Omega-3 fatty acids are a popular supplement to the daily diet. This is likely due to the definitive association with a lowered risk of heart disease. Yet, new research shows that one day this essential nutrient may be used to treat problems in the brain. While it is still unclear if omega-3 fatty acids help with psychological disorders, evidence in animals shows promise that it can protect the brain from trauma. As with all supplements, you should check with your doctor before introducing omega-3 into your diet.
What is Omega-3?
Omega-3 is also referred to as a polyunsaturated fatty acid or PUFA. Additionally, it is known as an essential fatty acid because it is necessary for health -- although human cells cannot manufacture it; therefore, it must be obtained from foods. The two omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are EPA and DHA or eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, respectively. The body uses omega-3 fatty acids for many physiological functions such as growth and development. Taking omega-3 can help to reduce inflammation and may fight cancer and arthritis. The University of Maryland Medical Center or UMMC says it is associated with reduced risk of heart disease.
General Brain Functions
Science Daily says a dietary deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids is known to be associated with a risk of developing mental problems such as ADHD, dementia, dyslexia, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, using omega-3 fatty acids to treat such brain disorders has mixed results. The UMMC reports on a clinical study demonstrating that omega-3 fatty acids may have a role in helping depression, although this result is controversial. Using omega-3 fatty acids to help bipolar disorder, ADHD and schizophrenia is not substantiated by other studies.
Brain Injury Research
The effects of omega-3 fatty acids on traumatic brain injury were studied in rats. According to research published in the journal "Neurosurgery," scientists demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acid treatment protected rat neurons from further damage after brain injury. This was determined by examining the animals' brains after the study. Supporting this protective effect, the rats that were treated with omega-3 fatty acids showed reduced behavioral impairment after brain injury. This research confirmed a similar earlier result reported in the "Journal of Neurotrauma" on brain-injured rats. Both studies concluded that their research could form the foundation for using omega-3 fatty acids to protect against human brain injury.
Omega-3 Sources
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in a variety of fish, especially fatty fish such as salmon, halibut, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines and tuna. According to the UMMC, you should eat a portion of fish twice weekly to obtain enough omega-3 fatty acids. Using supplements, you should not take more than 3 g per day of capsules containing EPA and DHA.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 fatty acids
- Science Daily: Scientists Learn How Food Affects The Brain
- "Neurosurgery"; J.D. Mills, et. al.: Dietary Supplementation With the Omega-3; February, 2011
- "Journal of Neurotrauma"; A. Wu, et. al.; Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation Restores; October, 2007
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