The omega-3s have proven physical health
benefits, and now they are also demonstrating impressive results in the
treatment of mental imbalance leading to anti-social behaviour, learning
difficulties, schizophrenia and depression.
The human brain is unique within the animal world in that it
forms a greater proportion of body weight than in other species. It is also
unique in its composition. Of the solid (non-water) matter in the brain 60% is
fat, or lipid, and of that, polyunsaturates form the biggest component. We are
now learning that diet can alter brain composition and brain function.
Aggression
There is some
evidence to support the effect of the omega-3s on aggression. However, their
calming effects were only noticeable in high-stress situations.
Depression
Depression is
uncommon among fish-eating populations. Detailed investigations suggest that the
long chain omega-3s are important in regulating the re-uptake of the brain
chemical serotonin. Chemical antidepressants such as Prozac also work by
influencing this process. Hence the idea that fish oils might be nature's
Prozac!
In Boston, USA, a study into the treatment of depression with
omega-3 supplements found such striking improvements in severely depressed,
suicidal patients that the trial had to be stopped prematurely, so that the
placebo group would not be denied the benefit of the omega-3s!
In a more recent study, omega-3 fatty acids were found to help
relieve depression in people already in maintenance therapy for depression.
Schizophrenia
Some schizophrenics
have low blood levels of the omega-3 polyunsaturates and an open trial conducted
in 1996 showed that adding fish oil to their diet reduced the symptoms - both
the so-called negative, or depressive symptoms which result in apathy and
uncooperative behaviour, and the positive symptoms which can lead to
hallucinations and aggression. This work was successfully repeated in a double
blind trial in 2001.
ADHD
ADHD, or attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder, is a surprisingly common condition, with something like
3-5% of American and British children affected to some degree. The problem is
often accompanied by other symptoms related to disorders of fatty acid
metabolism, such as excessive thirst, skin problems, sleep difficulties,
dyslexia (vision disturbances) and dyspraxia (poor co-ordination and
clumsiness). Sufferers have recently been shown to have low blood levels of the
long chain omega-3s, with even lower levels in those with the most severe
symptoms. A research study published in 2002 has shown significant benefit from
a supplement of the omega- polyunsaturates.
Dementia
Alzheimer's disease is
the most common cause of dementia; dementia caused by vascular disease, usually
atherosclerosis, accounts for most of the rest.
Alzheimer's disease is less common in Japan, probably explained
by a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish in the Japanese diet.
A positive connection was made during a two-year study of the
dietary habits of 5,386 men and women aged 55+. High intake of total fat,
especially saturated fat, correlated to development of both types of dementia.
Fish consumption was associated with a reduced risk of dementia and especially
Alzheimer's disease.
The association was confirmed by a later study which found
that people who eat fish or seafood at least once a week have a significantly
lower risk of developing dementia. It concluded that the omega-3 fatty acids
found in oily fish and fish oil supplements can reduce inflammation of the brain
and also play a part in brain development and nerve cell regeneration.
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