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In a 6-month, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, intervention study involving 176 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 45 years, supplementation with DHA was found to be associated with improvements in memory and the reaction time of memory in healthy young adults whose intake of DHA was low. Specifically the reaction times of episodic and working memory improved with DHA (mean difference between active and placebo groups -0.18 SD and -0.36 SD); episodic memory was improved in women, and reaction times of working memory were improved in men. No significant effects were noted for cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an open-label study involving 201 obese and insulin-resistant children and adolescents, out of which 98 received 500 mg/d metformin and 103 received 1.8g of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, for a period of 12 weeks, results found that omega-3 fatty acids supplementation was associated with significantly decreased concentrations of glucose and insulin levels, significantly decreased levels of triglycerides, significant reductions in BMI, and reduced homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index values, while treatment with metformin had only a negligible effect on insulin levels, and was associated with increases in HDL cholesterol and decreases in LDL cholesterol, while showing no significant effect on triglyceride levels. The authors conclude, "The results of this work suggest that omega-3 may be useful as an adjuvant therapy in obese children and adolescents with IR." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a study involving 1,879 Costa Rican adults without diabetes, an increase in daily servings of white rice was positively associated with blood pressure, triglycerides, and fasting glucose, and inversely associated with HDL cholesterol, while an increase in daily servings of beans was inversely associated with diastolic blood pressure. A 35% reduction in risk of the metabolic syndrome was found when one serving of white rice was substituted with one serving of beans. The authors conclude, "Increasing the ratio of beans to white rice, or limiting the intake of white rice by substituting beans, may lower cardiometabolic risk factors." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a randomized study involving patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), undergoing pulmonary vein isolation, supplementation with fish oil (6 g/d) for a mean 40 days prior to the procedure was found to be associated with various beneficial effects, including longer left-sided and right-sided pulmonary venous ERPs, less dispersion of pulmonary venous ERPs, longer left atrial ERPs, no difference in pulmonary venous conduction, lower incidence of atrial fibrillation initiated from pulmonary veins during effective refractory period testing (77% vs. 31%) and prolongation of mean AF cycle length and shortest AF cycle length in PVs. The authors state, "These changes may in part explain the antifibrillatory effect of chronic omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in patients with PAF." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study involving 54 coronary artery disease patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), supplementation with 1 g/d omega-3 fatty acids for a period of 1 month was found to significantly reduce thrombin formation and oxidative stress and favorably alter fibrin clot properties. Specifically, patients who received omega-3 fatty acid supplementation had a 15.3% higher plasma fibrin clot permeability, 14.3% shorter t(50%), suggesting a greater susceptibility to fibrinolysis, 33.8% lower prothrombin fragment 1.2, 13.4% lower peak thrombin generation, and 13.1% lower 8-iso-PGF(2alpha). Fibrinogen and treatment assignment were independently associated with clot permeability after 1 month of treatment. The authors state, "Adding omega-3 PUFA to standard therapy in stable patients undergoing PCI significantly decreases thrombin formation and oxidative stress and favorably alters fibrin clot properti es. These findings indicate novel antithrombotic effects induced by omega-3 PUFA in humans." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "High Consumption of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Decrease Plasma Homocysteine: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials," by T. Huang J. Zheng J, and colleagues, is presented.

