N-3 LCPUFA Supplementation In Pregnancy To Reduce Allergies In Early Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$813,423.00
Summary
Over the last 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in allergic diseases in Australia as well as many other industrialised countries. This may be due to changes in our environment or diet. Over this period of time there has also been an increase in the dietary intake of n-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils and a corresponding decline in the intake of n-3 fatty acids from fish. Studies now indicate that there is a plausible link between these dietary changes and allergic diseases. Furthermor ....Over the last 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in allergic diseases in Australia as well as many other industrialised countries. This may be due to changes in our environment or diet. Over this period of time there has also been an increase in the dietary intake of n-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils and a corresponding decline in the intake of n-3 fatty acids from fish. Studies now indicate that there is a plausible link between these dietary changes and allergic diseases. Furthermore, emerging data suggest that the potential benefits of increasing n-3 fatty acids may be greatest during pregnancy and before allergic responses are established. Our project aims to minimise allergies in children from families where at least one parent has an allergy. We will assess whether dietary n-3 fatty acid supplementation of pregnant women will result in fewer children with allergies at 1 and 3 years of age. If the proposed intervention is successful, it would be a safe, cheap, acceptable and effective strategy to prevent allergies in children at high risk.Read moreRead less
Many dietary recommendations are inconsistent and based on inadequate research based on 1970s technologies. As a result, the current recommendations are almost impossible to meet from foods, without nutritional supplements. Using state-of-the-art technology, this research aims to redefine the nutritional requirements omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, iron and iodine, as well as the correct balance of energy producing macronutrients in the diet of mothers and their children.
Alterations In Secretion And Gene Expression In Pancreatic Beta Cells Exposed To Lipid.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,250.00
Summary
The project is aimed at a better understanding of the way in which fats control gene expression in the pancreatic beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. Because changes in gene expression are to likely to explain why exposure of these cells to fat disrupts their ability to release insulin, identification of these genes could explain why only some obese people develop Type 2 diabetes.
Effect Of High Dose Infant Fish Oil Supplementation And FADS 1 & 2 Genetic Polymorphisms On Cognitive Development And School Giftedness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$325,938.00
Summary
This project will investigate the influence of fish oil supplementation during the first six months of life on intelligence, language, behaviour and school performance at age six. We will also investigate how genetic differences in fish oil metabolism can impact upon these relationships. The findings will enhance our knowledge pertaining to the potential benefits of fish oil on cognitive development, and will inform future practice regarding the high dose fortification of infant formula.
Does Maternal Supplementation With N-3 Long-chain PUFA In Pregnancy Influence Cognitive Development In Childhood?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,676.00
Summary
During pregnancy, omega-3 fats (like those in fish) are deposited in the brain of the developing baby. Women get these fats from the diet but Australian women typically eat a diet low in fish. Because research has linked high fish intake in pregnancy with better IQ in children, omega-3 oils are included in some pregnancy supplements. However their effect on child development is not clear. This project will test whether taking fish oil while pregnant improves a child's IQ.
Effects Of N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids On Post Surgical Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Randomised Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,529.00
Summary
Consumption of fish and fish oil has been associated with protective effects for deaths from heart disease in many studies. The effects are consistent and quite strong and appear to be unrelated to blood cholesterol levels. The effects are more likely due to the possibility that fish oil, which contains n-3 fats, can suppress abnormal heart rhythms which can cause 'sudden cardiac death'. This has been shown in animal studies, and recently we have shown that they can also suppress abnormal heart ....Consumption of fish and fish oil has been associated with protective effects for deaths from heart disease in many studies. The effects are consistent and quite strong and appear to be unrelated to blood cholesterol levels. The effects are more likely due to the possibility that fish oil, which contains n-3 fats, can suppress abnormal heart rhythms which can cause 'sudden cardiac death'. This has been shown in animal studies, and recently we have shown that they can also suppress abnormal heart rhythms in humans. Patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery are particularly susceptible to abnormal heart rhythms in the upper chambers of the heart in the days immediately following surgery. While these abnormal rhythms are rarely life threatening, they can result in increased post-surgical complications and a longer hospital stay with associated increased costs to the health system. In this study we will determine whether providing high dose fish oil for 3 weeks immediately preceding coronary bypass surgery, will result in a reduction in the proportion of patients experiencing post-surgical abnormal heart rhythms. We will also examine the effects of n-3 fats on the incidence of other complications following bypass surgery and also the length of hospital stay. In addition, we will gather data which will provide insight into the mechanisms by which n-3 fatty acids produce their well documented benefits to patients with cardiovascular disease. The significance of this study is its ability to provide a protective strategy in heart disease in which the mechanism is understood, which is effective, and importantly, which will have the potential to provide savings to the health care system through a reduction in hospital stay.Read moreRead less
Does N-3 LCPUFA Supplementation In Pregnancy Reduce Asthma And Allergies In School Age Children?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,833.00
Summary
We will determine whether supplementing the diets of pregnant women with fish oil can have long term effects on the development of the childÍs immune system and reduce the prevalence of asthma and allergies at early school age. The outcomes of our project will inform nutritional guidelines for pregnant women and, if successful, has the potential to significantly lower the costly burden of childhood asthma and allergies to families and the healthcare system.
Docosahexaenic Acid (DHA) From Dairy. How Dietary Omega-3 Fats From Dairy Can Increase DHA Levels To Improve
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$427,887.00
Summary
A high level of the omega-3 fat DHA in the blood is related to good health and has benefits on neural development in breastfed infants. Infant formulas have been enriched with preformed DHA but are expensive and may be environmentally unsustainable. Dairy contains DPA, a direct precursor of DHA. I aim to identify DPA-rich dairy sources, produce a safe and inexpensive nutritional powder and validate its efficacy in an animal model and a human infant clinical trial. Based on research outcomes, thi ....A high level of the omega-3 fat DHA in the blood is related to good health and has benefits on neural development in breastfed infants. Infant formulas have been enriched with preformed DHA but are expensive and may be environmentally unsustainable. Dairy contains DPA, a direct precursor of DHA. I aim to identify DPA-rich dairy sources, produce a safe and inexpensive nutritional powder and validate its efficacy in an animal model and a human infant clinical trial. Based on research outcomes, this powder will be safe and inexpensive and have the potential to be marketed as a Infant Formula Supplement.Read moreRead less