Socio-demographic factors, beliefs and health perceptions associated with use of a commercially available Ω-3 fatty acid supplement: A cross-sectional study in Asian countries

Fish oil users of Greece: Predictors, knowledge and habits regarding dietary supplement use

Background

Fish oil (FO) dietary supplements (DS) have gained popularity over the past few decades and emerged as one of the most popular DS in both Europe and the USA. However, in Greece, no study has been carried out to determine the prevalence and characteristics of FO consumers.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the stance (i.e., beliefs, knowledge and habits) and practices of FO users in Greece towards DS.

Methods

A cross-sectional study, using in-person questionnaires and a stratified random sampling technique, was conducted throughout 2018-2019. A total of 28491 Greek citizens over 15 years old were interviewed in 74 regional units corresponding to the 13 administrative regions of Greece. Having used DS at least once, deemed one as: DS+FO, if FO were among them; DS-FO, if FO were never used or DS non-user, if DS were never used. Pearson's chi-square test was used to determine independence between relevant outcome variables and FO use and multinomial logistic regression was performed to create models predictive of FO use.

Results

The sample consisted of 3.5% DS+FO, 51.3% DS-FO and 43.8% DS non-users, while 1.4% could not remember whether they had used DS. Significant predictors for being a DS+FO were identified. DS+FO were more likely to judge a DS-less diet as insufficient, support DS use and comprehend DS's labels. Also, DS+FO had used additional DS, considered more parameters when buying DS and were receivers of DS recommendations from more sources compared to DS-FO. 90% of DS users seek at least one approval source of their DS and 50% support DS recommendation by doctors.

Conclusion

Favorableness towards DS is more prevalent among DS+FO. Most respondents lack knowledge about the legislative background of DS and many would agree to professional guidance.

Post-Prandial Cognitive and Blood Pressure Effects of a DHA-Rich Omega-3 Powder in Middle-Aged Males: A Pilot Study

The use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) supplements is increasingly common among middle-aged and older adults. Users of ω-3 PUFA supplements often report using such supplements to support cognitive health, despite mixed findings reported within the ω-3 PUFA literature. To date, very few studies have explored cognitive effects in distinctly middle-aged (40 to 60 years) adults, and none have examined the acute effects (in the hours following a single dose) on cognitive performance. The current study evaluated whether a single dose of ω-3 PUFA (4020 mg docosahexaenoic acid and 720 mg eicosapentaenoic acid) influences cognitive performance and cardiovascular function in middle-aged males. Cognitive performance and cardiovascular function were assessed before and 3.5-4 h after consumption of a high dose of ω-3 PUFA (DHA + EPA) or placebo, incorporated into a standardized meal (i.e., single serve of Greek yogurt). In this study of middle-aged males, no significant differential treatment effects were observed for cognitive performance. However, a significant reduction in aortic systolic blood pressure (pre-dose to post-dose) was apparent following consumption of the ω-3 PUFA (DHA + EPA) treatment (mean difference = -4.11 mmHg, p = 0.004) but not placebo (mean difference = -1.39 mmHg, p = 0.122). Future replication in a sample comprising females, as well as patients with hypertension, is merited.

Use of Edible, Medicinal, and Aromatic Plants in Various Health Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation among Inhabitants in the Area of Thrace, North-Eastern Greece

BACKGROUND

Medicinal and aromatical plants (MAPs) have been historically used as traditional remedies in many cultures in Europe and globally. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of MAPs in various health disorders in association to dietary habits and other lifestyle factors among residents in Thrace, NE Greece.

METHODS

Data were collected through anonymous and voluntary responses to a structured online questionnaire, via convenience (snowball) sampling.

RESULTS

The 561 responders (age: 39.7 ± 11.6 y) were mostly female (59.7%), with higher education (69.8%), working as state or private employees (55.4%), and having low/medium income (77.1%). Overall, more than 70% were using MAPs in various symptoms and common health disorders, such as chamomile against common cold and the flu. More than 20 different MAPs were being used in smaller frequencies against various conditions. Key contributing factors to the consumption of MAPs were sex (female over male), employment (employed vs. unemployed), education (higher education vs. lower) and higher Body Mass Index (overweight and obese vs. normal), while consumption of fruit, fish, and vegetables was mainly associated with the use of MAPs as common items of diet and in health disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of MAPs as part of the diet and as traditional remedy is present in the examined population, while particular choices seem to be affected by sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.