![]() Women who were supplemented with 400 mg DHA per day from the first trimester until up to 4 months after birth had babies who experienced lower levels of inflammation and higher numbers of immune cells known for fighting off viral infections. The study found that the number of T cell subsets (discussed in a previous post) were affected by DHA supplements. investigated whether DHA supplementation during pregnancy and lactation affected immune cell numbers and function in babies breastfed up to 4 months of age. Research suggests that DHA supplementation during pregnancy and breast feeding may result in an improved immune response of the infant.One study showed an approximate decrease of 70% for early preterm birth, 85% for very low birth weight, and 60% for low birth weight among women taking DHA supplements. DHA supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to decrease the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight babies.DHA is essential for newborn health and development during pregnancy and lactation Findings from research indicate additional strengths of DHA may include the following. Research has shown a strong connection especially between omega-3s and the risk of macular degeneration. DHA is a major structural component of the retina of the eye, making it essential to eye health as well. omega-3 fatty acids may help protect against skin cancer as shown by a recent study that found daily supplementation with 5 grams EPA-rich omega-3 fish oils (70% EPA, 10% DHA) decreased immunosuppression induced by sun exposure in skin cells when exposed to UVRĭHA is a 22-carbon fatty acid which makes up about 8% of brain weight and is extremely important for normal brain growth and development during pregnancy and infancy.supplementation with EPA has shown positive effects on reversing age-related impairment in spatial learning and long-term potentiationĮPA may have a strong protective effect against melanoma.higher EPA levels in the blood have been associated with less grey matter atrophy (shrinking of the brain) and delayed cognitive decline, and lower risk of dementia and depressive symptoms.As seen in the forest plot below, the strongest effect (in the studies with the black diamonds further on the right) was seen with omega-3 supplements that contained at least 50% EPA.Ĭlick to Enlarge & Print EPA has some protective effects in the brain The strongest evidence from this review showed that supplementation with omega-3s (with an average dose of 1422 mg/day of EPA) reduced symptoms of major depressive disorder, which produced benefits beyond those of taking antidepressants alone. The analysis included data from 10,951 individuals with diagnoses such as depression, stress and anxiety, bipolar, personality disorder, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). examined 33 meta analyses of randomized controlled trials on dietary supplements and mental health. The world’s largest review (called a meta-synthesis) of nutrient supplements and mental disorders published by Firth et al.a meta-analysis by Sublette et al (2011) found the greatest improvements in anxiety and depression were associated with EPA/DHA combinations with at least 60% EPA, where there was at least 200-2200 mg more EPA than DHA.mental emotional wellness, especially depression, may be beneficially affected to a greater extent with EPA, although some effect has also been seen with DHA.EPA may have stronger benefit for mood disorders, especially depression and anxiety ![]() Findings from research indicate strengths of EPA may include the following. ![]() Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)ĮPA is a 20-carbon fatty acid whose main function is to produce chemicals called eicosanoids, which help reduce inflammation. However, some of the latest research has begun to focus on differentiating the effects of each, with evidence mounting on their unique benefits and their interactions with other nutrients. Much of what you hear about the health effects of omega-3 fatty acids is as a whole combination of omega-3s versus the individual omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA. Healthy omega-3 levels, defined as an Omega-3 Index of at least 8%, have been associated with heart health, a longer life, brain health, breast cancer, reduced inflammation, and even an improved immune response to viral infection. Research is now showing evidence that both DHA and EPA have unique benefits to our health
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