In a study involving 95 consecutive patients who underwent posterior-only lumbar decompression surgery, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, stopping 2.3 days before surgery, was not found to increase intraoperative blood loss or postoperative bleeding in any way. In fact, subjects in the control group, who did not receive omega-3 fatty acid supplements prior to surgery had greater blood loss (154 vs. 138 mL), though not significant. In addition, there were two complications related to bleeding in the control group, as compared to zero on the omega-3 group. The authors conclude, "Although further studies are necessary before this finding can be generalized to other types of spinal surgery, our study corroborates findings from investigations in other surgical specialties that suggest preoperative n-3FA is not associated with increased risk of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a study involving 2514 subjects aged 49 years of age or older at baseline, out of which 214 died of inflammatory diseases over the course of 15 years, women in the highest tertile of total omega-3 fatty acid intake were found to have a 44% reduced risk of inflammatory disease mortality, as compared to those in the lowest tertile. In women and men, each 1-SD increase in energy-adjusted intake of alpha-linolenic acid was associated, inversely, with mortality related to inflammation (HR=0.83). With nut consumption, those in the second tertile were found to have a 51% reduction and those in the third tertile having 32% reduction of risk, as compared to those in the first tertile. No association was found between inflammatory mortality and dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs. The authors conclude, "We report on a novel link between dietary intake of total n-3 PUFA and risk of inflammatory disease mortality in older women. Furthermore, our data indicate a protective role of nuts, but not fish, against inflammatory disease mortality." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a longitudinal controlled study involving 32 lactating mothers who delivered very preterm infants (less than or equal to 29 weeks gestation), results indicate that early maternal supplementation during lactation with DHA may increase plasma DHA status in the infants. Mothers were assigned to a DHA group (received DHA supplementation (1200 mg/day, until 36 weeks after conception)) or to a control group (did not receive DHA supplementation) during lactation. Plasma DHA concentrations in infants were found to be greater in the DHA-supplemented group, compared with the control group. Additionally, DHA in maternal milk was nearly 12 times in the DHA group, compared with the control group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Early supplementation with DHA to lactating mothers with low dietary DHA intake successfully increased the plasma DHA status in very preterm infants." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 36 overweight or obese adults, results indicate that supplementation with algal DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may exert beneficial cardiovascular effects. The subjects were randomized to algal DHA (2 g/day) or placebo for a period of 4.5 months. At intervention end, significant increases in mean LDL and HDL particle size, concentrations of large LDL and HDL particles and plasma IL-10 were observed in the DHA group, compared with the placebo group. Additionally, significant decreases in mean VLDL particle size, concentrations of small LDL and medium HDL particles, and total TG (triglycerides) and VLDL TG concentrations were observed in the DHA group, compared with the placebo group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, " In summary, DHA supplementation resulted in potentially beneficial changes in some markers of cardiometabolic risk." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a controlled prospective study involving 61 subjects without clinical AF (atrial fibrillation) or structural heart disease and who consumed fish at most once a week, results indicate that long term supplementation with fish oil may exert anti-fibrillatory effects. The subjects were assigned to a fish oil group (supplementation with 6 g/day for at least a month) or a control group (no supplementation) prior to an electrophysiology (EP) study. The EP study showed lengthening of right atrial and coronary sinus effective refractory periods (ERPs), significant attenuation of maximal conduction delay, less inducible AF, shorter duration of induced AF, and prolongation of induced AF cycle length. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Chronic fish oil supplementation in humans prolongs atrial refractoriness and reduces vulnerability to inducible AF. These electrophysiological changes may explain the anti-fibrillatory effect of chronic fish oil ingestion." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 44 healthy men and women, results indicate that supplementation with fish oil may significantly increase lean mass and decrease fat mass. For a period of 6 weeks, the subjects were randomized to safflower oil or fish oil (4g/day; supplying 1,600mg/d eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 800mg/d docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)). At intervention end, a significant increase in lean fat mass (+ 0.5 kg), a significant decrease in fat mass (-0.5 kg) and a tendency towards decrease in body fat was observed in the fish oil group, compared with the placebo group. Additionally, a tendency for salivary cortisol to decrease was found in the fish oil group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "6wk of supplementation with FO significantly increased lean mass and decreased fat mass." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a study involving 10 children with parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease, results indicate that parenteral administration of a fish oil-based lipid emulsion may improve lipid profile and hyperbilirubinemia. The subjects were administered a fish oil-based lipid emulsion while on parenteral nutrition for a median duration of 14 weeks. At intervention end, significant decreases in serum low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglyceride and bilirubin levels, compared to baseline, were observed. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "A fish oil-based lipid emulsion used as monotherapy in children who exclusively depended on PN for survival was associated with significant improvement in all major lipid panels as well as improvement of hyperbilirubinemia. Parenteral fish oil may be the preferred lipid source in children with dyslipidemia." