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Studies on Omega-3 for Other Conditions
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- Arnold LE. Alternative
treatments for adults with ADHD. [Clinical trial] Annals of the
New York Academy of Sciences, Vol. 931, June 2001: 310-341.
Abstract: A previous review of alternative
treatments (Tx) of ADHD-those other than psychoactive medication and
behavioral/psychosocial Tx-was supplemented with an additional literature
search focused on adults with ADHD. Twenty-four alternative Tx were identified,
ranging in scientific documentation from discrediting controlled studies
through mere hypotheses to positive controlled double-blind clinical trials.
Many of them are applicable only to a specific subgroup. Although
oligoantigenic (few-foods) diets have convincing double-blind evidence of
efficacy for a properly selected subgroup of children, they do not appear
promising for adults. Enzyme-potentiated desensitization, relaxation/EMG
biofeedback, and deleading also have controlled evidence of efficacy. Iron
supplementation, magnesium supplementation, Chinese herbals, EEG biofeedback,
massage, meditation, mirror feedback, channel-specific perceptual training, and
vestibular stimulation all have promising prospective pilot data, many of these
tests reasonably controlled. Single-vitamin megadosage has some intriguing
pilot trial data. Zinc supplementation is hypothetically supported by
systematic case-control data, but no systematic clinical trial. Laser
acupuncture has promising unpublished pilot data and may be more applicable to
adults than children. Essential fatty acid supplementation has promising
systematic case-control data, but clinical trials are equivocal. RDA vitamin
supplementation, non-Chinese herbals, homeopathic remedies, and antifungal
therapy have no systematic data in ADHD. Megadose multivitamin combinations are
probably ineffective for most patients and are possibly dangerous. Simple sugar
restriction seems ineffective. Amino acid supplementation is mildly effective
in the short term, but not beyond 2-3 months. Thyroid treatment is effective in
the presence of documented thyroid abnormality. Some alternative Tx of ADHD are
effective or probably effective, but mainly for certain patients. In some
cases, they are the Tx of choice, and initial evaluation should consider the
relevant etiologies. A few have failed to prove effective in controlled trials.
Most need research to determine whether they are effective and/or to define the
applicable subgroup. Some of them, although not safer than standard Tx, may be
preferable for an etiologic subgroup.
- Bartoli GM,
Marra G, Pallozza P, Armelao F, Piccioni E, Gentiloni N, Agostara G, Anti M. Effect
of omega-3 fatty acids on rectal mucosal cell proliferation in subjects at risk
for colon cancer. Medica Romana 1992; 30(1-2): 119-125.
- de Deckere
EA. Possible beneficial effect of fish and fish n-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acids in breast and colon cancer. Eur. J. Cancer Prev. 1999; 8:
213-221.
- Chiu,
Chih-Chiang et al. Polyunsaturated
fatty acid deficit in patients with bipolar disorder. [Clinical
trial] Eropean Neuropsychopharmacology 2003; 13(2): 99-103.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that there is a
depletion of polyunsaturated fatty acids of erythrocyte membranes in patients
with bipolar disorder and to connect the previous therapeutic and
psychoimmunological findings. Fatty acid compositions of erythrocyte membranes
in 20 bipolar manic patients and 20 healthy controls were analyzed by
thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography. The major finding was
significantly reduced arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid
(22:6n-3) compositions in bipolar patients as compared to normal controls with P
values of 0.000 and 0.002, respectively. There were no differences in total
omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. This abnormality may be
related to the mechanisms of action of mood stabilizers and the previous
findings on the abnormal psychoimmunology of patients with bipolar disorder.
Larger sample sizes of medicated patients or drug-free manic, well-controlled designs
on the diet and smoking, and fatty acid composition measurements during full
remission after the index episode are warranted in future studies.
- Gassmann B,
Bergholz R. Dietary reference intakes (DRI), report 6, part 2: Total fat, fatty
acids, and cholesterol. Ernaehrungs-Umschau 2003; 50(4):
128-133.
- Gogos CA, Ginopoulos
P, Salsa B, Apostolidou E, Zoumbos NC, Kalfarentzos F. Dietary
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids plus vitamin E restore immunodeficiency and
prolong survival for severely ill patients with generalized malignancy. Cancer 1998; 82: 395-402.
