As gender language continues to evolve in the scientific and medical communities, for this blarticle we are following 2021 guidelines set out by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG):
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) recognizes that patients have diverse gender identities and is striving to use gender-inclusive language in its publications, literature, and other printed and digital materials. In some instances, ABOG uses the word “woman” (and the pronouns “she” and “her”) to describe patients or individuals whose sex assigned at birth was female, whether they identify as female, male, or non-binary. When describing or referencing study populations used in research, ABOG will use the gender terminology reported by the study investigators.
We understand that not all people who bleed, have a uterus, etc. are women. In this context, we use“ women/woman” to make it easy for all folks to find content that is specific to those who bleed, have a uterus, etc.
In fact, for far too long the medical sciences and research in general (for example automobile safety) have treated men and women as interchangeable subjects. With women making up half the population in both Canada and the U.S., there is an enormous opportunity here to invest in women’s health research and omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, informed recommendations can be made, and the health outcomes of women can be improved.
This will lead to practical awareness and treatment in primary care with accurate multi-disciplinary guidelines for prevention and disease treatments specific to women’s physiology. As more inclusive research is underway, currently, there is a limited amount of peer-reviewed women’s health studies. Therefore, some of the omega-3 intervention potential in this blarticle is extrapolated from general population studies. Let’s explore omega-3s intervention potential for women’s endocrine-hormonal health, pregnancy health, mental health and heart health.
The endocrine system is made up of several organs called glands. These glands create and secrete (release) hormones, and are located all over the body, including in the neck, brain and reproductive organs. Hormones are chemicals that coordinate distinct functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it. In the endocrine – hormonal health section, I am highlighting the lifecycle, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, gynecological cancers along with breast cancers.
Omega-3 is essential from proper fetal development including neuronal, retinal and immune function to healthy aging (3). Again, research specific to women’s physiology and whole-body health throughout the entire lifecycle has been underserviced. The research for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea during periods is not extensive or conclusive. However, based on the omega fatty acids’ anti-inflammatory action there is thought that DHA and EPA could be beneficial to ease pain for both conditions. Sexual health in general is lacking evidence-based research studies, with areas like sexual enjoyment or the ability to conceive being underserviced. There is some thought – again due to omega fatty acids’ anti-inflammatory action – that it may increase pregnancy rates. However, more research is needed to understand how adequate amounts of omega-3s have potential benefits to increase fertility in women.
There is a decent amount of research regarding the impact of omega-3s in certain disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Both are explored in detail in this blarticle. Also, the research on omega-3s and pregnancy health is included in this blarticle. Current research of omega-3s’ benefits for perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause is not extensive or conclusive. Low-grade inflammation can make many of the hormonal changes during these stages of a woman’s life worse. It is thought that increasing omega-3 fatty acids during this time may reduce inflammation. As a result, omega-3s will decrease symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness and mood swings.
Therefore, more research must be dedicated to understanding how nutrients like omega-3 can relieve certain symptoms during this stage of a woman’s life to provide more accurate and effective interventions.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age which leads to reproductive, hormonal and metabolic abnormalities. These include low-grade inflammation and pro-oxidant state (chemicals produced by oxidative stress). It is estimated to affect six to 10 per cent of women of reproductive age, which is associated with a variety of factors, including menstrual irregularity, insulin resistance, diabetes and obesity. Due to the presence of insulin resistance, PCOS increases the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorders, cardiovascular diseases and malignancies such as breast and endometrial cancer.
The actual cause of PCOS is unknown, but environmental factors such as dietary habits play a vital role in prevention and treatment. Chronic inflammation might be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic and reproductive dysfunctions of PCOS. Lifestyle modifications are important therapeutic strategies for people with PCOS.
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to increase one’s sensitivity to insulin by producing and secreting anti-inflammatory adipokine (such as adiponectin) and reducing inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines (4).
Evidence from a 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may be a beneficial supplement for PCOS patients. The characteristics of the nine studies included daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids (supplements containing 900 mg to 4,000 mg) for six to 24 weeks durations.
