Omega-3s Help the Heart and Brain |
DENVER, July 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tin Woodsman and Scarecrow from the
Wizard of Oz might have asked for omega-3s along with a heart and brain if
they knew what scientists do now. Recently published articles confirm the
positive effects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-
PUFAs) in reducing atrial fibrillation, improving heart rate variability,
benefiting children at high risk of heart disease, and improving
neurodevelopment in premature infants. The June 2005 PUFA Newsletter
summarizes these findings along with studies related to mental health, visual
function, and prostate cancer.
A study with prospective coronary bypass patients showed a 54 percent
reduction in the occurrence of atrial fibrillation as well as shorter hospital
stays in those treated with n-3 LC-PUFAs compared with controls. Another study
on fish oil in elderly people demonstrated that the oil, and by implication
the n-3 LC-PUFAs it contains, can significantly improve heart rate
variability.
Previously documented benefits to growth and development in premature
infants receiving supplementary LC-PUFAs were also confirmed by recent
research. Other data show that liquid cod liver oil, a concentrated source of
n-3 LC-PUFAs, may be an especially useful dietary supplement from early
pregnancy on, especially for women at increased risk of having a low
birthweight infant.
Another link in the epidemiological chain connecting n-3 LC-PUFAs with
healthy vision later in life is also discussed in this e-newsletter. A study
involving more than 71,000 nurses for over 16 years showed that high total fat
intake increased risk of cataract extraction. Increased intake of n-3 LC-
PUFAs, however, resulted in 12 percent lower risk.
"A critical function of n-3 LC-PUFAs throughout life is the development
and maintenance of visual function," Nettleton notes. "From prenatal visual
development through retinal cell signaling to protection against various
degenerative eye diseases, n-3 LC-PUFAs are active."
Finally, the e-newsletter describes an inverse association between
advanced prostate cancer and n-3 LC-PUFAs, suggesting that these fatty acids
may retard disease progress.
Sponsored by DSM Nutritional Products, the quarterly PUFA Newsletter is
online at http://www.fatsoflife.com and by complimentary e-subscription at
http://www.fatsoflife.com/subscribe.asp.
SOURCE PUFA Newsletter
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CONTACT:
Angela Dansby, +1-773-472-2911,
angela@fatsoflife.com
