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Effect of Docosahexaenoic Acid and Eicosapentaenoic Acid Supplementation on Sleep Quality in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Yokoi-Shimizu, K, Yanagimoto, K, Hayamizu, K
Nutrients. 2022;14(19)
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Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are unsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily found in fish and seafood. The fatty acids fulfil many vital roles in the body, such as creating cell membranes, supporting brain functions and being associated with many disease-protective benefits. These fatty acids also influence sleep in children and young adults, but less is known about their effect in older people. Hence, this Japanese study investigated the impact of EPA and DHA on sleep quality in people above the age of ≥ 45. 66 males and females with poor sleep participated in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-grouped study. They either received 860 mg of combined DHA/EPA per day (576 mg DHA/284 mg EPA) or a placebo of corn oil for 12 weeks. The outcome was assessed subjectively via sleep quality and mood questionnaires, as well as objectively with a sleep scanner and blood samples. Blood samples and blood pressure where also monitored as a safety measure. Upon completion of the study there was a subjective improvement, which was backed-up by the results of the sleep scanner. This study confirmed that DHA/EPA improves sleep quality in the middle aged and older population and does so at doses lower than those administered in previous studies. The authors had set the daily minimum intake of DHA/EPA at 860 mg/day for this trial, as previous research showed no effects at lower doses. They also noted that poor responders tended to be people with pre-existing conditions or those who were pregnant. This population may require higher dosages of DHA/EPA than healthy patients. Overall, the intervention was well tolerated. Ensuring adequate DHA and EPA levels and intake could be part of nutritional strategies for sleep support.
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-omega-3 fatty acids with various functions-influence sleep in children and young adults. However, only limited studies on their effects on sleep in middle- and old-aged adults have been reported. Therefore, we investigated the effects of DHA and EPA on sleep quality in subjects aged ≥ 45 years. We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-grouped study, in which we randomly assigned 66 healthy Japanese males and females. Each individual received six 480 mg capsules containing 576 mg DHA and 284 mg EPA per day (DHA/EPA group, n = 33), or corn oil (placebo group, n = 33), for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, the Oguri-Shirakawa-Azumi sleep inventory MA version (OSA-MA) and the sleep state test were conducted. In the DHA/EPA group, factor III (frequent dreaming) scores among the OSA-MA scores were significantly improved compared to the placebo group. Additionally, sleep state tests revealed that sleep efficiency improved in the DHA/EPA group. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report that DHA/EPA improves sleep quality in middle- and old-aged individuals, even at doses lower than those administered in previous studies.
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Swimming pool exposure is associated with autonomic changes and increased airway reactivity to a beta-2 agonist in school aged children: A cross-sectional survey.
Cavaleiro Rufo, J, Paciência, I, Silva, D, Martins, C, Madureira, J, Oliveira Fernandes, E, Padrão, P, Moreira, P, Delgado, L, Moreira, A
PloS one. 2018;13(3):e0193848
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Studies have shown an association between swimming in chemically-treated pools and a higher risk of asthma in children, although the mechanism is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate how swimming pool attendance influences lung and nervous system function in school-aged children. Around 800 children were classified as current swimmers (CS), past swimmers (PS) or non-swimmers (NS). The children underwent several tests to determine their lung function and allergic response to common allergens. Parasympathetic nervous system function was tested by measuring the speed at which their pupils constricted in response to light. The current swimmers group had significantly lower pupil constriction speeds compared to PS and NS, suggesting a poorer functioning of the autonomic nervous system, possibly due to inflammation resulting from swimming pool chemical exposure. CS experienced greater constriction of the airways compared to NS. A non-significant trend for a higher risk of asthma, atopic eczema and rhinitis, was observed in swimmers. The authors concluded that swimming pool attendance appears to be associated with autonomic nervous system changes and increased baseline airway smooth muscle constriction even in children without asthma.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endurance swimming exercises coupled to disinfection by-products exposure has been associated with increased airways dysfunction and neurogenic inflammation in elite swimmers. However, the impact of swimming pool exposure at a recreational level on autonomic activity has never been explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how swimming pool attendance is influencing lung and autonomic function in school-aged children. METHODS A total of 858 children enrolled a cross sectional survey. Spirometry and airway reversibility to beta-2 agonist, skin-prick-tests and exhaled nitric oxide measurements were performed. Pupillometry was used to evaluate autonomic nervous function. Children were classified as current swimmers (CS), past swimmers (PS) and non-swimmers (NS), according to the amount of swimming practice. RESULTS Current swimmers group had significantly lower maximum and average pupil constriction velocities when compared to both PS and NS groups (3.8 and 5.1 vs 3.9 and 5.3 vs 4.0 and 5.4 mm/s, p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, affinity to the beta-2 agonist and levels of exhaled nitric oxide were significantly higher in CS when compared to NS (70 vs 60 mL and 12 vs 10 ppb, p<0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). A non-significant trend for a higher risk of asthma, atopic eczema and allergic rhinitis was found with more years of swimming practice, particularly in atopic individuals (β = 1.12, 1.40 and 1.31, respectively). After case-case analysis, it was possible to observe that results were not influenced by the inclusion of individuals with asthma. CONCLUSIONS Concluding, swimming pool attendance appears to be associated with autonomic changes and increased baseline airway smooth muscle constriction even in children without asthma.
