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- Women's Research Review 7
Women's Research Review 7
Omega-3s, Ashwagandha, & Vitamin D
Hey there, Beautiful Readers! It's Thursday, and you know what that means - your favourite Women's Research Review is here again!
This week, we're diving into the fascinating world of supplements. So, pop the kettle on, grab that trusty cup of tea, and let's get started! Easy-to-understand science coming your way. Let's go! π
1st Study
As we age, our muscles might not maintain their former strength. While protein and exercise are the usual advice, a helping hand never hurts.
This is where omega-3s could come in, potentially boosting our muscle health!
In a recent 2021 6-week study, 16 older women participated in a leg workout and daily took either omega-3s or a placebo. PMID: 34857226
The fascinating result? The omega-3 group experienced an increase in muscle mass and strength!

But before we jump for joy, the research suggests that omega-3s alone aren't enough - they need to be paired with exercise.
Takeaway: Omega-3s plus exercise could help improve muscle strength.
Action Step: Consider adding resistance exercises (like squats) to your routine this week, and look into omega-3 rich foods (or supplements, with your doctor's approval). Ready to flex those muscles? πͺπ
2nd Study
We all know that stress and anxiety can really weigh us down, especially as we age. That's where Ashwagandha steps in, offering possible relief from these burdens.
Plus, it might have other psychological benefits too. The perfect combo for our elderly folks who could really benefit from some extra support!
Now, let's dive into this 2022 study. In a 12-week experiment, 50 elderly participants who needed minimal living assistance were chosen. PMID: 32226684
They were split into two groups: one group took 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice a day, and the other group received a placebo (a 'fake' pill).
And now for the exciting part - the results!

The group that took the ashwagandha root extract experienced significant improvements in sleep quality, mental clarity, and overall quality of life when compared to the placebo group.
Takeaway: Ashwagandha root extract may offer some real benefits for improving sleep, mental clarity, and overall quality of life, especially in elderly individuals.
Action Step: Consider discussing ashwagandha root extract with your healthcare provider if you're looking for natural support in managing stress, anxiety, or improving sleep.
They can provide guidance on dosage and any potential interactions with other medications you may be taking.
Remember, it's all about embracing those natural remedies and finding what works best for you! Stay fabulous and stress-free! β¨πΏ
3rd Study
It's time for the grand finale of this week's Women's Research Review, and we've got a study that sheds light on the connection between type 2 diabetes and depression. Grab your favourite cozy spot and let's dive in! π
Here's the scoop: Type 2 diabetes has been linked to a higher risk of depression, and the combination of both conditions can even increase the risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality.
So, finding an intervention that can improve depression among individuals with type 2 diabetes is incredibly valuable.
In this 2022 6-month study, 131 women (average age of 51) with type 2 diabetes took center stage. The focus was on the impact of vitamin D supplementation on their depressive symptoms. PMID: 35280228
The participants were split into two groups, with one group taking a high dose of 1250 mg of vitamin D per week, and the other group taking a moderate dose of 125 mg of vitamin D per week.
All the participants had low vitamin D levels to start with and experienced high levels of depression (with 18% already taking antidepressants).
The researchers assessed changes in depressive symptoms using a Depression Scale.
And now, the moment of truth! After both 3 and 6 months, there was no significant difference in depressive symptoms between the high-dose and moderate-dose vitamin D groups.

However, it's worth noting that vitamin D levels increased more in the high-dose group compared to the moderate-dose group after 6 months.
Takeaway: While vitamin D supplementation didn't show a significant impact on depressive symptoms among women with type 2 diabetes in this study, it's essential to remember that every person is unique, and further research may provide additional insights.
Action Step: If you're experiencing depressive symptoms alongside type 2 diabetes, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider. They can guide you on appropriate interventions and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
TAKEAWAY
And there we have it! Another insightful week of Women's Research Review is coming to a close.
Before we wrap up, let's revisit the three main takeaways we've picked up from these fascinating studies:
Omega-3s and Exercise: When it comes to maintaining and building muscle strength, combining omega-3 supplements and resistance exercises can be a powerful combination, especially for older women.
So, consider incorporating omega-3 rich foods or supplements into your diet while engaging in regular resistance exercises to optimise muscle health. π
Ashwagandha for Stress Relief: Ashwagandha, a herb known for its potential stress-reducing properties, has shown promise in improving sleep quality, mental clarity, and overall quality of life, particularly among elderly individuals.
If you're seeking natural support for stress and anxiety, discussing ashwagandha with your healthcare provider may be worthwhile. βοΈ
Vitamin D and Depression: While vitamin D supplementation didn't show significant improvements in depressive symptoms among women with type 2 diabetes in the study,
It's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to explore appropriate interventions for managing depression alongside diabetes. Personalised treatment plans can help address your unique needs. βοΈ
Remember, these takeaways are intended to inform and empower you to make informed choices about your health and well-being.
Stay curious, stay proactive, and continue to prioritise your self-care journey, wonderful ladies! ππ
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