Based on the outcomes, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be recommended for the treatment of PCOS with insulin resistance as well as high total cholesterol (especially LDL – the bad cholesterol) and triglycerides (4).
The findings of a 2018 research study (5) support the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory roles of combined vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation.
This demonstrated that 12 weeks of combined vitamin D and 2,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per day significantly alleviated depression and anxiety symptoms in individuals with PCOS and improved mental health status.
The co-administration of these two nutrients improved total antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation.
The daily supplementation also decreased androgen levels helping attenuate related symptoms such as acne (5).
Dietary factors, including omega-3 fatty acids, may have a key role in improving metabolic disorders in PCOS patients (6).
The data suggests that supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids could reduce the inflammatory state in women with PCOS through a decrease in hs-CRP (marker of chronic inflammation) levels.
Also observed, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be associated with a decrease in inflammation and in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels by stimulating the secretion of anti-inflammatory adipokines (such as adiponectin) (6).
The recommended treatment for PCOS patients in general and especially those with obesity, are lifestyle and nutrition interventions including weight loss. Studies show that metabolic disorders in patients with PCOS may be improved by the intervention of dietary factors such as omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation may also have a beneficial effect on some cardiometabolic risk factors in women with PCOS (4).
Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent chronic inflammatory disease among reproductive-age women. It is characterized by the presence of endometrium beyond the uterine cavity. The disorder affects five to 15 per cent of women of child-bearing age, 30 to 50 per cent of whom suffer from infertility (7). Inflammation is thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis (8).
The pathophysiology of endometriosis is not yet clarified, and the search for optimal treatment continues. Evidence suggests that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis and the pathophysiology of endometriosis (9). It is important to note, this estrogen-dependent, chronic inflammatory condition is present in 25 to 38 per cent of adolescent girls with chronic pelvic pain (10). Adolescents with endometriosis often struggle with chronic pain, missed school, poor social relationships and concerns about future fertility. Endometriosis influences the physical, mental and social wellbeing of women of all ages and their close contacts.
Studies have shown a median delay in diagnosis of seven years and longer when symptoms of endometriosis begin before 19 years of age (10).
Adolescents supplemented with 1,000 mg of omega-3 (including 488 mg of EPA and 178 mg DHA) daily for six months reported to have a 50 per cent drop in visual analog scale (VAS) scores (10,11). VAS is a tool used to help a person rate the intensity of certain sensations and feelings, such as pain.
Data from the Nurses’ Health Study demonstrated that a higher reported intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a decreased risk of endometriosis (8). It is suggested women with higher circulating levels of EPA are less likely to have endometriosis (8,11).
It is known that the prevention and treatment of endometriosis is multidisciplinary. There is evidence that food and nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, influence both the pathogenesis and progression of the disease, leading to the possibility of alternative, adjuvant treatments to those suffering from endometriosis (9). While conventional medical and surgical therapies are essential, understanding the aid of diet and supplements including omega-3 fatty acids may result in a synergistic effect by their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative and immune-modulatory characteristics.
Endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, which are called endocrine-related gynecological cancers, are the first and second most common type of gynecological malignancies, respectively. There are several risk factors for endometrial cancer, which include body mass index (BMI), age of menarche, oral contraceptive use, diabetes and smoking.
Ovarian cancer is less common than endometrial cancer, but it is a more deadly type of cancer. Unlike endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer is often not detected until it has already spread to other parts of the body. Aging is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, while factors that interrupt ovulation such as oral contraceptive use, pregnancy or breastfeeding are known to be associated with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer.
Lifestyle, including diet, nutrition and nutrients, in relationship to endocrine-related gynecological cancers has been under-researched over the past two decades. Specifically understanding the benefits of supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids and each gynecologic cancer and their subtypes has been underserviced in scientific literature. More research is needed for this area of women’s health.
It is known that inflammation plays a vital role in both endometrial and ovarian cancer etiology.
In the VITamins And Lifestyle TriaL (VITAL) cohort observational study, it was found that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and their food sources may provide some benefit in women who fall within a healthy weight range (12).
