Ballstad Articles and Blogs

An assortment of omega-3-rich foods arranged on a wooden table, including salmon, shrimp, avocado, walnuts, macadamia nuts, spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, eggs, fish oil capsules, and a glass container of oil.

The Societal Costs of Low Omega-3 Consumption

January 10, 2022

There is little debate around the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA. But what happens when these nutrients are missing from our diets? According to a...

ginger woman with tied hair and earrings inhaling asthma medicine.

A Higher Omega-3 Index Linked to Better Asthma Control

January 10, 2022

New research shows that having a higher Omega-3 Index has a profound impact on asthma control and medication use. An earlier study published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology:...

A close-up of a child's hand painted with colorful puzzle pieces, symbolizing autism awareness, gently held by an adult's hand.

More Good News for Omega-3s & Autism: The MARBLES Study

January 10, 2022

The autism and omega 3 fatty acids connection is still being explored, but the MARBLES study adds to growing evidence that these nutrients play a crucial role in early brain...

Illustration of numerous sperm cells swimming toward a single human egg cell, representing the fertilization process and human reproduction.

JAMA Study Links Omega-3 Intake to Sperm Quality and Improved Reproductive Hormone Levels

January 10, 2022

While this study doesn’t prove omega-3s are a cure for infertility, it adds to the growing body of evidence that these essential fatty acids—particularly EPA and DHA—support not only heart...

MRI scans of the human brain displayed on a screen, showing detailed cross-sectional images of brain anatomy with a red gradient light overlay on the left side.

New Meta-Analyses Shed Light on Brain Benefits of Omega-3s

January 10, 2022

Two newly published meta-analyses are deepening our understanding of how omega-3 fatty acids—especially EPA and DHA—may benefit brain function, particularly among aging adults. These reviews add to a growing body...

Pregnant woman in striped shirt sitting on a sofa holding fish oil capsules in one hand and a glass of water in the other, preparing to take omega-3 supplements.

New Research Supports Establishing a Healthy Omega-3 DHA Level for Pregnant Women

January 10, 2022

The growing body of evidence supports the role of omega-3 DHA in improving birth outcomes, particularly when intervention starts early in pregnancy. Personalized testing and targeted supplementation may offer the...

Sitting together. Father with son and daughter on fishing outdoors at summertime.

New Reviews Encourage More Seafood Consumption During Pregnancy & Childhood for Its Brain Benefits

January 10, 2022

Dr. William S. Harris of OmegaQuant recently collaborated with a panel of scientists, physicians, nutritionists, and public health experts to conduct two extensive systematic reviews. Their aim was to evaluate...

Heart-shaped bowl filled with golden omega-3 fish oil capsules on a rustic wooden surface, symbolizing heart health and nutritional supplements.

5 Reasons to Cheer for Omega-3s at the American Heart Association Meeting This Week

January 10, 2022

The AHA Scientific Sessions have reaffirmed what decades of research have hinted at: omega-3 fatty acids play a central role in heart and brain health. Whether you're looking to reduce...

A mid-adult doctor wearing scrub clothes checking her patient's heart beat with stethoscope.

New Study Suggests Heart Patients Can Improve Brain Function with Omega-3s

January 10, 2022

The growing body of evidence suggests that maintaining optimal omega-3 levels may offer a powerful means of supporting both heart and brain health, especially for those already at risk of...

Elderly man in military uniform examining a supplement capsule while seated at a table with medicine bottles, symbolizing health awareness and supplement use among veterans or older adults.

Omega-3 Dose Was Likely a Factor in Recent Anxiety & Depression Study Review

January 10, 2022

The idea that omega-3s might help with mood disorders gained momentum when researchers noticed lower depression rates in countries with high fish consumption. This led many to believe that omega-3...

Animal and vegetable sources of omega-3 acids. Balanced diet concept. Top view, copy space.

Successful Omega-3 Studies Continue to Generate New Findings

January 10, 2022

Omega-3 fatty acids—specifically EPA and DHA—are some of the most researched nutrients in cardiovascular medicine. While the REDUCE-IT, VITAL, and ASCEND studies were published over a year ago, the scientific...

Optometrist explaining eye anatomy with a model while another doctor examines a patient in the background.

Can Omega-3 Help Eyes?

January 10, 2022

Healthy eyes are an easy thing to take for granted—until you encounter a problem. Staying on top of how to best nourish and care for your eyesight is key when...