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study involving 485 healthy subjects (aged 55 years or more) with age-related cognitive decline (ARCD), results indicate that supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may improve learning and memory function. The subjects were randomized to 900 mg/d of DHA or placebo for 24 weeks. Subjects in the DHA group performed better in a visuospatial learning and episodic memory test (CANTAB Paired Associate Learning), compared with subjects in the placebo group. Additionally, DHA supplementation was associated with improved immediate and delayed Verbal Recognition Memory scores. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Twenty-four week supplementation with 900 mg/d DHA improved learning and memory function in ARCD and is a beneficial supplement that supports cognitive health with aging." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a population-based, case-control study of 1,503 white (716 cases; 787 controls) and 369 African American (213 cases; 156 controls) adults, results indicate that dietary intake of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may be inversely associated with risk of distal large bowel cancer. Using logistic regression, increased intake of PUFAs was associated with a reduced risk of distal large bowel cancer in whites alone, where the highest quartile of intake was associated with a 51% reduced risk of distal large bowel cancer. Thus, the authors conclude, "Study results support the hypothesis that long-chain omega-3 PUFAs have beneficial effects in colorectal carcinogenesis. Whether or not the possible benefit of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs varies by race warrants further evaluation." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a randomized, controlled study involving 25 patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis, results indicate that parenteral nutrition supplemented with fish oil may exert beneficial effects, including a tendency towards shorter length of hospital stay. The patients were randomized to receive either parenteral nutrition with 50:50 mixture of medium-chain fatty acids and soybean oil or a 50:40:10 mixture of medium-chain fatty acids, soybean oil and fish oil, for 5 days from admission. Fish oil supplementation was associated with increased eicosapentaenoic acid in plasma phosphatidylcholine, decreased plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10, and higher PO2/FiO2 ratio, compared with the control group. Additionally, patients in the fish oil group had a significantly shorter hospital stay compared with patients in the control group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Inclusion of fish oil in parenteral nutrition provided to septic ICU patients incr eases plasma eicosapentaenoic acid, modifies inflammatory cytokine concentrations and improves gas exchange. These changes are associated with a tendency towards shorter length of hospital stay." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 50 normoglycemic offspring of patients with type 2 diabetes, results indicate that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may improve endothelial function and reduce pro-inflammatory markers. The participants were randomized to supplementation with fish oil (omega-3 PUFAs; 2 g/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. At intervention end, subjects in the omega-3 supplemented group showed significant improvement in flow-mediated dilation (FMD; 9.1% vs. 11.7%), decrease in plasma triglycerides (117 mg/dL vs. 86 mg/dL), decrease in TNF-alpha levels, and a trend towards increase in plasma adiponectin levels, compared with baseline. No significant change was observed in the placebo group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA significantly improved endothelial function and reduced pro-inflammatory markers in OPDs. Thus, fish oil consumption may have beneficial cardiovascular and metabolic health effects in otherwise healthy subjects predisposed to diabetes and its vascular complications." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a randomized, controlled study involving 50 overweight adults with non-insulin treated diabetes (mean age = 54 years), results indicate that consumption of walnuts may reduce fasting insulin levels. The subjects were randomized to one of two groups for a period of 12 months: 1) received low-fat dietary advice and 30 g/d walnuts (around 2000 kcal, 30% fat) while adhering to a weight-maintenance diet; 2) received low-fat dietary advice alone while adhering to a weight-maintenance diet. At 3-month end, the walnut group showed significantly greater reduction in fasting insulin levels, compared with the control group. Thus, the authors of this study conclude, "Dietary fat can be manipulated with whole foods such as walnuts, producing reductions in fasting insulin levels." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the impact of marine-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on lipid, glycemic, and hematological risk factors in type 2 diabetes, results confirm the triglyceride-lowering effects of omega-3 PUFAs. The review involved data from 24 trials involving 1,533 subjects with type 2 diabetes. As compared to subjects who received placebo, those who received omega-3 PUFAs (mean dose: 2.4 g/d, for a mean 24 weeks) were found to have decreases in triglycerides (7% reduction), fibrinogen (10% reduction), ADP platelet aggregation to ADP (22% reduction), and collagen (21% reduction). A 3% increase in LDL cholesterol was found as well. These results confirm that supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs may reduce triglycerides as well as other factors involved in thrombogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group study involving 34 hypertriglyceridemic men between the ages of 39 and 66 years of age, supplementation with 7.5 g/d docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oil (3 g/d DHA) for a period of 90 days was found to reduce concentrations of C-reactive protein by 15%, interleukin-6 by 23%, and granulocyte monocyte-colony stimulating factor by 21%, as compared to supplementation with a placebo (olive oil). In addition, a 7% increase in the anti-inflammatory matrix, metalloproteinase-2 was also found after supplementation with DHA. The authors conclude, "DHA may lessen the inflammatory response by altering blood lipids and their fatty acid composition." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Combined Supplementation with Phytosterols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Exert Synergistic Effects on Improving Lipid Profile," is presented.

