Podcast appearances and mentions of William S Harris

This episode is brought to you by BiOptimizers, Levels, and Air Doctor. What if there was one key nutrient that could boost your health, increase longevity, reduce chronic inflammation, and lower your risk of Alzheimer's? You've probably heard of it: omega-3! But here's the surprising part—over 90% of the population has suboptimal omega-3 levels. Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes with Dr. Bill Harris, a world-renowned researcher, to dive into decades of research on omega-3s and their powerful impact on health. Dr. Harris explains the correlation between optimal omega-3 levels and longer life spans, reduced rates of depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer's, as well as their role in lowering chronic inflammation. As one of the most researched nutrients—and among the top three that can drastically improve health—omega-3s are essential. In this episode, Dr. Harris shares insights on choosing quality fish and supplements, understanding optimal omega-3 levels, and testing your levels through the OmegaQuant Institute. If you're looking for inspiration to prioritize omega-3s in your diet, this conversation is a must-listen! William S. Harris, PhD, FASN, has been a leading researcher in the field of omega-3 fatty acids for 40 years. He has authored over 300 scientific papers on fatty acids and health, served on the faculty of three medical schools, and received five NIH grants to study omega-3s. Dr. Harris co-authored three American Heart Association (AHA) statements on fatty acids and heart health. As the co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index and other omega-3 blood tests, as well as the founder of OmegaQuant Analytics, Dr. Harris has been ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide for the impact of his research. In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Harris dive into: Higher levels of omega-3's lead to a longer life (00:00:35) Omega-3s are in the top three nutrients that can improve our health (3:00) Mindblowing research on smokers and the protective nature of omega-3s (5:25) The link between low omega-3s, depression, mood, and anxiety (16:12)  High levels of omega-3s and their correlation to reducing the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's (20:21) The research behind omega-3's and reducing chronic inflammation (28:32)  The average omega-3 levels versus optimal levels (30:45)  What has led to omega-3 deficiencies and the rise in ultra-processed food consumption (31:10)   Reducing triglyceride levels with fish oil and the impact on our cells (32:43)  What are EPA, DHA, and ALA, and the sources of each (36:35) How much fish consumption is optimal, and what kind (44:40) Testing your levels via the Omega-3 index and optimal ranges (49:40) Choosing the right fish oil and general dosage (59:10)  Testing pregnant women and children (1:22:40)  Why the omega-3s aren't being tested for and prescribed by every doctor (1:26:00)  Also mentioned in this episode: Testing via OmegaQuant Fatty Acid Research Insitute  For more on Dr. Harris, follow OmegaQuant via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.  This episode is brought to you by BiOptimizers, Levels, and Air Doctor. Go to bioptimizers.com/dhru now and enter promo code DHRU10 to get 10% off any order and up to 2 travel-size bottles of Magnesium Breakthrough for a limited time. Right now, Levels is offering my listeners an additional 2 FREE months of the Levels annual Membership when you use my link, levels.link/DHRU. Make moves on your metabolic health with Levels today.  AirDoctor is offering my community $300 off. Just go to dhrupurohit.com/filter/ to clean up your home's air and feel better today.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 24 of Optimal - the Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. William S. Harris, PhD, FASN, President and Founder of The Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI) & Founder of OmegaQuant Analytics. Dr. Harris has been a leading researcher in the omega-3 fatty acid field for 40 years. He has published over 300 scientific papers on fatty acids and health, the vast majority focusing on omega-3. Dr. Weatherby, Beth Ellen, and Dr. Harris discuss various topics related to omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. Harris discusses his work on omega-3 fatty acids and the development of the omega-3 index test. This test measures blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and is an important risk factor for heart disease. Increasing the intake of EPA and DHA through fish or supplements can raise the omega-3 index and improve cardiovascular health. Dr. Harris also discusses the low percentage of people worldwide who meet the minimum intake requirement for EPA and DHA. He further talks about potential solutions, such as genetically modifying plants to produce omega-3s or using algal sources. He touches on concerns about GMOs and quality control, testing for omega-3 levels, and recommended dosages. Unlock the secrets of omega-3 fatty acids in this episode of Optimal - the Podcast! Join Dr. William S. Harris, a renowned expert with 40 years of research, as he digs into the vital role of omega-3s in heart health. Episode Highlights: (01:01) Introduction for William Harris (02:29) Dr. Harris talks about his introduction to the study of omega-3 fatty acids (06:22) Measuring omega-3 index levels in the blood (09:43) Development of omega-3 research (14:08) Understanding omega-3 pathways and recommendations for practitioners (18:37) Importance of standardizing the method and expression of omega-3 levels (31:41) Incorporating omega-3 assessments into medical practice (38:05) Importance of baseline testing and monitoring progress (38:29) Information on obtaining omega-3 index testing from Omega Quant (44:23) Information on accessing Dr. Harris' research articles Where to Reach Dr. Dicken Weatherby Dicken Weatherby LinkedIn Optimal DX Resource Center Optimal DX Blog The ODX Research Blog Where to Reach Dr. William Harris Dr. William Harris Website OmegaQuant Website Where to Reach Beth Ellen DiLuglio Nutrition Mission Beth Ellen DiLuglio LinkedIn Did you find today's episode helpful? If you enjoy today's conversation, please click here to leave a review for Optimal - The Podcast. Get notified when a new episode comes out by subscribing to Optimal - The Podcast on your favorite podcast app! Education is the most effective way to make a change. Help others get the information they need by sharing this episode!

