BOSTON, MASSACHUSSETTS — A new population-based cross-sectional study conducted by researchers highlights an intriguing association between blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and age-related hearing issues.
According to the findings, middle-aged and older adults with higher DHA levels were 8-20% less likely to report hearing difficulties compared to those with lower DHA levels.
Dr. Michael I. McBurney, a senior scientist at the Fatty Acid Research Institute and an adjunct professor at the University of Guelph and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, emphasized that previous studies have already linked higher DHA levels to a lower risk of heart disease, cognitive impairment, and death.
“Higher DHA levels have previously been found to be associated with a lower risk of heart disease, cognitive impairment, and death. Our study extends these findings to suggest a role for DHA in maintaining auditory function and helping reduce the risk of age-related hearing loss”
–Michael I. McBurney, PhD
Diet and Hearing Health
Using data from the UK Biobank, the researchers examined self-reported hearing status and blood DHA levels in over 100,000 people aged 40-69 years in the United Kingdom. The analysis, accounting for potential confounding variables, revealed that individuals with the highest quintile of blood DHA levels were 16% less likely to have difficulty hearing and 11% less likely to struggle with conversations in background noise, compared to those with the lowest DHA levels.
Dr. McBurney, however, emphasized that while the results indicate a significant association between DHA levels and hearing, the study’s cross-sectional design cannot definitively prove that DHA preserves auditory function or that inadequate DHA levels contribute to hearing loss. Nonetheless, the findings add to mounting evidence of the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, in maintaining overall health and safeguarding against aging-related declines in various body functions.
Omega-3s, including DHA, may potentially protect inner ear cells or mitigate inflammatory responses triggered by loud noises, chemicals, or infections. Earlier studies conducted in older adults and animals have also suggested that higher omega-3 levels could be inversely related to age-related hearing loss and potentially provide protection against it.
Since our bodies have limited ability to produce DHA, its presence in blood and tissues mainly relies on omega-3 intake. Regular consumption of seafood or dietary supplements can elevate DHA levels.
DHA Levels and Hearing Loss
Hearing loss affects around 20% of the global population, exceeding 1.5 billion individuals, and this number is expected to rise with the aging population in the coming years. Hearing impairment can vary in severity, impacting communication, social interactions, education, job opportunities, and various aspects of daily life.
Apart from genetic predisposition and medication, environmental factors contribute to hearing loss. Preventive measures include protecting the ears from loud noises using protective equipment and seeking appropriate medical care for infections.
The research will be presented at NUTRITION 2023, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, held from July 22 to July 25 in Boston.
However, it’s crucial to note that while abstracts presented at NUTRITION 2023 underwent evaluation and selection by experts, they have not yet undergone the rigorous peer-review process required for publication in scientific journals. As such, the presented findings should be regarded as preliminary until a peer-reviewed publication is available.
About NUTRITION 2023
NUTRITION 2023 is the flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition and the premier educational event for nutritional professionals around the globe. NUTRITION brings together lab scientists, practicing clinicians, population health researchers, and community intervention investigators to identify solutions to today’s greatest nutrition challenges. Our audience also includes rising leaders in the field – undergraduate, graduate, and medical students. NUTRITION 2023 will be held July 22-25, 2023 in Boston. https://nutrition.org/N23
About the American Society for Nutrition (ASN)
ASN is the preeminent professional organization for nutrition research scientists and clinicians around the world. Founded in 1928, the society brings together the top nutrition researchers, medical practitioners, policy makers and industry leaders to advance our knowledge and application of nutrition. ASN publishes four peer-reviewed journals and provides education and professional development opportunities to advance nutrition research, practice, and education. Since 2018, the American Society of Nutrition has presented NUTRITION, the leading global annual meeting for nutrition professionals. https://www.nutrition.org
Source: ASN