Abstract: BACKGROUND The aim of the current prospective, randomized
control study was to investigate the effect of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acids plus vitamin E on the immune status and survival of well-nourished
and malnourished patients with generalized malignancy. METHODS Sixty patients with generalized solid tumors
were randomized to receive dietary supplementation with either fish oil (18 g
of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFA) or placebo daily until death.
Each group included 15 well-nourished and 15 malnourished patients. The authors
measured total T cells, T-helper cells, T-suppressor cells, natural killer
cells, and the synthesis of interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis
factor by peripheral blood mononuclear cells before and on Day 40 of fish oil
supplementation. Karnofsky performance status, nutritional state, and survival
were also estimated. RESULTS The ratio of T-helper cells to T-suppressor
cells was significantly lower in malnourished patients. Omega-3 PUFA had a
considerable immunomodulating effect by increasing this ratio in the subgroup
of malnourished patients. There were no significant differences in cytokine
production among the various groups, except for a decrease in tumor necrosis
factor production in malnourished cancer patients, which was restored by
omega-3 fatty acids. The mean survival was significantly higher for the
subgroup of well-nourished patients in both groups, whereas omega-3 fatty acids
prolonged the survival of all the patients. CONCLUSIONS
Malnutrition appears to be
an important predictor of survival for patients with end stage malignant
disease. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids had a significant immunomodulating
effect and seemed to prolong the survival of malnourished patients with
generalized malignancy.
- Strohle A,
Schmitt B, Watkinson BM, Hahn A. Active substances of functional food in the
prevention of arteriosclerosis part 1: physiological effects of n-3 fatty
acids. Ernaehrungs-Umschau
2002; 49(5): 172-177.
- Hodge L,
Salome CM, Hughes JM, Liu-Brennan D, Rimmer J, Allman M, Pang D, Armour C,
Woolcock AJ. Effect of dietary intake of omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids on severity of asthma in children.
[Clinical trial. Journal Article. Randomized Controlled Trial] European
Respiratory Journal 1998; 11(2): 361-365.
Abstract: We
assessed the clinical and biochemical effects in asthmatic children of fish oil
supplementation and a diet that increases omega-3 and reduces omega-6 fatty
acids. Thirty nine asthmatic children aged 8-12 yrs participated in a
double-blind, randomized, controlled trial for 6 months during which they
received fish oil capsules plus canola oil and margarine (omega-3 group) or
safflower oil capsules plus sunflower oil and margarine (omega-6 group). Plasma
fatty acids, stimulated tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) production,
circulating eosinophil numbers and lung function were measured at baseline and
after 3 and 6 months of dietary modification. Day and night symptoms, peak flow
rates and medication use were recorded for 1 week prior to laboratory visits.
Plasma phospholipid omega-3 fatty acids were significantly greater in the
omega-3 group at 3 and 6 months compared to the omega-6 group (p<0.001). In
the omega-3 group TNFalpha production fell significantly compared with baseline
(p=0.026), but the magnitude of change between groups did not reach
significance (p=0.075). There were no significant changes in clinical outcome
measures. Dietary enrichment of omega-3 fatty acids over 6 months increased
plasma levels of these fatty acids, reduced stimulated tumour necrosis factor
alpha production, but had no effect on the clinical severity of asthma in these
children.
- Nagakura T,
Matsuda S, Shichijyo K, Sugimoto H, Hata K. Dietary
supplementation with fish oil rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in
children with bronchial asthma. [Clinical trial. Journal Article. Randomized Controlled Trial]
European Respiratory Journal 2000; 16(5): 861-865.
Abstract: Omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects in vitro, and high
dietary levels are associated with a lower incidence of inflammatory diseases.
However, only limited effects have been demonstrated in asthma. The effects of
dietary supplementation with fish oil for 10 months in 29 children with
bronchial asthma was investigated in a randomized controlled fashion. In order
to minimize the effects of environmental inhaled allergens and diet, this study
was performed in a long-term treatment hospital. Subjects received fish oil
capsules containing 84 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 36 mg docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA) or control capsules containing 300 mg olive oil. The daily dosages
of EPA and DHA were 17.0-26.8 and 7.3-11.5 mg x kg body weight(-1),
respectively. Asthma symptom scores decreased and responsiveness to
acetylcholine decreased in the fish oil group but not in the control group. In
addition, plasma EPA levels increased significantly only in the fish oil group
(p<0.0088). No significant side-effects were observed. The present results
suggest that dietary supplementation with fish oil rich in the omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid is
beneficial for children with bronchial asthma in a strictly controlled
environment in terms of inhalant allergens and diet.
