Featured Research
from universities, journals, and other organizations
Diet can predict cognitive decline, researchers say
Date:
April 27, 2014
Source:
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)
Summary:
Lower
dietary consumption of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic
acid (DHA) might be risk factors for cognitive decline, researchers say.
There is growing evidence that very long chain omega-3 fatty acids are
beneficial for maintaining cognitive health. "While more research is
needed to determine whether intake of fatty fish such as salmon, tuna
and trout can help prevent against cognitive decline, our preliminary
data support previous research showing that intake of these types of
fish have health benefits," one researcher said.
The
importance of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to brain
health has been demonstrated in multiple studies. To assess whether
lower dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA), and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) were risk factors for
cognitive decline, Tammy Scott, PhD, a scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA
Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (USDA HNRCA) at Tufts
University recently conducted a longitudinal, observational study using
the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study cohort. Alice Lichtenstein, DSc,
also from the USDA HNRCA at Tufts University, and Katherine Tucker, PhD,
the cohort director from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, were
co-authors of the study, which has been published as an abstract.
"The
participants were put through an intensive series of cognitive tests
such as memory tests using a list of words, an attention test to repeat
lists of numbers forward and backward, and a test of organization and
planning involving copying complex figures," said Dr. Scott. To
determine the participants' intake of PUFAs they were given a
questionnaire. The results were determined after comparing baseline test
numbers with a 2 year follow up.
The researchers found that the intake of omega-3 PUFAs in the study sample of 895 participants was low. The 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommended an intake of 8 or more ounces of seafood per week (less for young children) to ensure an adequate intake of the very long chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). This translates to about 1,750 mg of EPA and DHA per week, which averages to 250 mg per day. Scott's group reported that only 27% of the participants in their study met or exceeded that recommendation. The major source of EPA and DHA in their diets appeared to be from canned tuna. Based on the scientists' findings, being in the lowest four quintiles of EPA and DHA intake was predictive of cognitive decline over 2 years.
What is the takeaway from this research? There is growing evidence that very long chain omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for maintaining cognitive health, and many Americans do not have an adequate intake of these nutrients. "While more research is needed to determine whether intake of fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and trout can help prevent against cognitive decline, our preliminary data support previous research showing that intake of these types of fish have health benefits," Scott said.
Dr Tammy Scott presented the findings during the Experimental Biology 2014 meeting on Sunday, April 27.
The researchers found that the intake of omega-3 PUFAs in the study sample of 895 participants was low. The 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommended an intake of 8 or more ounces of seafood per week (less for young children) to ensure an adequate intake of the very long chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). This translates to about 1,750 mg of EPA and DHA per week, which averages to 250 mg per day. Scott's group reported that only 27% of the participants in their study met or exceeded that recommendation. The major source of EPA and DHA in their diets appeared to be from canned tuna. Based on the scientists' findings, being in the lowest four quintiles of EPA and DHA intake was predictive of cognitive decline over 2 years.
What is the takeaway from this research? There is growing evidence that very long chain omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for maintaining cognitive health, and many Americans do not have an adequate intake of these nutrients. "While more research is needed to determine whether intake of fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and trout can help prevent against cognitive decline, our preliminary data support previous research showing that intake of these types of fish have health benefits," Scott said.
Dr Tammy Scott presented the findings during the Experimental Biology 2014 meeting on Sunday, April 27.
Story Source:
The above story is based on materials provided by Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
The above story is based on materials provided by Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
Cite This Page:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave a comment-- or suggestions, particularly of topics and places you'd like to see covered