September Research Highlights

American Journal Clinical Nutrition:

• A high plasma EPA concentration may decrease the risk of dementia, whereas high ratios of n–6 to n–3 fatty acids and of AA to DHA may increase the risk of dementia, especially in depressed older persons (1214 nondemented participants in this study). The role of EPA in dementia warrants further research.
  
  
• Maternal fish intake during pregnancy and the duration of breastfeeding are independently associated with better early child development. Future research and consumption guidelines, incorporating nutritional benefits as well as contaminant risks, should consider the overall effect of prenatal fish consumption on child development.
  
  
• 1.2 g fish oil daily produced a rapid increase in erythrocyte DHA and total n–3 fatty acids in 62 firefighters. The consumption of either 2.4 or 3.6 g flax oil/d (in capsules) was sufficient to increase erythrocyte total phospholipid ALA, EPA, and docosapentaenoic acid fatty acid content.
  
  
• Grains showed no protective effect from subjects risk of colorectal cancer when evaluating 85,903 men and 105,108 women.