Fish Oil for Anxiety

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that reduce inflammation and may lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. They may also be useful in treating mood disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress that requires treatment if it disrupts normal functioning.

Background

Omega-3 fatty acids have been investigated for their role in depression with mixed results. Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids showed no association with low mood level in a 2004 study published by Reeta Hakkarainen and colleagues in the "American Journal of Psychiatry." However, intake of omega-3 fatty acids in supplement form was found to be beneficial in a 2003 study published by Kuan-Pin Su in "European Neuropsychopharmacology."

Association

Red cell membrane omega-3 fatty acids are decreased in people with social anxiety disorder, according to a 2006 study published by Pnina Green in "European Neuropsychopharmacology." No significant differences were noticed for other fatty acids.

Treatment

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce anxious behavior and stress hormone secretion in rats, according to a 2003 study published by Cai Song and colleagues in the "Journal of Lipid Research." Fish oil supplements also reduced anxiety in a group of people with substance abuse problems, found a 2006 study published by L. Buydens-Branchey and M. Branchey in the "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology."

Mechanism

Omega-3 fatty acids may affect mental health because they are abundant in the brain and involved in the communication of brain neurons. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may enhance dopaminergic and/or serotonergic neurotransmission. Dopamine and serotonin are two brain chemicals related to mood. Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce anxiety response through effects on glucocorticoid secretion. Glucocorticoids are hormones made in the adrenal cortex, such as cortisol.

Sources

Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in high amounts in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and albacore tuna. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. Avoid eating shark, king mackerel, tilefish or swordfish because they have high levels of mercury and other environmental toxins.

References

• "European Neuropsychopharmacology;" O mega-3 fatty acids in major depressive disorder A preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; Kuan-Pin Su et al.; 2003.
• "American Journal of Psychiatry;" Is Low Dietary Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Associated With Depression? ; Reeta Hakkarainen et al.; March 2004.
• "European Neuropsychopharmacology;" Red cell membrane omega-3 fatty acids are decreased in nondepressed patients with social anxiety disorder; Pnina Green et al.; Feb. 2006.
• "Journal of Lipid Research;" Effects of dietary n-3 or n-6 fatty acids on interleukin-1ß-induced anxiety, stress, and inflammatory responses in rats ; Cai Song et al.; Oct. 2003.
• ""Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology;" n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease anxiety feelings in a population of substance abusers; L. Buydens-Branchey and M. Branchey; Dec. 2006.