Omega-3 study finds 'no benefits for MS sufferers'

Tuesday, 17 April 2012 7:50 AM

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been recommended for heart and brain health. But a new study found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements were not associated with beneficial effects in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

A Norwegian study, published in Arch Neurol this month, is based on a small sample but, while omega-3s theoretically have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in multiple sclerosis, no discernable improvement was noted this time.

But omega-3s should still make up your daily diet. The Health Supplements Information Service (HSIS) points out that average intake in the UK is far below Government recommendations. For those two-thirds of British people who tend not to eat oily fish, a supplement containing long chain omega-3s can be an essential health boost.

Dr Carrie Ruxton from HSIS said: “There are different types of omega-3 fatty acids, each with a specific chemical structure, but the key health benefits are thought to come from the very long chain omega-3s, called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

“Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients, not drugs, and are not intended to be used for the treatment of any disease. This has been confirmed recently by the European Food Safety Authority which permits health claims for foods containing omega-3s.”

Omega-3 is found in fish oils

Omega-3 'could prevent osteoarthritis'

Omega-3 fatty acids, as found in fish oils, could prevent or slow the progression of osteoarthritis, according to new research. Fish oils are also good for the brain, the heart, to boost the immune system and help to fight depression.

 Fish rich in omega-3 recommended

Omega-3 rich fish good for the brain AND heart

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are known to be good for the brain - now new research has found oily fish can reduce the risk of heart disease in young women in particular. Women who rarely or never ate fish had 50% more heart problems.
Omega-3 is found in fish oils

Get omega-3 balance to beat depression

A lack of omega-3 in the diet has been linked to not just treating, but also the instigation of depression. The fatty acids, found commonly in fish oils, has long been known to help tackle degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

 Omega-3s could aid nerve cell recovery

Up your oily fish to protect nerve cells

Oily fish has a key role to play in a balanced diet. Because the body cannot manufacture omega-3 fatty acids, they have to be consumed in foods or supplements and now scientists believe they can boost the brain AND aid nerve cell repair.
Add walnuts to your diet to up omega 3

Vegans need omega 3 and vitamin B12

New research shows vegans are at increased risk of heart disease and should adjust their nutrition accordingly. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry recommends upping the intake of omega 3s and vitamin B12 to counteract this.

 Consider a supplement to boost the brain

Vitamins and omega 3s boost the brain in old age

A healthy diet is essential throughout life and new research looks specifically at boosting the brain in old age. Elderly people with higher levels of several vitamins - B, C, D, E - and omega 3 fatty acids in their blood had better results.
Omega-3 in salmon can help beat flu

Up omega-3 intake to beat winter flu

Now is the time for a nutrition overhaul, as temperatures drop and winter flu spreads like wildfire. Flu jabs only prevent about 59% of infections in adults, according to a study by the University of Minnesota, so a strong immune system is essential.

 Salmon and tuna contain DHA essential fats

Three in 10 not fans of fish

Children - and adults - looking for a brain boost this September should consider upping their oily fish consumption. Fish contains essential fats that help support vision, co-ordination, learning and concentration, as well as for general health.

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Broccoli helps kill cancer cells

Broccoli helps kill cancer cells

We have long been told about the health benefits of superfoods but now Sulforaphane, one of the primary phytochemicals in broccoli has been proved to selectively target and kill prostate cancer cells, leaving normal prostate cells healthy and unaffected.

Over half of Brits want to shed 'at least a stone'

weight loss

The study commissioned by diet aid manufacturer Slimsticks, also discovered that a worrying one in five people have followed an ‘eating is cheating’ starvation diet and one in ten have tried a liquid diet.

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