Fish oil supplements have taken a few hits in the last few weeks.
A new study published online in the journal of the American Medical Association finds that DHA — one of the omega-3 acids in fish oil is considered to be the most useful — not mental decline in Alzheimer’s patients. study participants who daily DHA supplements not more slowly see their disease progress, and a smaller group that had MRI scans saw no benefit from supplementation on the brain volume.
Another study published last month in JAMA suggests that DHA supplementation in pregnant women not help prevent postpartum depression. Nor, it seems to help the development of the brain of the of the baby.
As the WSJ reported last year, DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil studied for a large number of potential benefits beyond their ability to help lower blood triglycerides. that’s with the most evidence behind, according to the NIH, omega-3 fatty acids also “probably” effective for prevention of heart attacks and heart disease.Evidence to support their role in the treatment of a host of other diseases and conditions, including high blood pressure, menstrual cramps, asthma and dry eye syndrome, is less significant, the NIH says.
In the meantime, fish oil is “convicts” in the treatment of diabetes type 2, and there is not enough data to support its use in many other diseases, including cancer, the NIH says.
As for the recent studies close nor the door completely on the notion of the DHA use against dementia or postpartum depression. Researchers in Alzheimer’s disease study said “it remains possible that DHA supplementation could help when it started before symptoms of the disease appear. And pregnancy study suggests that some subgroups of supplementation can benefit.
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