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Effect of protein and carbohydrate solutions on running performance and cognitive function in female recreational runners.
Gui, Z, Sun, F, Si, G, Chen, Y
PloS one. 2017;12(10):e0185982
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Research has shown that consuming a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (CES) during endurance exercise can improve performance, delay fatigue and ameliorate post-exercise cognitive dysfuction when compared with a noncaloric placebo (PLA). The addition of protein to the CES (CPES) has been suggested to increase these benefits however the current data is limited. The aim of this crossover study was to investigate whether the added protein to a CES would improve exercise performance and cognitive function in 11 female recreational marathon runners. Participants were randomised to consume one of the three solutions (CES, CPES or PLA) every 2.5km during a 21km run, with a 28-day interval, and their VO2max and cognitive function were recorded after the run. This study showed that CES improved endurance performance compared with PLA, however adding protein to the CES did not provide any additional performance benefit. The CPES solution did benefit visual motor speed compared to PLA, but no differences were found in the other cognitive function tests.
Abstract
This study compared the effects of a carbohydrate-electrolyte-protein solution (CEPS, 2% protein plus 4% carbohydrate), carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (CES, 6% carbohydrate), and noncaloric sweetened placebo (PLA) on both 21-km running performance and cognitive function. Eleven female recreational endurance runners performed a 21-km time-trial running on three occasions, separated by at least 28 days. In a randomized cross-over design, they ingested CEPS, CES, or PLA at a rate of 150 mL every 2.5 km with no time feedback. A cognitive function test was performed before and after the run. Participants ingested approximately 24 g/h carbohydrate plus 12 g/h protein in CEPS trial, and 36 g/h carbohydrate in CES trial during each 21-km trial. Time to complete the time-trial was slightly shorter (P < 0.05) during CES (129.6 ± 8.8 min) than PLA (134.6 ± 11.5 min), with no differences between CEPS and the other two trials. The CEPS trial showed higher composite of visual motor speed than the PLA trial (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CES feedings might improve 21-km time-trial performance in female recreational runners compared with a PLA. However, adding protein to the CES provided no additional time-trial performance benefit. CEPS feeding during prolonged exercise could benefit visual motor speed compared to PLA alone, but no differences in the performance of the other cognitive function tests were found.
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Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Anxiety in Students: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
de Oliveira, IJ, de Souza, VV, Motta, V, Da-Silva, SL
Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS. 2015;18(1):11-8
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Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a well known anti-oxidant that has been studied in relation to anxious behaviour triggered by stressful situations. This study set out to examine the effects of vitamin C (50mg per day) or placebo on 42 high school students in a double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. Levels of anxiety were measured before and after a 14 day supplementation of vitamin C or placebo using the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Plasma levels of vitamin C, heart rate and blood pressure were also measured. The results showed vitamin C supplementation reduced anxiety levels and increased plasma vitamin C levels. There was also a significant decrease in heart rate. There was no significant difference in blood pressure. The study concluded that vitamin C has a therapeutic affect on reducing anxiety levels. It was recommend high schools implement nutritional programs high in antioxidants such as vitamin C to reduce anxiety and improve academic performance.
Abstract
Vitamin C ascorbic acid) is a well-known antioxidant that is involved in anxiety, stress, depression, fatigue and mood state in humans. Studies have suggested that oxidative stress may trigger neuropsychological disorders. Antioxidants may play an important therapeutic role in combating the damage caused by oxidative stress in individuals that suffer from anxiety. In this context, it was hypothesized that oral vitamin C supplementation would reduce anxiety. However, few up to date studies have evaluated the consequences of oral vitamin C supplementation on anxiety in humans. The present study examined the effects of oral vitamin C supplements in 42 high school students, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The students were given either vitamin C (500 mg day(-1)) or placebo. Plasma concentrations of vitamin C and blood pressure were measured before the intervention and then one day after the intervention. Anxiety levels were evaluated for each student before and after 14 days following supplementation with the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results showed that vitamin C reduced anxiety levels and led to higher plasma vitamin C concentration compared to the placebo. The mean heart rates were also significantly different between vitamin C group and placebo control group. Present study results not only provide evidence that vitamin C plays an important therapeutic role for anxiety but also point a possible use for antioxidants in the prevention or reduction of anxiety. This suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C may be an effective adjunct to medical and psychological treatment of anxiety and improve academic performance.