Traditional psychiatry is being challenged by new ways of thinking about mental illness. Among these emerging alternative views is the perspective that nutrition plays a role in the onset, development and management of mental illness. Research on a link between nutrition and mental illness suggests that the relationship between omega-3 and the brain's development, functioning and maintenance is of central importance.
Omega-3 and the Brain
While still in the womb, the human brain starts accumulating omega-3, and throughout life the brain depends upon it for normal functioning. Animal studies have shown that lower than normal levels of omega-3 at birth are associated with several brain abnormalities, including abnormal branching of brain cells and damage to the structure of synapses--the spaces between brain cells through which neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin travel.
The Omega-3 Deficit Theory
Building upon animal research, speculation holds that low levels of omega-3 at birth or deficits that develop later are the primary cause, or at least a contributing factor, to mental illness in humans. Since humans are incapable of producing omega-3, it must be obtained through diet. Before birth it is obtained through the mother's diet. Lending support to the omega-3 deficit theory is research with humans showing a higher incidence of attention deficits, impulsivity, learning disabilities, language impairments, hyperactivity and poor social functioning in children and adolescents born with omega-3 deficits.
Supplementation
The obvious implication of the omega-3 deficit theory is that adequate levels of omega-3 should eliminate or at least reduce symptoms of mental illness. Research in this area, however, gives inconsistent results. Also, the recommended dosage levels remain unclear. For example, the "British Journal of Nutrition" reports that conflicting results from several clinical trials make the recommended intake of omega-3 for depression unclear. Additionally, the "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience" reports that although clinical trials support further study, omega-3 as an alternative to prescribed medications for clinical depression remains unsupported by research.
Talk About It
In general, research on the link between omega-3 and mental illness offers the promise of new and effective treatments for mental illness. Much of the research gives results significant enough to warrant further investigation. This significance is especially strong with results indicating that omega-3 supplementation is effective at improving mood. However, if you or someone you love is suffering from a mental illness, the safest course would be to speak with your physician about the possible role omega-3 may play in treatment.
References
- "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids"; Role of omega-3 fatty acids in brain development and function: Potential implications for the pathogenesis and prevention of psychopathology; Robert McNamaraa & Susan Carlssonb; October 2006
- "Lipids in Health and Disease"; Omega-3 fatty acids as treatments for mental illness: which disorder and which fatty acid?; Brian M. Ross et al.; September 2007
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; n-3 Fatty acids and mood: the devil is in the detail; Alex Richardson; October 2007
- "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience"; Fish oils for depression?; Simon N. Young; January 2008
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