- Nordvik I,
Myhr KM, Nyland H, et al. Effect
of dietary advice and n-3 supplementation in newly diagnosed Multiple sclerosis
patients. [Clinical trial] Acta Neurologica Scandinavica 2000; 102:
143-149.
Abstract: Objective - To investigate
whether supplementation with fish oil given together with dietary advice and
vitamin supplementation influenced the clinical outcome in newly diagnosed
multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Material and methods - Sixteen consecutive,
newly diagnosed patients with multiple sclerosis were recruited to an open
intervention study. They were given dietary advice and supplemented with 0.9
g/day of long‐chain
marine fatty acids and vitamins. The patients were followed for 2 years with
respect to dietary habits, blood parameters and neurological assessment
including exacerbation rate. Results - There was a significant reduction in the
mean annual exacerbation rate and the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
as compared to pre‐study
values. The plasma total phospholipid n‐3
fatty acids increased and n‐6
fatty acids decreased significantly. Conclusions - The results suggest that
fish oil supplementation given together with vitamins and dietary advice can improve
clinical outcome in patients with newly diagnosed MS.
- Papas AM. Antioxidant
status of the digesta and colon cancer: is there a direct link?
Antioxidant Status, Diet, Nutrition, and Health 1999; 431-447.
- Reddy BS,
Hirose Y, Rao CV. Types of dietary fat and colon cancer risk.
Division of Nutritional Carcinogenesis, American Health Foundation, Valhalla,
NY, USA. Falk Symposium (2003), 128(Exogenous Factors in Colonic
Carcinogenesis), 120-127.
- Rose, DP,
Connolly JM. Omega-3 fatty acids as cancer chemopreventive
agents. [Clinical trial] Pharmacology & Therapeutics 1999;
83(3): 217-244.
Abstract: There is both epidemiologic and experimental evidence that the
long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (FAs), which occur at high levels in some fish
oils, exert protective effects against some common cancers, notably those of
breast, colon, and, perhaps, prostate. Multiple mechanisms are involved in this
chemopreventive activity, including suppression of neoplastic transformation,
cell growth inhibition and enhanced apoptosis, and antiangiogenicity; however,
a common feature of most of these biological effects is the inhibition of
eicosanoid production from omega-6 FA precursors. Several of the known risk
factors for breast, and colon, cancer may be favorably modified by dietary
omega-3 FA supplementation, and the implementation of clinical chemoprevention
trials is now feasible.
- Tsujikawa,
Tomoyuki et al. Clinical
importance of n-3 fatty acid-rich diet and nutritional education for the
maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease. [Clinical trial] Journal of
Gastroenterology 2000; 35: 99-104.
Abstract: Elemental diet (ED) therapy has
been established as primary therapy for Crohn's disease, and home enteral
nutrition (HEN) has been reported to control relapse at a dose of more than
30kcal/kg of ideal body weight. However, a decrease in ED compliance with long-term
use is becoming problem. We developed an n-3 fatty acid-rich diet and carried
out nutritional education specifically for Crohn's disease patients using HEN
to facilitate compliance and to improve their nutritional status. After the
introduction of this n-3 rich diet, disease activity was not altered, and
nutritional status, especially serum n-3 fatty acid levels, improved. The
remission periods in patients with poor compliance seemed to be prolonged by
the nutritional education. Thus, a n-3 rich diet in combination with
nutritional education specific for Crohn's disease patients is very important
for the in maintenance of high compliance and for maintaining nutritional
balance.
- Yount HR,
Siddiqui RA. Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention
of cancer-induced muscle proteolysis. Abstracts of Papers,
227th ACS National Meeting, Anaheim, CA, United States, March 28-April 1, 2004
(2004), CHED-242.
- Simopoulos AP.
Omega-3 fatty acids and cancer. The Center for Genetics,
Nutrition and Health, Washington, DC, USA. Indoor and Built Environment (2003),
12(6), 405-412.
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