This episode is brought to you by Bioptimizers and Momentous.What if there was one key nutrient that could help improve your health, increase longevity, reduce chronic inflammation, and even reduce your risk for Alzheimer's? You've probably heard of this crucial nutrient: Omega-3! But did you know that over 90% of the population has suboptimal omega-3 levels? Today on The Dhru Purohit Podcast, Dhru sits down with Dr. Bill Harris, a world-renowned researcher, to discuss the decades of research he has conducted on omega-3s, and its correlation to longer life spans, reduced rates of depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer's, and reducing chronic inflammation. Dr. Harris shares that omega-3 is one of the most researched nutrients and one of the top three nutrients that can drastically improve our health. Dr. Harris shares his findings on what to look for in consuming quality fish, supplements, optimal levels, and how to test your levels via the OmegaQuant Institute.William S. Harris, PhD, FASN, has been a leading researcher in the omega-3 fatty acid field for 40 years. He has over 300 scientific papers on fatty acids and health, has been on the faculty of three medical schools, and received 5 NIH grants to study omega-3. He co-authored three AHA statements on fatty acids and heart health. As the co-inventor of the Omega-3 Index (and other omega-3 blood tests) and founder of OmegaQuant Analytics, Dr. Harris has been ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide based on the impact of his research. In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Harris dive into (audio version / Apple Subscriber version):Higher levels of omega-3's lead to a longer life (2:30 / 2:30)Omega-3s are in the top three nutrients that can improve our health (5:12 / 5:12)Mindblowing research on smokers and the protective nature of omega-3s (9:21 / 8:00)High levels of omega-3s and their correlation to reducing the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's (18:31 / 17:11)The research behind omega-3's and reducing chronic inflammation (22:42 / 21:22) The average omega-3 levels versus optimal levels (24:55 / 23:35) What are EPA, DHA, and ALA, and the sources of each (35:02 / 31:46) How much fish consumption is optimal, and what kind (43:01 / 39:39)Testing your levels via the Omega-3 index and optimal ranges (46:49 / 43:27)Algae-based oils and their impact on levels (56:04 / 52:34)Choosing the right fish oil and general dosage (59:15 / 55:54)Timeframe to reach optimal levels (1:15:30 / 1:12:26)Why the omega-3s aren't being tested for and prescribed by every doctor (1:24:25 / 1:21:04 )Also mentioned in this episode:Testing via OmegaQuantFatty Acid Research Insitute This episode is brought to you by Bioptimizers and Momentous. Start the New Year off right and dial in on your sleep. Go to bioptimizers.com/dhru now and enter promo code DHRU10 to get 10% off any order.Optimize your Omega-3 levels by choosing a quality fish oil made by and used by the best. Go to livemomentous.com and enter promo code DHRU to get 20% off any order. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Harris is an internationally recognized expert on omega-3 fatty acids and how they can benefit patients with heart disease. Dr. Harris is a Professor in the Department of Medicine in the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota and the President and CEO of OmegaQuant.

