Ohio State University researchers have found that consuming high levels of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil significantly reduced inflammation biomarkers and anxiety among a group of medical students. For the clinical trial, 68 first- and second-year medical students were randomly divided into six groups, interviewed, and tested to gauge levels of stress, anxiety and depression. The students also completed questionnaires about their recent diets. Half received daily omega-3 supplements – about five times the amount of fish oil in a serving of salmon – and the other half consumed placebo pills. The omega-3 group showed a 20 percent reduction in anxiety compared to the placebo group, as well as a 14 percent reduction in cytokines that are inflammation biomarkers.
"Omega-3 supplementation lowers inflammation and anxiety in medical students: A randomized controlled trial", Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, July 19, 2011
Studies conducted in China and the U.S. comparing the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids derived from different sources have found that increased levels of any form of omega-3 were associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Scientists compared omega-3s from plants (alpha-linoleic acid, or ALA) and marine animals. The two Chinese studies came to different conclusions: one said only plant-derived omega-3s reduced diabetes risk, and the other said only marine-derived omega-3s reduced the risk. The U.S. study, however, found that both forms reduced diabetes risk. The researchers said that evidence suggests that both forms are protective, but more studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.
"Plasma omega-3 fatty acids and incident diabetes in older adults", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 18, 2011
A study by Korean researchers who assessed magnesium intake in young women has found that consumption levels of the mineral were inadequate to support bone health. For the study, the dietary habits of 484 healthy women in their early twenties were monitored and analyzed. The average intake of magnesium was about 186 mg/day – mainly from cereals, vegetables, milk, legumes and fish – only 63 percent of the recommended daily intake. The researchers concluded that “the magnesium intake status of young Korean women …is unsatisfactory.” Raising dietary intake levels of magnesium “may positively impact bone quality in this population,” they wrote.
"Evaluation of magnesium intake and its relation with bone quality in healthy young Korean women", Biological Trace Element Research, April 05, 2011
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American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 20, 2011
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 20, 2011
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition , July 20, 2011
Pediatrics, July 11, 2011
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