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Effect of Docosahexaenoic Acid and Eicosapentaenoic Acid Supplementation on Sleep Quality in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194136. [PMID: 36235788 PMCID: PMC9573173 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-omega-3 fatty acids with various functions-influence sleep in children and young adults. However, only limited studies on their effects on sleep in middle- and old-aged adults have been reported. Therefore, we investigated the effects of DHA and EPA on sleep quality in subjects aged ≥ 45 years. We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-grouped study, in which we randomly assigned 66 healthy Japanese males and females. Each individual received six 480 mg capsules containing 576 mg DHA and 284 mg EPA per day (DHA/EPA group, n = 33), or corn oil (placebo group, n = 33), for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, the Oguri-Shirakawa-Azumi sleep inventory MA version (OSA-MA) and the sleep state test were conducted. In the DHA/EPA group, factor III (frequent dreaming) scores among the OSA-MA scores were significantly improved compared to the placebo group. Additionally, sleep state tests revealed that sleep efficiency improved in the DHA/EPA group. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report that DHA/EPA improves sleep quality in middle- and old-aged individuals, even at doses lower than those administered in previous studies.
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Grazioli S, Crippa A, Mauri M, Piazza C, Bacchetta A, Salandi A, Trabattoni S, Agostoni C, Molteni M, Nobile M. Association Between Fatty Acids Profile and Cerebral Blood Flow: An Exploratory fNIRS Study on Children with and without ADHD. Nutrients 2019; 11:E2414. [PMID: 31658664 PMCID: PMC6836039 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) biostatus has been proposed as possible attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis biomarker. The present exploratory study aimed to investigate the association between PUFAs biostatus and cerebral cortex metabolism measured by functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in a sample of children with and without ADHD. 24 children with ADHD and 22 typically developing (TD) peers, aged 8-14, were recruited. Linoleic, arachidonic, docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids levels were evaluated in whole blood. All children underwent fNIRS while performing an n-back working memory task. Between groups comparisons revealed lower levels of arachidonic acid in children with ADHD and stronger NIRS signal in TD participants, especially when completing more difficult tasks. Correlations conducted between fNIRS activation and PUFA biostatus revealed several associations between hemodynamic changes in the frontoparietal regions and fatty acids profile across participants. This result was also confirmed by the multiple hierarchical regression analyses that remarked an inverse effect of eicosapentaenoic acid levels on oxyhemoglobin values in right frontoparietal region. Such preliminary findings, if confirmed, would suggest that PUFAs could play a role in atypical neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Grazioli
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy.
| | | | - Maddalena Mauri
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy.
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy.
| | - Caterina Piazza
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy.
| | - Andrea Bacchetta
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy.
| | - Antonio Salandi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy.
| | - Sara Trabattoni
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy.
| | - Carlo Agostoni
- Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy.
- DISSCO Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
- SIGENP (Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition), via Libero Temolo 4 (Torre U8), 20126 Milan, Italy.
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy.
| | - Maria Nobile
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy.
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Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Deficiency and Progressive Neuropathology in Psychiatric Disorders: A Review of Translational Evidence and Candidate Mechanisms. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2019; 27:94-107. [PMID: 30633010 PMCID: PMC6411441 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Meta-analytic evidence indicates that mood and psychotic disorders are associated with both omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-3 PUFA) deficits and progressive regional gray and white matter pathology. Although the association between omega-3 PUFA insufficiency and progressive neuropathological processes remains speculative, evidence from translational research suggests that omega-3 PUFA insufficiency may represent a plausible and modifiable risk factor not only for enduring neurodevelopmental abnormalities in brain structure and function, but also for increased vulnerability to neurodegenerative processes. Recent evidence from human neuroimaging studies suggests that lower omega-3 PUFA intake/status is associated with accelerated gray matter atrophy in healthy middle-aged and elderly adults, particularly in brain regions consistently implicated in mood and psychotic disorders, including the amygdala, anterior cingulate, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and temporal cortex. Human neuroimaging evidence also suggests that both low omega-3 PUFA intake/status and psychiatric disorders are associated with reductions in white matter microstructural integrity and increased rates of white matter hyperintensities. Preliminary evidence suggests that increasing omega-3 PUFA status is protective against gray matter atrophy and deficits in white matter microstructural integrity in patients with mood and psychotic disorders. Plausible mechanisms mediating this relationship include elevated pro-inflammatory signaling, increased synaptic regression, and reductions in cerebral perfusion. Together these associations encourage additional neuroimaging research to directly investigate whether increasing omega-3 PUFA status can mitigate neuropathological processes in patients with, or at high risk for, psychiatric disorders.
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McNamara RK, Asch RH, Lindquist DM, Krikorian R. Role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in human brain structure and function across the lifespan: An update on neuroimaging findings. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2018; 136:23-34. [PMID: 28529008 PMCID: PMC5680156 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
There is a substantial body of evidence from animal studies implicating polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in neuroinflammatory, neurotrophic, and neuroprotective processes in brain. However, direct evidence for a role of PUFA in human brain structure and function has been lacking. Over the last decade there has been a notable increase in neuroimaging studies that have investigated the impact of PUFA intake and/or blood levels (i.e., biostatus) on brain structure, function, and pathology in human subjects. The majority of these studies specifically evaluated associations between omega-3 PUFA intake and/or biostatus and neuroimaging outcomes using a variety of experimental designs and imaging techniques. This review provides an updated overview of these studies in an effort to identify patterns to guide and inform future research. While the weight of evidence provides general support for a beneficial effect of a habitual diet consisting of higher omega-3 PUFA intake on cortical structure and function in healthy human subjects, additional research is needed to replicate and extend these findings as well as identify response mediators and clarify mechanistic pathways. Controlled intervention trials are also needed to determine whether increasing n-3 PUFA biostatus can prevent or attenuate neuropathological brain changes observed in patients with or at risk for psychiatric disorders and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K McNamara
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45219, United States.