Dr. Harris is an internationally recognized expert on omega-3 fatty acids and how they can benefit patients with heart disease. Dr. Harris is a Professor in the Department of Medicine in the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota and the President and CEO of OmegaQuant.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could help with cognitive depression Duke University, August 27 2022.    An article appearing in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Heart Failure reported the outcome of a pilot study that found an association between supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA and reduced cognitive depression in heart failure patients. Cognitive depression is characterized by subjective symptoms such as pessimism and sadness, while somatic depression includes physical manifestations that include fatigue and sleep disturbances. The study included 108 patients with a major depressive disorder, chronic heart failure and low blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Participants received fish oil containing EPA and DHA, a high EPA supplement or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Blood samples collected before and after treatment were evaluated for red blood cell EPA and DHA, the Omega-3 Index and other factors. Omega-3 values increased in both the EPA/DHA and EPA only groups, while the placebo group showed little change. Higher omega-3 Index values were associated with lower cognitive depression scores. Social functioning as evaluated by a general health survey significantly improved with EPA/DHA supplementation and showed a tendency toward improvement in the high EPA group. "This was a study in already depressed individuals, which meant the researchers are looking to high-dose (although it could have been higher) omega-3 supplements to improve depressive symptoms, like a drug," noted coauthor William S. Harris, PhD. "Generally, we think of the function of omega-3s as preventative rather than as treatment. If used as treatment, the dose must be fairly high (4 grams is a typical 'drug' dose) and blood levels must be measured.”   Groundbreaking Study Shows Fasting Can Slow Aging, Rebuild Immune System University of Southern California, August 28, 2022 Cutting-edge research reveals that occasionally adopting a diet that mimics the effects of fasting may provide dramatic health benefits. “Fasting flips a regenerative switch essentially regenerating the entire immune system. It gives the OK for stem cells to go begin proliferating and rebuild the entire system,” said Prof Valter Longo, Professor of Gerontology and the Biological Sciences at the University of California. A study, led by USC's Dr. Valter, revealed that a “cycles of a four-day low-calorie diet that mimics fasting (FMD) cut visceral belly fat and elevated the number of progenitor and stem cells in several organs of old mice — including the brain, where it boosted neural regeneration and improved learning and memory,” according to USC News. Dr. Longo notes that strict fasting can be difficult for people to adhere to, and also has the potential to be dangerous, while pointing out that a fasting mimicking diet is much safer and easier. “Strict fasting is hard for people to stick to, and it can also be dangerous, so we developed a complex diet that triggers the same effects in the body,” said Longo, Edna M. Jones Professor of Biogerontology at the USC Davis School of Gerontology and director of the USC Longevity Institute. “I've personally tried both, and the fasting mimicking diet is a lot easier and also a lot safer.” The fasting mimicking diet cuts a person's daily caloric intake over the fasting period down to 34 to 54 percent of their daily average, with a specific balance of micronutrients, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. In previous groundbreaking research, Longo has shown how fasting can protect immune and other cells from chemotherapy toxicity, while simultaneously starving out cancer cells. Fasting for seventy-two hours protected cancer patients against the toxic impact of chemotherapy: “The good news is the body got rid of the parts in the system which might be damaged or old and inefficient parts, during the fasting. If you start with a system heavily damaged by chemotherapy or aging, fasting cycles can generate, literally, a new immune system,” he said. “It's about reprogramming the body so it enters a slower aging mode, but also rejuvenating it through stem cell-based regeneration,” Longo said. “It's not a typical diet because it isn't something you need to stay on.” “If the results remain as positive as the current ones, I believe this FMD will represent the first safe and effective intervention to promote positive changes associated with longevity and health span, which can be recommended by a physician,” Longo told USC News. “We will soon meet with FDA officers to pursue several FDA claims for disease prevention and treatment.”     “Micro-breaks” from tasks show promise in boosting wellbeing   West University of Timioara (Romania), August 31, 2022 A review of 22 previously published studies suggests that taking micro-breaks—discontinuing a task for periods of 10 minutes or less—is generally associated with reduced fatigue and increased vigor. Patricia Albulescu of the West University of Timioara, Romania, and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE . Concerns are rising over the heavy workloads and long shifts faced by many employees currently in the work force. An increasing number of studies explore various aspects of employee energy management and recovery, often focused on recovery after the workday is over. However, the potential effects of recovery processes during the workday remain unclear. To improve understanding, Albulescu and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of 22 studies from 19 manuscripts published within the last 30 years, all of which examined the potential benefits of taking micro-breaks from assigned tasks. Tasks varied between experiments and included work simulations, real work-related tasks, and non-work-related cognitive tests. Types of breaks varied as well, including physical breaks, relaxing activities, and more engaging activities, such as watching videos. Statistical analysis of the combined study results revealed an overall association between micro-breaks, higher levels of vigor, and lower fatigue in participants, suggesting that micro-breaks may contribute to wellbeing. These findings support micro-breaks as a potential strategy for boosting wellbeing in the workplace. However, when it comes to job performance, longer breaks may be needed for recovery from more cognitively demanding tasks. Future research could investigate longer breaks as well as address other remaining questions, such as optimal activities to engage in during a micro-break.     