Examine publishes rigorous, unbiased analysis of the latest and most important nutrition and supplementation studies each month, available to all Examine Members. Click here to learn more or log in.
Study under review: Fish oil (n-3 fatty acids) in drug resistant epilepsy: a randomized placebo-controlled crossover study
Introduction
Omega-3 fatty acids, or n-3 fatty acids, are popular supplements due to a long list of potential health benefits. The traditional western diet is high in omega-6 fatty acids, primarily from vegetable oils and shortenings, and low in omega-3 fatty acids, so fish oil supplements are often used to attain adequate omega-3 fatty acid intake levels. One study[1] estimated that the average American consumes about 22 grams of omega-6 fatty acids, but only 230 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids a day. Common dietary sources of omega-3s are fatty fish like salmon, certain vegetable oils, flaxseed, and fortified foods. Each contains different types of omega-3 fatty acids, which influences the extent of their health benefits.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, usually in the form of fish oil, is associated with several health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health[2] and a reduction in minor to moderate depression symptoms[3]. Several trials have also investigated the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on epilepsy, with mixed results. This study aimed to overcome some of the limitations of previous trials.
The nitty-gritty
What does the study tell us?
The big picture
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know?
Other Articles in Issue #01 (November 2014)
- Ask the Researcher
-
Interview: Dr. Scott C Forbes, Ph.D, CSEP-CEP
Dr. Scott C Forbes is a professor of Human Kinetics at Okanagan College in Canada. He recently co-authored “Creatine timing on muscle mass and strength: Appetizer or Dessert?”. We thought we’d ask him a few questions.
-
The best weight-loss diet is the one you can stick to
Comparison of weight loss among named diet programs in overweight and obese adults (a meta-analysis).
-
The Shady Underbelly of “Evidence” Based Medicine
Op-ed discussing the importance of always digging into the people behind the research. Just because it's published, it doesn't make the information true.
-
Umami appetizers backed by science
Umami flavor enhances appetite but also increases satiety.
-
The issue of morning coffee and subsequent appetite
The effects of coffee and caffeine on appetite, gastric emptying and energy intake.
-
Dopamine signaling and overeating
Striatal dopamine D2-like receptor correlation patterns with human obesity and opportunistic eating behavior.
-
New data on liver damage from bodybuilding supplements
Liver injury from herbals and dietary supplements in the U.S. drug-induced liver injury network.
-
Sweeteners on trial: High saccharin intake shifts gut microbiome impairing glucose disposal
Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota.
-
Investigating mango as a functional food
Mango supplementation improves blood glucose in obese individuals.
