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Investigators find something fishy with classical evidence for dietary fish recommendation

A new investigation in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology challenges the long-held recommendation to include oily fish in a heart-healthy diet. Researchers found that Greenland Eskimos, who were initially believed to have low rates of coronary artery disease, actually suffered from CAD at the same rate as other populations.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateMay 1, 2014

Can fish oil help preserve brain cells?

A recent study published in Neurology suggests that fish oil consumption may help preserve brain cells by increasing total brain volume and hippocampus area size. The study found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with larger brain volumes, equivalent to a delay of one to two years of brain health.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 22, 2014

Men with prostate cancer who ate a low-fat fish oil diet showed changes in their cancer tissue

Men with prostate cancer who followed a low-fat fish oil diet had lower levels of pro-inflammatory substances in their blood and a lower cell cycle progression score compared to those on a Western diet. The study suggests that altering the diet may favorably affect prostate cancer biology.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateNov 18, 2013

6 months of fish oil reverses liver disease in children with intestinal failure, study shows

A new study found that replacing soybean oil with fish oil in intravenous nutrition can reverse intestinal failure-associated liver disease in children. After 17 weeks, nearly 80% of patients experienced a reversal of their liver disease, while only 5% of those who received soybean oil saw a reversal.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateAug 14, 2013

Fish oil supplements may help fight against Type 2 diabetes

A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that fish oil supplementation modestly increases adiponectin levels in the bloodstream. This hormone is associated with lower risk of diabetes and heart disease. The study suggests potential benefits of fish oil consumption on glucose control and fat cell metabolism.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 22, 2013

Why omega-3 oils help at the cellular level

Scientists at UC San Diego mapped omega-3 fatty acid processes in mouse cells, discovering that they inhibit an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) and potentially generating anti-inflammatory compounds from EPA and DHA. This finding suggests possible manipulation to short-circuit inflammation or boost health benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2012

Fish oil fights weight loss due to chemotherapy

A new analysis found that fish oil supplementation can help combat cancer-related malnutrition, allowing patients to maintain their weight and muscle mass during chemotherapy. The study suggests that fish oil's omega-3 fatty acids may interfere with pathways altered in advanced cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateFeb 28, 2011

Fish oil not snake oil

Researchers found that fish oil improved lung function and reduced inflammatory markers in sepsis patients, resulting in shorter hospital stays. The study suggests that traditional soybean oil may promote inflammation, highlighting the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateJan 18, 2010

Fish oil -- helpful or harmful?

A new review of trials suggests fish oil supplements can help some cardiac patients by blocking cardiac ion channels and reducing fibrosis, while having a negative impact on others. However, high doses can increase the risk of bleeding.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 14, 2008

Fish oil prevents potentially deadly decline in heart rate variability

A randomized controlled trial found that fish oil supplementation prevented a reduction in heart rate variability in elderly subjects exposed to indoor air pollutant particles. In contrast, soy oil supplements showed a marginal, nonsignificant protective effect against the negative impact of particulate matter on heart rate variability.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 15, 2005

Fish oil supplements may contain flame retardants

A study by Miriam Jacobs and colleagues has found significant increases in flame retardant levels in cod liver oil supplements over the past four years. This is a growing concern due to the potential for these chemicals to contaminate the environment and human health, particularly through consumption of contaminated fish oils.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 16, 2004

Effect of diet on risk of benign prostate disease in middle-aged men

A study of 33,344 participants found that higher dietary energy intake was associated with a greater risk of benign prostate disease. Additionally, high protein intake, especially from animal sources, and certain polyunsaturated fats increased the risk. The authors suggest that dietary factors may contribute to the development of BPH.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 25, 2002

Fish-oil supplement slows progression of kidney disease

A daily dose of fish oil significantly improves kidney function and reduces the risk of advanced kidney failure in people with IgA nephropathy. Researchers followed 106 study participants for over six years, finding sustained benefits from fish oil supplementation.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 3, 1999