In a prospective study of postmenopausal women in the U.S., intakes of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with reduced risks of endometrial cancer in women who fall within a healthy weight range only (13).
Findings from a 2014 population study including 1,872 women suggest that higher intake of omega-3 may be protective for ovarian cancer risk overall and endometrioid tumours (14).
There is support for the role of omega-3 fatty acids in both endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer prevention. However, additional studies are needed to estimate omega-3 effects more accurately to provide valuable guidelines for prevention and to decrease the severity of both diseases and their sub-groups.
Breast cancer is a major health concern worldwide. There are several breast cancer subtypes. They are known to have multifactorial causes and can be hormone sensitive. Over the last decade a renewed interest in omega-3 fatty acids have been observed because of their potential effects against cancer diseases, including breast cancer. The potential anticancer effects include cell cycle arrest, increase in autophagy (destruction of cancer cells) and apoptosis (death of cancer cell), plus tumour growth inhibition (15).
There is a theory that the dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids is higher in Asian countries which have less cases of breast cancer (16,17,18).
The Western diet has a characteristic of lower omega-3 fatty acids compared to traditional Asian diets. A 2019 review study suggests a higher dietary intake ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids could be effective for breast cancer prevention (16).
A population research study suggests one of the dietary factors associated with breast cancer risk is low intake of fish (17).
It is suggested that countries in Asia with higher consumption of omega-3 fatty acids than in Western countries have a lower incidence of breast cancer (16,18). As a result, the protective effect of omega-3 fatty acids could be suggested for breast cancer prevention.
Breast cancer is a multi-factorial disease, it is plausible that additional strategies, including intake of specific nutritional factors including omega-3 fatty acids, would also improve survival among women diagnosed with breast cancers (17). However, further research is needed to assess the optimum potential of omega-3 fatty acids from a pharmacological and nutritional perspective for breast cancer prevention and disease treatment.
The endocrine system is made up of several organs called glands. These glands create and secrete (release) hormones, and are located all over the body, including in the neck, brain and reproductive organs. Hormones are chemicals that coordinate distinct functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it. In the endocrine – hormonal health section, I am highlighting the lifecycle, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, gynecological cancers along with breast cancers.
We know maternal dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during critical periods like pregnancy, lactation and early newborn development may influence levels of certain inflammatory cytokines, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting an anti-inflammatory environment. (19). Also, the accumulation and incorporation of DHA in the brain takes place during the perinatal period when neural networks are established.
In many countries, intake of EPA and DHA by pregnant women or by women with child-bearing potential is low, even though low levels of these omega-3s can result in premature birth, as well as many other health issues for mother, fetus and newborn (20,21). In pregnancy, vegetarian and vegan women continue to avoid fish, the typical sources of EPA and DHA, which puts them at risk for maternal undernutrition and impaired fetal growth.
Although beneficial characteristics have been attributed to vegetarian eating patterns, vegetarian populations generally have lower plasma concentrations of DHA and lower overall omega-3 indices compared to those who eat foods high in omega-3. A systemic literature review (22) demonstrated that supplementation with algal forms of DHA can increase an array of serum and platelet DHA concentrations and omega-3 indices in vegetarians.
Many authoritative bodies and expert scientific organizations recommend that pregnant women consume an extra 200 mg/day DHA (21). In 2021, The Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines were updated to “Advise pregnant women that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids (800 mg DHA and 100 mg EPA per day) may reduce their risk of preterm birth, if they are low in omega-3.”
The strongest evidence for omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy is for reducing the risk of preterm birth.
Data from the Kansas DHA Outcome Study (KUDOS) found that universal supplementation with 600 mg/day DHA during the last two trimesters of pregnancy led to significant reductions in early preterm birth (23).
Inflammation is a major cause of pregnancy complications, prematurity and neonatal morbidity (19).
Supplementation of 320 mg DHA and 72 mg EPA per day during pregnancy and lactation has beneficial effects the mother, neonate and newborn infant during the initial stages of development by promoting due to their potential action as modifiers of cytokine secretion (19).
