Insights & Discussion
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation during the prenatal and perinatal period could have a protective effect on neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, ASD, and MDD in youth.
The research implemented supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids also known as Omega-3 PUFAs, in different quantities and durations to youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), major depressive disorder (MDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This was carried out based on suggested dosage and duration from various randomized controlled trials and systemic literature reviews. It was observed that omega-3 PUFAs were essential nutrients not just for physical health but also for mental health, more so during the prenatal and perinatal stages of development.
The results demonstrated that clinical symptoms improved in youth with ADHD, MDD and ASD after they were supplemented with Omega-3 PUFAs, especially in cases where there was high inflammation or low baseline Omega-3 index present. The research showed very promising evidence that Omega-3 PUFAs had positive effects on lethargy and hyperactivity symptoms in ASD. There was also an inclination that Omega-3 PUFAs levels and inflammation could be potential markers for treatment response in ADHD and MDD.
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Sardines, being an affordable source of Omega-3 and other cardioprotective nutrients, can potentially reduce the need for Omega-3 supplementation and manage cardiometabolic diseases.
2023 Frontiers in Nutrition Eating more sardines instead of fish oil supplementation: Beyond omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a matrix of nutrients with cardiovascular benefits Santos HO, May TL, Bueno AA
Review Article Cardiovascular Disease Cholesterol High Blood Pressure
The abstract primarily acknowledges the importance of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with respect to managing diseases related to heart health and metabolism, for instance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hypertriglyceridaemia, and fatty liver disease. However, these fatty acids are not the sole beneficial component of sardines. Minerals including but not limited to calcium, potassium, and magnesium as well as substances like taurine and arginine found in sardines have a significant role in controlling mild inflammation and oxidative stress which are usually present in cardiovascular diseases and hemodynamic dysfunction.
The results discussed in the abstract suggest a positive correlation between consumption of sardines and potential cardiometabolic benefits. By considering the dose-response relationship effects, a pragmatic approach towards consumption of nutrients was suggested. The intake of sardines was seen not only as a means of Omega-3 supplementation but also as a comprehensive approach to enhancing cardiovascular health. The abstract concludes with an emphasis on the many beneficial nutrients found in sardines besides Omega-3, underlining the need to shift the focus from synthetic supplementation to natural dietary improvement.
Nutrition, particularly an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet supplemented with oily fish and omega-3 supplements, can potentially reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
2023 Autoimmunity Reviews Nutrition and its role in prevention and management of rheumatoid arthritis Nikiphorou E, Philippou E
Review Article Mediterranean Diet Omega-3 Fatty Acids Sardine
The review examines evidence indicating a possible connection between nutrition and the risk and management of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease having an immune-inflammatory response. The impact of different food types was considered, including pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory foods. Specifically, the research highlights the effectiveness of a Mediterranean diet, rich in fish and supplemented with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in reducing inflammation and oxidation. Other factors such as herbs and spices, beverages, vitamin D, and probiotics were also taken into account. The research emphasizes the direct and indirect role of nutrition through the management of co-morbidity.
The disease activity was observed to improve with dietary changes, particularly a propensity to reduce inflammation, oxidation, and beneficial effects on gut microbiota. An anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet, supplemented with consumption of oily fish at least twice a week, and daily intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements of 2 g, has been recommended. The study also highlights the importance of rheumatologists working closely with registered dietitians to support patients in managing a well-balanced diet according to their individual needs.
Acupuncture's effectiveness in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder remains inconclusive due to the low quality of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
2023 Complementary Therapies in Medicine The efficacy of acupuncture for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses Zhang L, Huang C, Chen X, Du S, Yang J, Hu B
Systematic Review ADHD
A comprehensive search of the literature up until September 2021 was carried out across seven electronic databases to gather systematic reviews and meta-analyses about the use of acupuncture for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The quality of these articles was subsequently assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool, while the GRADE system was used to evaluate the quality of the presented evidence.
A total of five systematic reviews and meta-analyses were incorporated in this study. The AMSTAR-2 tool outlined that three articles were of 'low' quality and two were of 'critically low' quality. The GRADE system was applied to ten different outcomes across the included meta-analyses. It found four outcomes to be of 'moderate' quality, four more to be of 'low' quality, and the final two outcomes were considered 'very low' quality. The majority of downgrading factors in the gathered reviews came from the risk of bias and inconsistency. Therefore, the efficacy of acupuncture in improving the various related scores and response rate remains questionable.
Acupuncture, either as an add-on or standalone treatment, improved conduct problems, learning issues, and hyperactivity symptoms in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
2023 Medicina Acupuncture for Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Ang L, Kim JT, Kim K, Lee HW, Choi JY, Kim E, et al.
Meta-Analysis ADHD
In the research, nine databases were searched extensively, covering their inceptions to July 28, 2022. Two authors independently sorted relevant studies, and a rigorous quality assessment was performed on selected studies using a well-established risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Features of the incorporated studies were laid out in a table, and then a thorough meta-analysis was conducted to examine the impact of acupuncture on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms.
The results derived from fourteen selected studies involving 1185 participants showcased acupuncture's efficacy in treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. When used alongside conventional medicine, acupuncture had a notably positive impact on reducing conduct problems, learning difficulties, and hyperactivity symptoms. Moreover, even acupuncture in isolation helped mitigate learning issues, hyperactivity and hyperactivity impulsivity. It further exhibited superior total treatment efficacy than conventional medicine alone. Throughout the trials, no major adverse events were recorded. However, it is significant to mention that the risk of bias in these included studies raised general concerns.
Walnut seed skin extract demonstrates potential hepato-renal protective effects, inhibiting inflammatory responses, oxidative stress and apoptosis, in kidney-damaged Sprague-Dawley rats.
2022 Cytokine The hepato-renal protective potential of walnut seed skin extract against acute renal ischemia/reperfusion damage Askin S, Askin H, Dursun E, Palabiyik E, Uguz H, Cakmak , et al.
Animal Study Acute Kidney Injury Acute Renal Ischemia Anti-Inflammatory
In the methodology, Sprague-Dawley rats in acute kidney injury state were divided into three groups: a healthy control, a group induced with renal ischemia/reperfusion (IR), and another group induced with renal IR and treated with walnut seed skin (WSS) extract. Blood, liver and kidney tissues were collected for serum evaluations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, urea, and creatinine. Histopathological studies were performed on liver and kidney tissues, and gene markers related to anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic effects were measured.
The results showed an improvement in deteriorated serum parameters in rats with renal ischemia pre-treated with WSS extract. Histopathological analysis revealed a protective effect of WSS on kidney and liver tissues. Though gene expression studies yielded diverse results for liver and kidney tissues, the consensus was that WSS had a pronounced protective impact on the liver. It was inferred that WSS's healing potential in renal and hepatic tissues seems to work via inhibiting inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.
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