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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
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Other Articles in Issue #01 (November 2014)
- Ask the Researcher
- Interview: Jose Antonio, PhD
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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.
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The Shady Underbelly of “Evidence” Based Medicine
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Umami flavor enhances appetite but also increases satiety.
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The issue of morning coffee and subsequent appetite
The effects of coffee and caffeine on appetite, gastric emptying and energy intake.
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Dopamine signaling and overeating
Striatal dopamine D2-like receptor correlation patterns with human obesity and opportunistic eating behavior.
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New data on liver damage from bodybuilding supplements
Liver injury from herbals and dietary supplements in the U.S. drug-induced liver injury network.
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Sweeteners on trial: High saccharin intake shifts gut microbiome impairing glucose disposal
Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota.
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Investigating mango as a functional food
Mango supplementation improves blood glucose in obese individuals.
