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September 28, 2024 – A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has revealed that regular consumption of seafood, including fish, may significantly lower the risk of developing persistent tinnitus in women. The research, led by Dr. Sharon G. Curhan from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, examined the long-term effects of seafood intake on tinnitus risk in a large cohort of women.
The study involved 73,482 participants from the Nurses’ Health Study II, spanning three decades from 1991 to 2021. Researchers found that women who ate seafood regularly had a lower likelihood of developing persistent tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing in the ears that can affect sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life.
Key findings from the study include:
- Women who consumed one serving of fish per week had a 13% lower risk of developing tinnitus.
- Risk decreased by 23% for those who ate two to four servings per week.
- Women who consumed five or more servings of fish weekly experienced a 21% lower risk.
The study also identified specific types of seafood associated with reduced tinnitus risk. Consumption of tuna fish (at least once a week) was linked to a 16% reduced risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.84). Light-meat fish and shellfish were similarly associated with lower tinnitus risk (aHR, 0.91 and 0.82, respectively). However, the study found a trend toward higher tinnitus risk associated with dark-meat fish, and fish oil supplements were linked to an increased risk (aHRs, 1.09 and 1.12, respectively).
The researchers suggest that dietary factors may play a crucial role in the development of tinnitus, offering new insights into preventive measures for this often debilitating condition.
“Our findings emphasize the potential of dietary factors in influencing tinnitus risk,” said Dr. Curhan. “Incorporating regular fish consumption into a balanced diet may offer a protective benefit against tinnitus in women.”
While the study offers promising results, the researchers caution that further investigation is needed to understand the exact mechanisms behind the relationship between seafood intake and tinnitus.
One of the authors disclosed ties to the biotechnology and medical technology industries.
For further details, the full study can be accessed in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.09.028
