Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known to be natural brain enhancers that facilitate a number of essential functions throughout the body. Within this family, Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the heavyweights when it comes to brain health and development. However, a recent Australian study has revealed that, in regard to one omega-3 benefit, your gender could determine the best option for you.
According to NutraIngredients-USA, scientists from the University of Newcastle in New South Wales sought to gauge the effectiveness of EPA and DHA, respectively, in preventing harmful blood clots that could threaten heart health.
“Despite the fact that fish and fish oils contain EPA and DHA in variable amounts, few well-designed studies in humans have assessed their individual effects,” explained Manohar Garg, a lead researcher on the project.
The scientists administered omega-3 fatty acids to 94 men and women and found that doing so reduced the formation of blood clots by approximately 15 percent across the board. But, when researchers isolated the participants by sex, they found that this change was only tied to one of the compounds for each gender.
Women, the researchers stated in their report, enjoyed this benefit when they took DHA supplements, whereas men had lower blood clot rates when they were given EPA.
Further research is required to cement this gendered connection, but it does shed light on the unique impact that different omega-3 fatty acids can have for long-term health. But, given the high rates of stroke and heart disease across the country, the ability of this brain support supplement to potentially control blood clotting is a promising discovery.