Mindfulness training improves diabetes symptoms and blood sugar levels VA Healthcare System in Pittsburg, August 24, 2022 It's easy to let current circumstances in our lives dictate our thoughts and feelings. When a problem arises, if we get sick, we are quick to blame it on anything but ourselves. In this way, we are undermining the power of our own thoughts and intentions at work, in us and around us, guiding our present reality. Instead of letting negative circumstances and illness just happen to us, we should embrace the power of mindfulness, allowing ourselves to instead happen to the universe around us. The awareness of our bodily functions, our breathing, our thinking, our motives and the way we treat others helps us be mindful and aware, putting us in the driver seat of determining our paths through life. Research recently presented at the American Association of Diabetes Educators Annual Meeting & Exhibition showed that positive mindfulness training can help improve diabetes symptoms and blood sugar levels. The research was carried out on 28 veterans with type 1 and type 2 diabetes at the VA Healthcare System in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as part of the Mindful Stress Reduction in Diabetes Education program (Mind-STRIDE). Diabetes-related stress falls significantly in veterans during mindfulness training and deep breathing meditation   Veterans' glucose levels drop dramatically as diabetes-related distress falls 41 percent The changes over the course of the training were significant. Three months after mindfulness training, diabetes-related distress for all 28 veterans fell 41 percent! A1C levels dropped significantly, almost measuring under the ideal 7.0 range. They went from 8.3 before the mindfulness training to 7.3 after the classes. On top of that, veterans completed diabetes self-management goals with more efficiency after the training. They were better problem solvers, began to eat healthier, were more active and coped better with stress.       An Oral Combination of Vitamins A, C, E, and Mg++ Improves hearing University of Castilla (Spain), August 28, 2022 According to news reporting originating in Albacete, Spain,research stated, "The increasing rate of age-related hearing loss (ARHL), with its subsequent reduction in quality of life and increase in health care costs, requires new therapeutic strategies to reduce and delay its impact. The goal of this study was to determine if ARHL could be reduced in a rat model by administering a combination of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E acting as free radical scavengers along with Mg, a known powerful cochlear vasodilator (ACEMg)." The news reporters obtained a quote from the research from the University of Castilla, "Toward this goal, young adult, 3 month-old Wistar rats were divided into two groups: one was fed with a diet composed of regular chow ('normal diet,' ND); the other received a diet based on chow enriched in ACEMg ('enhanced diet,' ED). Auditory brainstem recordings (ABR) were performed at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 kHz at 3, 6-8, and 12-14 months of age. No differences were observed at 3 months of age, in both ND and ED animals. At 6-8 and 12-14 months of age there were significant increases in auditory thresholds and a reduction in the wave amplitudes at all frequencies tested, compatible with progressive development of ARHL. However, at 6-8 months threshold shifts in ED rats were significantly lower in low and medium frequencies, and wave amplitudes were significantly larger at all frequencies when compared to ND rats. In the oldest animals, differences in the threshold shift persisted, as well as in the amplitude of the wave II, suggesting a protective effect of ACEMg on auditory function during aging."   According to the news reporters, the research concluded: "These findings indicate that oral ACEMg may provide an effective adjuvant therapeutic intervention for the treatment of ARHL, delaying the progression of hearing impairment associated with age."       Scientists use 'sleep age' to infer long-term health Stanford University, September 1, 2022   Sleep age is a projected age that correlates to one's health based on their quality of sleep. So for instance, if you analyze the sleep characteristics of dozens of 55-year-olds and average them out, you'll have an idea of what sleep looks like at that age. For instance, someone who's 55 and sleeps soundly through the night with good quality REM cycles could, theoretically, might have a sleep age of 45. Sleep expert Emmanuel Mignot, MD, Ph.D., and his colleagues analyzed some 12,000 studies, each of which focused on an individual, that reported characteristics of their sleep—such as chin and leg movement, breathing and heartbeat. Their goal was to develop a system that assigns one's sleep age and, using machine learning, identifies the variations in sleep most closely linked to mortality. I spoke with Mignot, who has studied sleep for 30 years, about why sleep age is important, how it's calculated and what the study's findings imply about our health. Why study sleep age? When you sleep, you're disconnected from sensory inputs—you're, ideally, not being bothered by the noisy external world or bright lights. During sleep, it's not just the brain that's going through an automatic program, but heart rate and breathing also change, and variations in these can be early predictors of a health disturbance. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, so it's a substantial component of our general well-being. It's well known that, in pretty much any disorder, sleep is one of the first things that is disturbed. For example, about five or 10 years before other symptoms appear in Parkinson's disease patients, a specific sleep disturbance occurs during which the patient violently acts out dreams, shouts or punches into a wall. What was the most important finding from the study? Our main finding was that sleep fragmentation—when people wake up multiple times throughout the night for less than a minute without remembering it—was the strongest predictor of mortality. Though we see a link in the data, how it contributes to mortality is unknown. This is different from a person realizing they were waking up, which happens during sleep disorders such as insomnia. Determining why sleep fragmentation is so detrimental to health is something we plan to study in the future. Can we measure our own sleep age? Can it be improved? The code is available for physicians and researchers, but the average person would likely have trouble running it through a computer. Regardless, it's not deterministic. There is enormous variation. Even if you have an older sleep age than your chronological age, it doesn't mean that your mortality risk is going to be higher. You see people chain smoking and drinking alcohol at 90 years old and you wonder, "How is this person surviving so long?" There is always huge natural variation. Going to bed and waking up at regular hours is a key to improving your sleep. This means not oversleeping but ensuring you're fully rested. It's a different amount for everyone and often the window varies slightly—for example, being a night owl versus an early bird. Getting solid light exposure—preferably with outside light—during the day, keeping the sleep environment dark at night, exercising regularly but not too close to bedtime, not drinking alcohol and caffeine around bedtime, and avoiding heavy nighttime meals all contribute to healthy sleep. And, of course, make sure any sleep disorder is treated. We found that people with older sleep ages compared to their actual age are at an increased risk of mortality, based on the sleep of patients who later died. From other studies, we know that poor sleep is found in a variety of conditions such as sleep apnea, neurodegeneration, obesity and chronic pain. How poor sleep causes, exacerbates or results from these conditions is unknown.

Higher omega-3 levels linked with lower risk of death during 16-year period The Fatty Acids and Outcomes Research Consortium, April 28 2021.    An analysis of prospective studies published on April 22, 2021 in Nature Communications uncovered a decreased risk of mortality during an average of 16 years among men and women who had higher red blood cell or plasma levels of omega-3 fatty acids.  The analysis was conducted by William S. Harris and The Fatty Acids and Outcomes Research Consortium (FORCE). Dr Harris is a codeveloper of the Omega-3 Index, which measures omega 3 levels in red blood cell membranes. The team examined 17 prospective studies that evaluated associations between the risk of death from all causes and levels of the omega-3 fatty acids alpha linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and EPA plus DHA.  During the studies’ follow-up periods, 15,720 deaths occurred among a total of 42,466 men and women. Subjects whose EPA, DPA, DHA, and EPA plus DHA levels were among the top 10% of participants experienced a 9% to 13% reduction in mortality from all causes during follow-up compared to men and women whose levels were among the lowest 10%. When cause-specific mortality was examined, having EPA, DPA, DHA, or EPA plus DHA levels among the highest 10% was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality and mortality from all other causes combined (with the exception of the association between DHA and reduced cancer mortality, which was not considered significant).  "Since all of these analyses were statistically adjusted for multiple personal and medical factors (i.e., age, sex, weight, smoking, diabetes, blood pressure, etc., plus blood omega-6 fatty acid levels), we believe that these are the strongest data published to date supporting the view that over the long-term, having higher blood omega-3 levels can help maintain better overall health," Dr Harris concluded.     New study shows tree nuts may play a role in both weight loss and weight maintenance   University of California at Los Angeles, May 4, 2021  In a randomized, controlled study* published online in the journal, Nutrients, researchers found that including mixed tree nuts in a weight management program resulted in significant weight loss and improved satiety. Researchers at UCLA compared 95 overweight/obese men and women (BMI 27.0-35.0 kg/m2) ages 30-68 years who consumed either 1.5 ounces of mixed tree nuts or a pretzel snack. Both snacks provided the same number of calories, as part of a hypocaloric weight loss diet (500 calories less than resting metabolic rate) over 12 weeks. This was followed by an isocaloric weight maintenance program for an additional 12 weeks.  Participants experienced significant weight loss (12 weeks: -1.6 kg and -1.9 kg and 24 weeks: -1.5 kg and -1.4 kg) in the tree nut and pretzel snack groups, respectively. Both groups also showed a significant decrease in BMI at 12 weeks, compared to baseline. However, satiety was significantly higher at the end of week 24 in the mixed tree nut group, and there was a trend toward greater weight maintenance compared to the pretzel group. Moreover, the dropout rate was significantly lower in the mixed tree nut group (16.4%) compared to the pretzel (35.9%) group. And, heart rate was decreased significantly, compared to baseline, in those consuming tree nuts, but not pretzels.  "Tree nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts) are a great source of protein, healthy fats and fiber," explained lead researcher, Zhaoping Li, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Clinical Nutrition at UCLA. "This makes them so satiating and may be a major reason why we saw less weight gain in the tree nut group during weight maintenance, and a significantly lower dropout rate compared to the pretzel group."  Recent research has shown that more than 40 percent of Americans are overweight or obese.** During the past year many Americans have gained weight while sheltering in place, partly due to less exercise and more snacking. One study estimates a weight gain of 1.5 pounds per month.*** "We know most people get about 25% of their calories each day from snacks and a large proportion come from desserts, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets and salty snacks," states Dr. Li. "By replacing just one of those snacks with 1.5 ounces of tree nuts may result in a positive impact on weight and overall health." According to Maureen Ternus, M.S., R.D.N, Executive Director of the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation (INC NREF), "This latest study adds to a growing body of evidence showing that nut consumption may be a useful tool in weight management."     Green tea compound and coconut oil may help improve depression in multiple sclerosis patients Catholic University of Valencia (Spain), April 30. 2021   According to news reporting originating from Valencia, Spain, research stated, “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is pathogenically characterized by high oxidative stress and symptomatically by progressive muscle loss and increased body fat associated with the presence of depression. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (particularly present in green tea) and ketone bodies (in particular beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)), whose main source is coconut oil, have shown emotional benefits and body fat loss.” The news journalists obtained a quote from the research from Catholic University of Valencia: “The aim of this study was to assess the impact of EGCG and coconut oil on cortisol activity related to fat loss and depression in MS patients. The study involved 51 MS patients who were randomly divided into an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received 800 mg of EGCG and 60 mL of coconut oil, which were included in their daily diet for four months. The control group received placebo and all patients followed an isocaloric diet. A blood sample was collected before and after the four-month period, and levels of cortisol, albumin and BHB were measured in serum. In addition, immediately before and after the intervention, anthropometric variables were measured: waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat mass percentage, fat weight, total weight, and muscle mass percentage. Depression was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). No significant changes were obtained in cortisol levels in any of the groups, and there was a significant increase in albumin in the blood of the intervention group only that could lead to a decrease in serum free cortisol. In addition, it was observed a significant decrease in levels of depression and abdominal fat.” According to the news reporters, the research concluded: “EGCG combined with coconut oil increase the concentration of albumin in blood and produce less depression in MS patients.”       Vulnerable older people at greater risk of depression and anxiety during pandemic   University of Manchester (UK), May 5, 2021 Older people who are clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 are at greater risk of deterioration in health and social well-being during the pandemic, according to a new study. The research, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, found that older people were more likely to report worse health outcomes than those with no clinical vulnerabilities, including greater depression and anxiety and lower quality of life, even when taking into account pre-pandemic levels of health and social well-being. The findings highlight the need for policymakers to consider the mental and physical health consequences of the pandemic for those at higher risk from coronavirus, particularly for those asked to shield. Professor Debora Price from The University of Manchester and Dr. Giorgio Di Gessa from UCL compared data from 2020's English Longitudinal Study of Aging with data from the previous year. They analyzed responses from over 5000 people aged 52 and over in private households in England. The study revealed that during the pandemic, respondents classified as clinically vulnerable were more likely to report poor self-rated health, lower levels of physical activity, depression, anxiety, lower quality of life as well as loneliness and receipt of care, compared to those without clinical vulnerabilities. This was true within each age group. Among people in their 70s, the odds of being depressed and anxious for those clinically vulnerable were around 50% higher than for those without clinical vulnerabilities. Those in their 80s—regardless of clinical vulnerability—were much more likely to have unmet care needs and to have little contact with friends and family by text, email, or videocall. Although older adults' health and social well-being have been impacted by shielding, the researchers found that it was those who were clinically vulnerable and shielding who reported the most substantial rises in anxiety, depression, poor self-rated health and receipt of formal care, as well as decreases in well-being and physical activity. "Older people with underlying health conditions, even before the pandemic, faced challenges in terms of access to healthcare services and social contact," said Professor Debora Price. "They also experienced greater emotional distress, higher risk of loneliness and poorer quality of life than non-vulnerable individuals." "While policies focusing on shielding clinically vulnerable older people reduce rates of hospitalization and death from COVID-19, policymakers need to acknowledge that there may be adverse consequences of this measure and address the wider needs of these vulnerable groups," added Dr. Giorgio Di Gessa. "It's vital that policymakers are aware that when advised to stay at home, a host of health and social risks for this group, already poor, are likely to be exacerbated."   Researchers find obesity linked to reduced blood flow to the brain Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), May 5, 2021 A new study from scientists at The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin reveals important findings, indicating that being overweight or obese significantly reduces blood flow in the brain. The study also shows that increased physical activity can positively modify, or even negate, this reduction in brain blood flow. The study contains relevant information which is of great interest to the general public; since reduced blood flow in the brain, or 'cerebral hypoperfusion," is an early mechanism in vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Obesity and health challenges According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is a worsening health crisis that has reached epidemic proportions globally, with over 1 billion adults overweight—and at least 300 million clinically obese. It continues to be a major contributor to global rates of chronic disease and disability, affecting overall quality of life, while placing increased strain on the immune system which is of the upmost importance given the current COVID-19 situation. Obesity is also a significant public health concern given its negative impact on physiological function, especially as we age. Finding easily implemented and cost-effective ways to tackle the impact of obesity is particularly important to help protect against negative health outcomes in later life. What are the findings of the TILDA study? The study investigates three different measures of obesity—body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference, as well as physical activity, in adults over 50 years. Brain blood flow was measured using cutting-edge MRI scanning and analysis techniques. The findings reveal that being overweight or obese is associated with reduced blood supply to the brain. Whereas brain blood flow is known to decline with age, in this study the negative influence of obesity on brain blood flow was shown to be greater than that of age. However, being physically active helps to cancel out the negative effects of obesity on brain blood flow. Key Findings ncreased BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist size are associated with less blood supply to the brain. A waist size increase of +1cm is associated with the same reduction in brain blood flow as +1 year of age. Higher levels of physical activity modify the associations between reduced brain blood flow and obesity. Recommendations The study recommends at least 1.5 to two hours of 'being active' throughout the day, engaging in activities that require moderate effort. These include activities that cause one to breathe harder than normal, such as fast walking or cycling. However, any increase in physical activity, particularly if integrated into daily or weekly habits, such as gardening, should help maintain and potentially improve brain blood flow. Dr. Silvin Knight, Research Fellow at TILDA and lead author, said: Consistent, healthy blood supply to the brain is critical, as it ensures that the brain is provided with enough oxygen and nutrients to function correctly. If brain blood flow becomes impaired, it can lead to serious health issues as we age, such as increasing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. We know that obesity can predispose a person to age-related conditions, illness, and disease, and even reduce life expectancy by up to six years in men and seven years in women, after the age of forty. Our study reveals clear associations between obesity and reduced blood supply to the brain in an older population. The study also shows the importance of being physically active for older overweight or obese individuals, as this may help to protect against reduced brain blood flow and the poor health outcomes that can arise from this. Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Principal Investigator of TILDA, and co-author of the study, said: "Many experts have shown that obesity and aging have very similar effects on the biology of aging; diseases associated with obesity are similar to those of aging and age-related diseases—heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney failure, arthritis, susceptibility to infections- including COVID-19." Our study not only shows that there is a link between obesity and reduced brainblood flow, but also that it is possible to protect against the negative consequences of obesity through regular physical exercise. Whereas these findings are of relevance in the global context, because of the rapidly evolving global burden of obesity, the research is especially important to Irish adults because obesity and being overweight is a considerable health issue in Ireland. Previous TILDA research has shown that over one-third of Irish adults aged 50 and older are obese and a further 43% overweight. As we prepare our society for a growing aging population, we can use this evidence to prepare meaningful public health policies that will promote impactful and positive lifestyle habits, such as regular physical activity, to mitigate against some of the negative consequences of the growing obesity crisis.           In silico screening of Chinese herbal medicines with the potential to directly inhibit 2019 novel coronavirus Shanghai Health Commission Key Lab of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Based Management of Inflammation and Chronic Diseases, May 2, 2021 Objective In this study we execute a rational screen to identify Chinese medical herbs that are commonly used in treating viral respiratory infections and also contain compounds that might directly inhibit 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), an ongoing novel coronavirus that causes pneumonia. Methods There were two main steps in the screening process. In the first step we conducted a literature search for natural compounds that had been biologically confirmed as against sever acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus or Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Resulting compounds were cross-checked for listing in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database. Compounds meeting both requirements were subjected to absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) evaluation to verify that oral administration would be effective. Next, a docking analysis was used to test whether the compound had the potential for direct 2019-nCoV protein interaction. In the second step we searched Chinese herbal databases to identify plants containing the selected compounds. Plants containing 2 or more of the compounds identified in our screen were then checked against the catalogue for classic herbal usage. Finally, network pharmacology analysis was used to predict the general in vivo effects of each selected herb. Results Of the natural compounds screened, 13 that exist in traditional Chinese medicines were also found to have potential anti-2019-nCoV activity. Further, 125 Chinese herbs were found to contain 2 or more of these 13 compounds. Of these 125 herbs, 26 are classically catalogued as treating viral respiratory infections. Network pharmacology analysis predicted that the general in vivo roles of these 26 herbal plants were related to regulating viral infection, immune/inflammation reactions and hypoxia response. Conclusion Of course, it should be pointed out that Chinese herbs that have not been identified through this screening process may still have beneficial effects. Further, considering that the biologically validated natural compounds reported in the literature cannot cover all antiviral natural compounds, and the natural compounds included in the Chinese medicine database are not complete, the process that we have followed may have excluded herbs that would be well suited to this treatment. Nevertheless, the purpose of this screening was to provide a rational approach for selecting Chinese herbal medicines with a high potential efficacy in treating 2019-nCoV and related viruses. The specific dosage and usage of each herb should be determined based on patients’ manifestations. Finally, the key step in this screening was molecular docking. The 3D structures of the proteins used here are based on reported gene sequences. If the virus mutates during transmission, a new screening is recommended. In conclusion, this work has identified several Chinese medicinal plants classified as antiviral/pneumonia-effective that might directly inhibit the novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV. Additionally, we propose screening principles and methods which may provide guidance in screening antiviral drugs from other natural drug databases.     Ginkgolide B monotherapy reverses osteoporosis by regulating oxidative stress-mediated bone homeostasis   Chinese University of Hong Kong, May 4, 2021 According to news reporting from Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China, research stated, “Osteoporosis is characterized by reductions in bone mass, which could be attributed to the dysregulation of bone homeostasis, such as the loss of balance between bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts. Elevated levels of oxidative stress increase bone resorption by promoting osteoclastogenesis and inhibiting the osteogenesis.” The news correspondents obtained a quote from the research from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, “Ginkgolide B (GB), a small natural molecule from Ginkgo biloba, has been reported to possess pharmacological activities by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aging-related degenerative diseases. Herein, we assessed the therapeutic effects of GB on the bone phenotypes of mice with osteoporosis induced by (I) aging, (II) ovariectomy, and (III) glucocorticoids. In all three animal models, oral gavage of GB significantly improved bone mass consistent with the increase in the OPG-to-RANKL ratio. In the in vitro experiments, GB promoted osteogenesis in aged mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and repressed osteoclastogenesis in aged macrophages by reducing ROS. The serum protein profile in GB-treated aged mice revealed moderate rejuvenating effects; signaling pathways associated with ROS were also regulated. The anabolic and anti-catabolic effects of GB were illustrated by the reduction in ROS. Our results indicate that GB is effective in treating osteoporosis.” According to the news reporters, the research concluded: “The use of GB in patients with osteoporosis is worthy of further clinical investigation.” This research has been peer-reviewed.

William S. Harris, PhD, FAHA is an internationally recognized expert on omega-3 fatty acids with more than 300 publications relating to fatty acids in medical literature and author on two American Heart Association scientific statements on fatty acids. Kristina Harris Jackson, PhD, RD has contributed important publications to the omega-3 field specifically related to maternal health in addition to creating the Prenatal DHA test and the Mother’s Milk DHA test. Both are involved with OmegaQuant Analytics and the omega-3-index test. This fascinating discussion explores many important aspects of omega-3 research including the state of the clinical science, testing, absorption, dose, safety and health effects.   

William S. Harris, PhD, FAHA is an internationally recognized expert on omega-3 fatty acids with more than 300 publications relating to fatty acids in medical literature and author on two American Heart Association scientific statements on fatty acids. Kristina Harris Jackson, PhD, RD has contributed important publications to the omega-3 field specifically related to maternal health in addition to creating the Prenatal DHA test and the Mother’s Milk DHA test. Both are involved with OmegaQuant Analytics and the omega-3-index test. This fascinating discussion explores many important aspects of omega-3 research including the state of the clinical science, testing, absorption, dose, safety and health effects.   

Guest: William S. Harris, PhD Host: Alan S. Brown, MD, FNLA Host Dr. Alan Brown welcomes Dr. William "Bill" Harris on an important discussion facing our colleagues and ptients- "Are Fish Oils still cardioprotective?". Dr. Harris will address the recent randomized trials, how the trials differ from those done in the 1990s, and how clinicians should utlize the information in treating their patients. Dr. William "Bill" Harris holds a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota. His research has focused on human lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, especially as they are affected by omega-3 fatty acids. He has been the principal investigator on 5 omega-3 related NIH grants, and since 2004 has been evaluating the RBC "omega-3 index" as a new risk factor for cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric diseases. Brought to you by:

Guest: William S. Harris, PhD Host: Larry Kaskel, MD Host Dr. Larry Kaskel welcomes Dr. William Harris, professor of basic biomedical sciences, and director of the Nutrition and Metabolic Disease Research Institute at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, who highlights key issues from the ERA JUMP study, including available testing to measure omega-3 levels in the blood, and target values for the Omega-3 Index which he pioneered. Brought to you by:

Host: Larry Kaskel, MD Guest: William S. Harris, PhD Dr. Larry Kaskel welcomes Dr. William Harris to Lipid Luminations. Dr. Harris is Research Professor in the Department of Medicine at Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota. They will discuss sources, alternatives and impacts of Omega 3 fatty acids. Brought to you by: