumption; 0.59 (0.41, 0.84) were more likely to consume ≥ 2 servings of fresh finfish per week. Education and health programs need to be readily available highlighting current recommendations for fish consumption and how targets can be achieved. Meal plans with various finfish/seafood and amounts of omega 3 fatty acids required to achieve recommendations, and within a suitable budget, is likely to be an important strategy to target older consumers to increase consumption.

Cross-sectional but not longitudinal association between n-3 fatty acid intake and depressive symptoms: results from the SU.VI.MAX 2 study

Findings regarding the association between n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) status and depression are conflicting. Thus, the authors studied associations between PUFA intake and depressive symptoms. In 1996, depressive symptoms were assessed in a subsample of participants from the Supplementation with Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals (SU.VI.MAX) Study using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). In 2007-2009, information on CES-D score, history of depression, and use of antidepressant medication was obtained. Intakes of n-3 PUFAs were estimated from repeated 24-hour dietary records collected during 1994-1996. Subjects with depressive symptoms (cases) were identified using CES-D scores greater than 15 and/or antidepressant use. Logistic regression analyses were used. Cross-sectional (n = 2,744) and longitudinal (n = 1,235) associations between quartiles of PUFA intake and depressive symptoms were estimated. In cross-sectional analyses, quartile of n-3 PUFA intake was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (fourth quartile vs. first: odds ratio = 0.74, 95% confidence interval: 0.58, 0.95; P for trend = 0.001). No association between PUFA intake and incidence of depressive symptoms over 13 years was detected. This study provides new insights into the PUFA-depression link. While no association between n-3 PUFA intake and incidence of depressive symptoms was detected, an association was observed in cross-sectional analyses, which may reflect unhealthy dietary patterns among subjects with depressive symptoms.

Associations between omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids from fish consumption and severity of depressive symptoms: an analysis of the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Fish is the primary source of dietary omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have been reported to reduce depressive symptoms in clinical trials. We assessed the association between fish consumption and depressive symptoms in a nationally representative sample of 10,480 adults from the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Depressive symptoms were classified by severity using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Fish meal consumption reported in 30-day food frequency questionnaires, and EPA+DHA intake computed from 24-h dietary recalls were evaluated in relation to depressive symptoms using multivariable ordinal logistic regression. Consumption of breaded fish showed an increased risk of greater depressive symptom severity, while all fish, non-breaded fish, and shell fish were not associated. Any EPA+DHA intake was significantly associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Exposure-response analyses revealed no clear patterns for any intake measures. Inconsistent patterns of associations in our study may be partially explained by exposure misclassification.

Depressive symptoms and past lifestyle among Japanese elderly people

In order to develop an effective preventive intervention for depression, this cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the relationship between past lifestyle, social activity, and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling elderly people in Japan (n = 887). The Geriatric Depression Scale was used for assessing depressive symptoms. The lifestyle of middle-aged people was assessed using a recall report. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among the subjects was 12.9%. Logistic regression analyses showed that physical exercise, daily intake of well-balanced meals and milk products, and the presence of hobbies were related to the absence of depressive symptoms among both men and women. Among men, avoidance of excess salt and fat was related to the absence of depressive symptoms, while among women, moderate alcohol consumption and good relationships with neighbors were related. Physical exercise, dietary education, and promotion of social activities among middle-aged people were recommended for prevention of depressive symptoms.

Thirteen-year prospective study between fish consumption, long-chain n-3 fatty acids intakes and cognitive function

OBJECTIVES

Because of their structural, anti-inflammatory and antithrombic properties, long-chain n-3 fatty acids may be key factors in the aging process. We sought to elucidate the association between intake of long-chain n-3 fatty acids and/or fish and cognitive function evaluated 13 years after dietary assessment.

DESIGN

Prospective population-based study.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

3,294 adults from the SU.VI.MAX study (Supplementation with Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals study). MEASUREMENTS/STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Subjects underwent a standardized clinical examination which included cognitive tests and self-reported cognitive difficulties scale (2007-2009). Poor scores were defined using percentiles as cut-off. Dietary data were assessed through repeated 24-h dietary records. Odd ratio (OR), comparing the fourth (Q4) to the first quartile (Q1), of having a poor score were calculated using adjusted logistic regression.

RESULTS

Self-reported cognitive difficulties were less frequent among subjects with higher intakes of total n-3 long chain fatty acids (OR = 0.72, CI 95%=0.56-0.92) and eicosapentaenoic acid (OR Q4 versus Q1 = 0.74, CI 95%=0.58-0.95), even after adjustment for depressive symptoms. A borderline significant association was also found with high fish consumption (OR Q4 versus Q1 = 0.80, CI 95%=0.63-1.01).

CONCLUSION

Cognitive complaints, which may be an early indicator of cognitive decline, are less frequent among the elderly who have a high long-chain n-3 acids intake, as assessed 13 years earlier.

Food and nutrient intakes of French frequent seafood consumers with regard to fish consumption recommendations: results from the CALIPSO study

Besides providing n-3 fatty acids with nutritional and health benefits, seafood consumption may contribute to the reduction of nutrient prevalences of inadequacy. To evaluate the contributions of seafood and other food groups to nutrient intakes of frequent seafood consumers, food consumption was evaluated through an FFQ on 991 French men and women (18–81 years) consuming seafood at least twice a week. Intakes, prevalence of inadequacies, risks of upper limit excess and food contributions to intakes were assessed for thirty-three nutrients. Mean fat contributions to total energy intakes (38·3 and 39·0 % for men and women, respectively) met French recommendations, but mean carbohydrate intakes (40·9 and 39·7 %, respectively) were insufficient. Micronutrient inadequacies were lower than in the French general population, the highest being for vitamin C (41·3 and 40·1 % for men and women, respectively), vitamin E (35·0 and 35·3 % for men and women, respectively) and Mg (37·5 and 25·5 % for men and women, respectively). Upper safety limits (USL) were exceeded mostly for Zn (6·2 %), Ca (3·7 %), retinol (2·0 %) and Cu (0·9 %). Mean contributions of seafood to vitamin D, B12, I and Se intakes ranged 40–65 %. Molluscs and crustaceans significantly contributed to vitamin B12 (13·7 %), Cu (11·4 %), Fe (11·5 %), Zn (8·4 %) and I (6·1 %) intakes, and canned fish contributed to vitamin D intake (13·4 %). Besides fish, contributions of mollusc and crustacean consumption to nutrient intakes should be considered from a public health viewpoint. Consuming seafood at least twice a week induces moderate inadequacies and risks of exceeding USL for some micronutrients, whereas macronutrient intakes remained imbalanced.