An abstract of the study "Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Major Depressive Disorder During Pregnancy: Results From a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial," by K. P. Su et al is presented.

An abstract of the article "Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Major Depressive Disorder During Pregnancy: Results From a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial," by K. P. Su and colleagues, is presented.

An abstract of the study "Effects of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Subjects With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease," by L. Spadaro et al, which examines the effect of long-term supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is presented.

An abstract of the study "Eicosapentaenoic Acid is Anti-Inflammatory in Preventing Choroidal Neovascularization in Mice" is presented.

An abstract of the article "Long-Chain N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Decrease Feelings of Anger in Substance Abusers," by L. Buydens-Branchey and M. Branchey is presented.

An abstract of the article "A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Interventional Trial of Omega-3-Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Endothelial Function and Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus," by S. A. Wright, G. E. McVeigh et al is presented.

An abstract of the article "Long Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids Intake, Fish Consumption and Mental Disorders in the SUN Cohort Study," by A. Sanchez-Villegas, P. Henriquez et al is presented.

An abstract of the study "Effect of n-3 Fatty Acids on Nutritional Status and Inflammatory Markers in Haemodialysis Patients," by G. B. Perunicic-Pekovic, Z. R. Rasic et al, which examined the benefit of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation on hemodialysis patients, is presented.

An abstract of the article "Effects of Supplementation with Omega-3 PUFAs on CRP Levels in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure," is presented.

An abstract of the article "Reduction in Triglyceride Level With N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in HIV-Infected Patients Taking Potent Antiretroviral Therapy: A Randomized Prospective Study," by P. de Truchis et al. is presented.

The article discusses research being done on effect of fish intake and higher ratio of omega-3 on asthma, with reference to a study by S. Miyamoto et al published in a 2007 issue of the "International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease."

The article presents an abstract of the study "Maternal Diet During Pregnancy in Relation to Eczema and Allergic Sensitization in the Offspring at 2 y of Age," by Sausenthaler S., Heinrich J., et al, which suggests that maternal diet during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy may influence allergic sensitization and eczema in the offspring at 2 years of age.

The article presents an abstract of the study "An Increase in Dietary N-3 Fatty Acids Decreases a Marker of Bone Resorption in Humans," by A. E. Griel et al, which examined the role of increased dietary intake of plant-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in improving bone health.

The article focuses on the benefits of dietary counseling and supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids to elderly men with hyperlipidemia, referencing the study "Effect of Diet or Very Long Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Progression of Atherosclerosis, Evaluated By Carotid Plaques, Intima-Media Thickness and By Pulse Wave Propagation in Elderly Men With Hypercholesterolaemia," by E. M. Hjerkinn et al.

The article presents a summary of a research on the anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on patients with cystic fibrosis, reference to a study by A. Panchaud and colleagues, published in the 2006 issue of the journal "Clinical Nutrition"

The article presents an abstract of the study "Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Lipid Profile of Patients Taking Clozapine," by R. N. Caniato and M. E. Alvarenga.

The article discusses research being done on the effect of fish oil supplementation during pregnancy. It references a study by A. Barden et al in the July 6, 2006 issue of "Clinical Science." Supplementation with 4 g/day fish oil or placebo was given to pregnant women during the study period. Key findings from the study are discussed.

The article presents an abstract of the study "Dietary long-chain n-3 fatty acids of marine origin and serum C-reactive protein concentrations are associated in a population with a diet rich in marine products," by K. Niu, A. Hozawa et al, published in a 2006 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition."

Presents an abstract of the study "Dietary Fatty Acids and the 5-Year Incidence of Age-Related Maculopathy," by B. Chua et al, from a 2006 issue of the "Archives of Ophthalmology."

Presents an abstract of the study "Dietary Fat and Meat Intake and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Case-Control Study in Japan," by Y. Miyake et al, published in a 2006 issue of the "International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease."