Omega-3 fatty acids may delay age-related hearing loss

Dr. Michael I. McBurneySenior Scientist at the Institute for Fatty Acid Research and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Human Health and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Guelph and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, and lead author of this study said today’s medical news decided to study the effect of omega-3s on age-related hearing problems because they were intrigued by recommendations in animals that the auditory development of the offspring was affected by maternal intake of omega-3 during the pregnancy.

“cochlear metabolism in animals was affected by omega-3. Higher fish and omega-3 consumption were inversely associated with age-related hearing loss in humans. So we decided to explore the relationship between plasma omega-3 levels and self-reported hearing loss in the UK Biobank cohort: a very large cross-sectional study”.

— Dr. Michael I. McBurney, lead study author

For this study, Dr. McBurney and his team used the self-reported hearing status and blood DHA levels of more than 100,000 people aged 40-69 from the UK Biobank.

Upon analysis, the researchers found that participants in the highest quintile of DHA blood levels were 16 percent less likely to answer “yes” to the question “Do you have trouble hearing?” compared to those in the lowest quintile for DHA levels.

Participants in the highest quintile were also 11% less likely to answer “yes” when asked, “Do you have difficulty following conversations when there is background noise?” compared to the lowest quintile.

The scientists found that middle-aged and older adults with the highest DHA levels were 8-20% less likely to report age-related hearing problems than those with the lowest DHA levels.

“We hypothesized that there would be an inverse relationship between plasma omega-3 concentrations and age- and sex-adjusted hearing loss,” said Dr. McBurney.

“It was gratifying to confirm this hypothesis, even when more adjusted for poverty (Townsend deprivation index), behavioral characteristics (BMI, of smokingand alcohol consumption) and inflammation biomarkers (C-reactive protein, neutrophil: lymphocyte relationship).”

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of “good” fat that the body needs for a variety of functions, making them “essential” fats.

There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:

the body needs Omega-3 fatty acids to:

In recent years, a lot of research has been done on omega-3 fatty acids and their impact on other areas of bodily health, such as reduce inflammation, improve eye healthand protect against age neurodegeneration.

And previous studies show that omega-3s may help with certain diseases, including cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Autoimmune diseases, depressionand even some types of cancer.

Although the body requires omega-3 fatty acids, it cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own. Instead, you should rely on getting them from foods rich in omega-3s and supplements.

Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:

Dr. Voelker said she found the research encouraging as omega-3 fatty acids are “attacking again.”

“We know that omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have an effect on heart and brain development in the womb. with babies, just as we age with cognitive impairments,” he explained. “And now there seems to be a link to improving hearing or at least stopping hearing loss.”

“The power of this study is that it is a large population,” added Dr. Voelker. “The weaknesses of this study are that it is only a self-report of people’s hearing loss. So whether or not there is a direct link remains to be seen.”

For those looking to take advantage of the potential health benefits of omega-3s, Dr. Voelker said the diet is the number one place to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Foods rich in omega-3s include:

• fish (i.e. mackerel or salmon
• other seafood (that is to say, oysters)
• nuts and seeds (ie flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts)
• soy

“To determine if there is a strong link (between) omega-3 fatty acids and hearing loss, a randomized control trial using omega-3 fatty acids (to look at) long-term hearing loss in very large populations is needed. added Dr. Voelker.

“This determination will require randomized, placebo-controlled omega-3 intervention trials in humans,” he continued. “However, there is considerable evidence that a high omega-3 level (low EPA+DHA concentrations) is associated with positive effects on brain, vision and cardiovascular function. (The) risk of many chronic diseases, preterm laborand all-cause mortality are associated with low omega-3 intake and status.

“It’s important to eat foods rich in EPA+DHA and/or use an omega-3 supplement,” added Dr. McBurney.

“I recommend measurement of EPA+DHA blood levels, followed by dietary guidance and changes if necessary, to achieve recommended EPA+DHA status.”

Dr Elliot Kozina Mass Eye and Ear hearing loss specialist who was not involved in this research agreed that more study is needed on this topic.

“The current study examined a potential association between blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and subjective hearing complaints. The current study shows a potential association and cannot be used to say definitively that omega-3 fatty acid prevents hearing loss. There may be other unproven factors that explain the findings. For example, those with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids might be more health conscious, and other variables may (be) directly related to hearing health.”

— Dr. Eliott Kozin, hearing loss specialist

“Future high perspective research is needed to better understand what impact diet has on our hearing health,” added Dr. Kozin. “The current study provides support for these types of high-quality nutrition-focused studies.”