Allergy and asthma affect more than 350 million people worldwide and are responsible for increased respiratory symptoms in children and adults. Prenatal consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can function as an adjuvant in the development of the immune system and affect the inflammatory response of neonates (24).
Pregnant women with a history or atopy (an exaggerated immune response like dermatitis) were supplemented 400 mg/day algal DHA from 18 to 22 weeks through to delivery.
It was concluded DHA supplementation during pregnancy may decrease the incidence of respiratory symptoms in children with a history of maternal atopy (24).
Pregnancy-induced hypertension can affect about six to 10 per cent of all pregnant women worldwide. The underlying mechanisms responsible for preeclampsia are still unidentified. It is thought to be a multifactorial disorder and may rise from deficient placenta implantation in early gestation (25).
A 2020 meta-analysis indicated that the omega-3 fatty acids supplementation was an effective strategy to prevent the incidence of preeclampsia in women with low-risk pregnancies (25).
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compromises the level of DHA in both mom and fetus. This is of concern because of the importance of DHA for fetal neuro-visual development (26).
Daily supplementation of 600 mg of DHA and 84 mg of EPA enhances maternal but not fetal DHA status pregnancy complicated by GDM.
These findings have implications for the management of neonates of women with GDM because they are born with reduced levels of DHA and the condition is thought to be associated with a risk of neuro-development deficits.
The researchers suggest that infants of women with GDM, particularly those not being breast fed, require formula milk fortified with a higher level of DHA (26).
A woman’s nutritional status affects her health, but also the outcome of the pregnancy and the health of the newborn baby. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids before, during and after pregnancy is linked to numerous maternal, fetal and childhood benefits regarding the reproductive capacity of women and the cognitive functionality of their offspring (21,22,23,24,25,26). Omega-3s are necessary for the optimal functioning of the brain and visual acuity. Clinical studies have established that low consumption of omega-3 fatty acids or low plasma levels of DHA are associated with cognitive and behavioural disorders during development (2,20,21,23). I highly recommend nutrition counselling before, during and after pregnancy.
The levels of DHA in breast milk can be increased by supplementation and they seem to correlate with cognitive function and language development in infants, as well as with general psychosocial health (27). Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to postnatal growth, cognitive and visual development, and allergies. Given the importance of DHA for the development of the neonate and infant brain, it is suggested omega-3 doses for breastfeeding mothers mimic those proposed during pregnancy.
There are remarkably high levels of DHA present in the retina, specifically in the disk membranes of the outer segments of photoreceptor cells (28).
A number of studies in preterm and term infants suggest that a dietary supply of omega-3 fatty acids may be essential for optimal visual development (29,30).
The amount of omega-3s in human milk is determined by the regular consumption of oil-rich fish, algae and omega-3 supplements during pregnancy and lactation (31).
In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, infant formula was fortified with DHA.
It concluded there was a significant improvement in the lipid profile of the infants who received the DHA fortified formula.
There is support for omega-3 supplementation post pregnancy. Maternal dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation during critical periods like lactation and early newborn development or formula choice with omega-3 fortification influences several physical and cognitive advancements for the infant while decreasing a mother’s risk for concerns like postpartum depression (PPD).
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major mood disorder that occurs within one month of childbirth and can last for months or even years. The prevalence of PPD ranges from 10 to 15 per cent but can be as high as 30 per cent. Almost half of patients with PPD are not diagnosed or treated (32). Untreated PPD affects not only the mother’s mental health, but also the development and behaviour of the infant. Intervention and treatment for perinatal depression can provide health benefits to mom and infant.
Again, it is identified that American and Canadian women consume significantly less EPA and DHA than what is recommended (300 mg/day) by many international health organizations. Also, additional pregnancies can deplete maternal DHA levels in plasma and breast milk in lactating women. This leaves the mother with a notable risk of severe deficit in omega-3 fatty acids, which may precipitate the occurrence of depression (32).
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for women’s optimal whole-body health. Inflammation is a key mechanism in the pathophysiology of mood disorders such as major depression, postpartum depression and bipolar disorder. Omega-3 fatty acids are a promising natural treatment for mental health. For example, omega-3s easily travel through the brain cell membrane, interacting with mood-related molecules and biomarkers (34,35).
Nutritional intake is vital for human biological function and contributes to the maintenance and improvement of physical and mental health (36). There is increasing interest in the use of nutrient-based therapies in the treatment of mood disorders (32,33,36,37,38). Healthy lifestyle factors like consuming a balanced dietary plan daily, being active, managing stress and getting good quality sleep can all impact mood.
Unfortunately, women presenting with mood disorders in primary care may be dismissed without thoroughly investigating the root cause of the symptoms, such as PCOS, endometriosis or another health issue specific to women’s physiology. It is necessary to fund specialized women’s health research to advance understanding and knowledge of endocrine-related mood changes and disorders. This will lead to practical awareness and treatment in primary care with accurate multi-disciplinary guidelines for prevention and treatments specific to women’s physiology.
From our blarticle Mitigating the effect of stress with Algal Omega-3s we know the following about mood disorders in general:
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world (33,34,36). Studies suggest omega-3 supplementation may lead to improved symptoms in people with depression or anxiety (33,34,36,37,38,39).
One mechanism includes omega-3s easily travelling through the brain cell membrane, interacting with mood-related molecules and biomarkers (37).
Another mechanism demonstrates marine omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA may reduce depression risk and promote favourable mood by reducing the levels of inflammatory factors such as proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. These factors are found in a subset of depressed patients and may impact symptoms through a direct effect in the brain (36,37).
More than ever, considering the dietary factors that lead to optimal mental wellbeing should be part of your health care plan. Omega-3 supplementation is a promising natural solution that may have additional beneficial effects for people with mood disorders (37,39).
Pain can affect quality of life and the ability to perform daily activities (40,41,42). Evidence suggests including omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in the overall anti-inflammatory dietary plan for pain management may help decrease inflammation and inhibit pain.
Unfortunately, women presenting with pain disorders in primary care may be dismissed without thoroughly investigating the root cause of the symptoms such as PCOS, endometriosis or another health issue specific to women’s physiology. It is necessary to fund specialized women’s health research to advance understanding and knowledge of endocrine related pain disorders. This will lead to practical awareness and treatment in primary care with accurate multi-disciplinary guidelines for prevention and treatments specific to women’s physiology.
Given the association among pain, inflammation, and metabolic abnormalities noted from mental health irritations described in PCOS and endometriosis, a strategic dietary intervention including omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for pain management will contribute to better outcomes for all.
From our blarticle Mitigating the Effect of Stress with Algal Omega-3s, we know the following about pain in general:
Certain combinations of omega-3s and micronutrients may exert an even greater synergistic effect within the nervous system on inhibiting microglial-mediated neuroinflammation to decrease pain (40,42).
Exercise is often recommended as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy. However, acute muscle soreness (pain) and stiffness from exercise can negatively affect an individual’s ability to start and maintain a consistent exercise regimen. Algal DHA Omega-3 supplementation has been shown to assist in muscle recovery via anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive (pain inhibiting) effects (43), which can help make exercise accessible and maintainable.
The proposed pathophysiology and mechanisms that perpetuate chronic pain are constantly emerging, but persistent low-grade inflammation (neuroinflammation) has been suggested as a primary driver in this process (40,41). Omega-3 supplementation is a promising natural solution that may have additional beneficial effects for people with pain (40,41,42,43).
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major concern worldwide (44). CVD is the leading cause of premature death for Canadian women over 55 years of age and is the leading cause of death for adult women in the U.S. (45,46). CVD presents differently in women than it does in men. With women making up half the population in both Canada and the U.S., there is an enormous opportunity here to invest in women’s heart health research and omega-3 fatty acids.
From our blarticle Health Benefits of Omega-3s, we know the following about pain in general:
There is a strong link between healthy behaviours and positive mind-body health, including cardiovascular wellbeing. Conversely, the typical Western diet is high in unhealthy fats and low in fruits and vegetables which contribute to the risk factors of CVD.
Plus, we have established that most North American adults (including childbearing-age and pregnant women) consume significantly fewer omega-3s than the daily recommended dose of 500 mg of EPA and/or DHA (1, 2).
Every year, several million people worldwide experience CVD risk factors and events. Even a small reduction in risk factors can translate into hundreds of thousands of avoided heart attacks and CVD-related deaths. Therefore, evidence suggests supplementation with EPA and DHA omega-3s is an effective lifestyle strategy for lowering CVD risk factors such as blood pressure and inflammation (47, 48,49,50).
Despite progress over the past two decades, research specific to women’s physiology and health outcomes is still lacking today. With women making up half the population in both Canada and the U.S., there is an enormous opportunity to invest in women’s health research and omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids including EPA and DHA have been linked to human health in all stages of life, from fetal development to physiological aging. As more inclusive research is underway, current investigation in endocrine-hormonal health, pregnancy health, mental health and heart health highlights the beneficial impacts of omega-3s in a woman’s intake as follows:
Low-grade inflammation can worsen many of the hormonal changes throughout a woman’s lifecycle. Increasing omega-3 fatty acids during these challenging times may reduce inflammation.
Studies show that metabolic disorders in patients with PCOS may be improved by the intervention of dietary factors such as omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation may also have a beneficial effect on some cardiometabolic risk factors in women with PCOS (4,5,6).
While conventional medical and surgical therapies are essential for women with endometriosis, the aid of diet and supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids may result in a synergistic effect by their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative and immune-modulatory characteristics (8,9,10,11).
There is support for the role of omega-3 fatty acids in both endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer prevention. However, additional studies are needed to estimate omega-3 effects more accurately to provide valuable guidelines for prevention and to decrease the severity of both diseases and their sub-groups.
There is support for the role of omega-3 fatty acids in breast cancer. However, further research is needed to assess the optimum potential of omega-3 fatty acids from a pharmacological and nutritional perspective for breast cancer prevention and disease treatment.
The supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids before, during and after pregnancy is linked to numerous maternal, fetal and childhood benefits regarding the reproductive capacity of women and the cognitive functionality of their offspring (27).
There is support for omega-3 supplementation post pregnancy. Post-pregnancy omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may influence several physical and cognitive advancements for the infant while decreasing the mother’s risk for postpartum depression (20,21,23,32,33).
Increasing evidence (26,27) suggests that EPA and DHA supplementation can help prevent and treat depression in new mothers.
Omega-3 supplementation is a promising natural solution that may have additional beneficial effects for people with mood disorders (37,39).
Omega-3 supplementation may have additional benefits for people dealing with chronic pain – a primary driver of which is thought to be persistent low-grade inflammation (40,41,42,43).
Evidence suggests supplementation with EPA and DHA omega-3s can lower CVD risk factors such as blood pressure and inflammation – welcome news to the several million people worldwide who experience CVD risk factors and events every year (47,48,49,50).
Beneficial lifestyle habits and nutrition interventions, including consuming adequate intakes of essential omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA, support whole-body health for women throughout their lives. There is an enormous opportunity to invest in women’s health research to further advance specific preventative and disease treatments with omega-3s based on women’s physiology.
There are thousands of self-proclaimed “foodies” positioning themselves as health and wellness experts, but Jane Dummer RD—President of Jane Dummer Consulting—is the real deal. A registered dietitian and respected thought leader in the food industry, Jane holds a Nutrition Science degree from one of the world’s leading food universities. She consults with medium to large food and beverage companies across North America and has made countless media appearances as both a guest and commentator. The author of “The Need for Seeds: How to Make Seeds an Everyday Food in Your Healthy Diet,” Jane is also a writer for Baker’s Journal and a member of the College of Dietitians of Ontario. She has served on Scientific Advisory Boards for Danone Canada and the Canadian Foundation of Dietetic Research.
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