omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids not useful against AD

[Mark Thorson]

This was an extension to the AREDS2 study,
a follow-on to the original AREDS study.
AREDS2 explored whether omega-3's and
carotenoids were useful against macular
degeneration. The answers are no and no.
The extension explored whether they had
any benefit for cognitive performance.
The answer is no.

http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2429713

The original AREDS study did find a rather
strong benefit from their suite of nutrients
against macular degeneration, most of the
benefit being from zinc. To counter the
copper-deficiency-inducing effect of zinc
(highlighted by the Poligrip scandal), the
supplement used in the original AREDS study
included copper. The original AREDS study
did not address cognitive performance at all.
There is some evidence which suggests copper
is bad for cognition and may be a risk factor
for Alzheimer's Disease.

A plus for the AREDS2 study is that it was
a large study. A minus is that this extension
was sort of tacked on at the end. The recent
report is evidence -- good evidence -- against
a benefit for omega-3's and carotenoids in AD,
but the case is not quite closed yet.

[i***@cool.zzn.com]

Post by Mark Thorson
This was an extension to the AREDS2 study,
a follow-on to the original AREDS study.
AREDS2 explored whether omega-3's and
carotenoids were useful against macular
degeneration. The answers are no and no.
The extension explored whether they had
any benefit for cognitive performance.
The answer is no.
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2429713
The original AREDS study did find a rather
strong benefit from their suite of nutrients
against macular degeneration, most of the
benefit being from zinc. To counter the
copper-deficiency-inducing effect of zinc
(highlighted by the Poligrip scandal), the
supplement used in the original AREDS study
included copper. The original AREDS study
did not address cognitive performance at all.
There is some evidence which suggests copper
is bad for cognition and may be a risk factor
for Alzheimer's Disease.
A plus for the AREDS2 study is that it was
a large study. A minus is that this extension
was sort of tacked on at the end. The recent
report is evidence -- good evidence -- against
a benefit for omega-3's and carotenoids in AD,
but the case is not quite closed yet.

One might think, you would explain, the study did not include the very important Omega 3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, the fatty acid found only in plants which, protects against neurodegeneration.

"Alpha-linolenic acid suppresses dopaminergic neurodegeneration"

[Mark Thorson]

Post by Mark Thorson
supplement used in the original AREDS study
included copper. The original AREDS study
did not address cognitive performance at all.
There is some evidence which suggests copper
is bad for cognition and may be a risk factor
for Alzheimer's Disease.

And by the way, there was no zinc or copper
in the supplement used in the AREDS2 study.