Omega-3 Reduce Stroke Severity

A diet rich in omega-3s reduces the severity of brain damage after a stroke, according to a study conducted by UniversitГ© Laval researchers.The team, co-directed by professors Jasna Kriz and FrГ©dГ©ric Calon, showed that the extent of brain damage following a stroke was reduced by 25% in mice that consumed DHA type omega-3s daily.Details of the study can be found on the website of the journal Stroke.

Researchers observed that the effects of stroke were less severe in mice that had been fed a diet rich in DHA for three months than in mice fed a control diet.In mice from the DHA group, they saw a reduction in the concentrations of molecules that stimulate tissue inflammation and, conversely, a larger quantity of molecules that prevent the activation of cell death.

«This is the first convincing demonstration of the powerful anti-inflammatory effect of DHA in the brain,» underscored FrГ©dГ©ric Calon of UniversitГ© Laval’s Faculty of Pharmacy.This protective effect results from the substitution of molecules in the neuronal membrane: DHA partially replaces arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid known for its inflammatory properties.

«The consumption of omega-3s creates an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective environment in the brain that mitigates damage following a stroke,» summarized Jasna Kriz, of UniversitГ© Laval’s Faculty of Medicine.«It prevents an acute inflammatory response that, if not controlled, is harmful to brain tissue.»

Professor Calon believes that this anti-inflammatory effect is likely transferable to humans.«Since DHA is readily available, inexpensive, and reduces the risk of a number of health problems without causing significant side effects, the riskbenefit ratio tends to favor the regular consumption of fish or DHA,» he concluded.

In addition to Kriz and Calon, the study was co-authored by MГ©lanie Lalancette-HГ©bert, Pierre Cordeau, Carl Julien, Ivan Bohacek, and Yuan-Cheng Weng.The authors are all members of the CHUQ Research Center.M.Lalancette-Hebert, C.Julien, P.Cordeau, I.Bohacek, Y.-C.Weng, F.Calon, J.Kriz.Accumulation of Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid in the Brain Attenuates Acute Immune Response and Development of Postischemic Neuronal Damage.Dr.Bazan says "We are just now beginning to understand the significant impact of omega-3 essential fatty acids on stroke.There is no simple solution just yet, but each new discovery brings us closer to defeating stroke Omega-3 fatty acids from fish have been shown to have favorable effects on platelet aggregation, blood pressure, lipid profile, endothelial function, and ischemic stroke risk. The amount of fish consumed, and preferences We know that moderate alcohol consumption, including wine, is a*sociated with protection against coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke.A European study IMMIDIET published in the January 2009 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1 found moderate alcohol intake increases the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells independently of the amount of fish consumed .The study further suggests that wine does better than other alcoholic ...

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