Lecture 11-14: part 2 Flashcards
What are the two most important omega-3-FA for brain?
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
what happens when you have an omega-3 fatty acid decline?
depression, cognitive impairment, ADHD
Why are EPA and DHA important? what do they do?
● DHA: important building block of the brain (cell membranes)
● EPA: anti-inflammatory actions
What does omega 3 do?
- Acts as a reservoir for bioactive molecules
- Modulates gene expression
- Competes with omega-6 for incorporation in membranes
DHA & EPA
Evidence from human studies: observational studies show an overall association
Intervention studies: results are mixed
> Because of…
Interaction with B-vitamins, sample sizes, trial duration, dosage, study population, APOE status.
If baseline levels are good, there is not much room for improvement.
Brain has a large buffer capacity
What is going on with ApoE status and EPA?
EPA levels rose 3x as much in non-e4 carriers vs e4 carriers.
Why is there a difference in EPA levels in non vs e4 carriers?
e4 carriers: they use omega-3-fatty acids as substrate instead of glucose in the brain. Or: lessened uptake across the blood-brain barrier with e4.
(fig on page 62)
Several amino acids have a direct effect on brain function. E.g:
Tryptophan (direct precursor of serotonin, necessary for learning and memory)
Tyrosine (direct precursor of dopamine, importand for working memory)
Glutamine, aspartate, taurine: neuronal function
Q: “Which statements are correct? (2 out of 4)”
A: (1) “Omega-3 FA acids are building blocks of neuronal membranes and can modify gene/protein expression, modulate neuronal membrane protein activity and act as a reservoir for bioactive molecules.”
(2) ApoE4 carriers could be in need of lower omega-3 FA dosages than non-e4 carriers
(3) Fatty fish, blueberries, nuts, red wine, low-fat skinny whit meat and green leafy vegetables are all part of the MIND-diet
(4) The relationship between alcohol intake and cognitive decline/total mortality is presented in a G-shaped curve
1,3
Q: “Which statements are correct? (2 out of 4)”
A: (1) “Omega-3 FA acids are building blocks of neuronal membranes and can modify gene/protein expression, modulate neuronal membrane protein activity and act as a reservoir for bioactive molecules.”
(2) ApoE4 carriers could be in need of lower omega-3 FA dosages than non-e4 carriers
(3) Fatty fish, blueberries, nuts, red wine, low-fat skinny whit meat and green leafy vegetables are all part of the MIND-diet
(4) The relationship between alcohol intake and cognitive decline/total mortality is presented in a G-shaped curve
1,3
Observational proof shows x% lower risk of cognitive disease with MEdDiet
40%
1st intervention study with MedDiet = PREDIMED. What three groups were there?
- MEdDiet+ 1l olive oil/week (devided over 8 people)
- MedDiet + 30 g nuts/day
- Low fat diet
What were the outcomes?
MedDiet + nuts = improved memory
MedDiet + olive oil = frontal & global cognition
DASH diet: stands for?
Dietary approaches to stop hypertension
what types of food does the DASH diet contain?
- low in sodium
- rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium
- similar to MedDiet, only promotes more dairy