| | - Ruth H Asch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45219, United States
| | - Diana M Lindquist
- Imaging Research Center, Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Robert Krikorian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45219, United States
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Stark KD, Van Elswyk ME, Higgins MR, Weatherford CA, Salem N. Global survey of the omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in the blood stream of healthy adults. Prog Lipid Res 2016; 63:132-52. [PMID: 27216485 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 341] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Studies reporting blood levels of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), were systematically identified in order to create a global map identifying countries and regions with different blood levels. Included studies were those of healthy adults, published in 1980 or later. A total of 298 studies met all inclusion criteria. Studies reported fatty acids in various blood fractions including plasma total lipids (33%), plasma phospholipid (32%), erythrocytes (32%) and whole blood (3.0%). Fatty acid data from each blood fraction were converted to relative weight percentages (wt.%) and then assigned to one of four discrete ranges (high, moderate, low, very low) corresponding to wt.% EPA+DHA in erythrocyte equivalents. Regions with high EPA+DHA blood levels (>8%) included the Sea of Japan, Scandinavia, and areas with indigenous populations or populations not fully adapted to Westernized food habits. Very low blood levels (≤4%) were observed in North America, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The present review reveals considerable variability in blood levels of EPA+DHA and the very low to low range of blood EPA+DHA for most of the world may increase global risk for chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken D Stark
- University of Waterloo, Department of Kinesiology, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Mary E Van Elswyk
- Scientific Affairs, Van Elswyk Consulting, Inc., 10350 Macedonia St., Longmont, CO 80503, USA.
| | - M Roberta Higgins
- MEDetect Clinical Information Associates, Inc., PO Box 152, Skippack, PA 19474, USA.
| | | | - Norman Salem
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., 6480 Dobbin Road, Columbia, MD 21045, USA.
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Effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on human brain morphology and function: What is the evidence? Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:546-61. [PMID: 26742901 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Public opinion and media coverage suggest that there are benefits of long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) intake on brain functioning. However, it is an open question whether this is indeed the case. Therefore, we reviewed the evidence for effects of ω-3 LC-PUFA on human brain morphology and function. We included studies on (1) naturalistic long-term ω-3 LC-PUFA intake during life (2) the effects of short-term ω-3 LC-PUFA supplementation in healthy subjects and (3) the effects of ω-3 LC-PUFA supplementation as alternative or add-on treatment for psychiatric or neurological disorders. To date, 24 studies have been published on the effect of ω-3 LC-PUFA on brain function and structure. Findings from naturalistic studies and clinical trials in healthy individuals indicate that ω-3 LC-PUFA intake may be associated with increased functional activation of the prefrontal cortex in children, and greater gray matter volume and white matter integrity during aging. However, most naturalistic studies were cross-sectional or did not find any effect on cognition. As such, it is hard to estimate the magnitude of any beneficial effects. Furthermore, there is only limited evidence to support that ω-3 LC-PUFA supplementation is beneficial in brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder and schizophrenia. Overall, the literature suggests that sensitivity to supplementation may vary over development, and as a consequence of brain disorders. The biological mechanisms underlying any (beneficial) effects ω-3 LC-PUFAs on the brain are currently unknown and need to be investigated.
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Fish consumption and depressive symptoms in undergraduate students: A cross-sectional analysis. Eur Psychiatry 2015; 30:983-7. [PMID: 26495907 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Ogino Y, Kakeda T, Nakamura K, Saito S. Dehydration Enhances Pain-Evoked Activation in the Human Brain Compared with Rehydration. Anesth Analg 2014; 118:1317-25. [DOI: 10.1213/ane.0b013e3182a9b028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Bauer I, Crewther S, Pipingas A, Sellick L, Crewther D. Does omega-3 fatty acid supplementation enhance neural efficiency? A review of the literature. Hum Psychopharmacol 2014; 29:8-18. [PMID: 24285504 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While the cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory and mood benefits of omega-3 supplementation containing long chain fatty acids (LCPUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are manifest, there is no scientific consensus regarding their effects on neurocognitive functioning. This review aimed to examine the current literature on LCPUFAs by assessing their effects on cognition, neural functioning and metabolic activity. In order to view these findings together, the principle of neural efficiency as established by Richard Haier ("smart brains work less hard") was extended to apply to the neurocognitive effects of omega-3 supplementation. METHODS We reviewed multiple databases from 2000 up till 2013 using a systematic approach and focused our search to papers employing both neurophysiological techniques and cognitive measures. RESULTS Eight studies satisfied the criteria for consideration. We established that studies using brain imaging techniques show consistent changes in neurochemical substances, brain electrical activity, cerebral metabolic activity and brain oxygenation following omega-3 supplementation. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that, where comparison is available, an increase in EPA intake is more advantageous than DHA in reducing "brain effort" relative to cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Bauer
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology; Swinburne University of Technology; Hawthorn Victoria Australia
- University of Texas, Health Science Center at Houston; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Houston TX USA
| | - Sheila Crewther
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology; Swinburne University of Technology; Hawthorn Victoria Australia
- School of Psychological Science; La Trobe University; Bundoora Victoria Australia
| | - Andrew Pipingas
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology; Swinburne University of Technology; Hawthorn Victoria Australia
| | - Laura Sellick
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology; Swinburne University of Technology; Hawthorn Victoria Australia
| | - David Crewther
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology; Swinburne University of Technology; Hawthorn Victoria Australia
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