Clinical Pearls

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Reduces Depression in Elderly 

In an article published in the Journal of Nutritional Health and Aging, researchers found supplementing elder patients with omega-3 rich oils substantially reduced symptoms of depression.  This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial lasted 2 months and studied 46 elderly, depressed females (66 – 95 years of age).  The test subjects were give 2.5 grams per day of a omega-3 fatty acid containing 1.67 grams of eicosapentanoic acid and .83 grams of docosahexanoic acid.  Researchers concluded that supplementing the fatty acids reduced the depressive symptoms, improved phospholipid profile and health-related quality of life.

 Chromium Supplementation May Improve Insulin Sensitivity and Body Composition in Children 

Kim, Joo, et al did a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Biochemistry.  In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 25 overweight children, ages 9 to 12, the test group was give 400 mcg of chromium chloride or placebo.  After 6 weeks of dietary modification and exercising 3 times a week for 90 minutes, doing aerobic activity, the test group receiving the chromium had more lean muscle mass and lower body fat percentage than the placebo group.

 Vitamin A May Decrease Morbidity and Mortality in Children 

In this review of 43 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, involving 215,633 children ages 6 months to 5 years, vitamin A supplementation was highly beneficial.  Children who received vitamin A were found to have 24% observed reduction in all-cause mortality.  Also, a 28% reduction in diarrheal mortality, diarrhea, and measles mortality were associated with vitamin A supplementation.  Vitamin A is known to boost the immune system by increasing number and activity of T and B immune cells and decrease infectiveness of germs.