Fish oil, derived mainly from oily fish that live in cold waters, provides a high concentration of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Known for their inflammation-lowering properties, these fats have become popular among health-conscious people as a dietary supplement for the prevention of a variety of illnesses thought to be associated with chronic inflammation, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune conditions. Research has also uncovered potential benefits of fish oil for the nervous system. Consult your doctor before using fish oil to treat a neurologic condition.
Spinal Cord
Fish oil helps to minimize damage to the spinal cord, according to a study published in the October 2010 issue of the "Journal of Neurotrauma." In the study on laboratory animals, intravenous injections of docosahexanoic acid, DHA, from fish oil, and dietary supplementation for six weeks significantly improved nerve transmission and repaired myelin--the fatty layer that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers. The researchers also noted that a combination of DHA injections and a DHA-enriched diet was more protective than DHA injections alone.
Retina
A combination of essential fatty acids, including fish oil, may reduce damage to the retinal nerve of the eye, according to a study published in the September 2009 issue of the journal "Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology." In the study on laboratory animals, diets supplemented with EPA, DHA and gamma linolenic acid, GLA--a plant-based essential fatty acid--for six months protected retinal cells from damage. The combination of essential fatty acids was more effective than single supplementation, according to the authors.
Post-Injury
The November 2007 issue of the journal "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids" reported that DHA protects the spinal cord from damage, even up to one hour after injury. In the study, omega-3 essential fatty acids increased recovery speed and prevented nerve cell damage. Scientists used injections of DHA combined with oral supplementation and found that animals treated with the combination therapy performed better on neurologic tests after six weeks then animals that received only injected DHA. Fish oil also protected spiral cord nerves from oxidative damage and reduced inflammation.
Brain
Fish oil may promote healthy brain development, according to a study published in the 2003 issue of the journal "Neuroscience." In the study, scientists gave laboratory animals fish oil supplemented diets and found that their offspring had healthier brains that were more resistant to over excitation and damage from certain toxins. The researchers concluded that fish oil supported brain development and showed neuroprotective effects.
References
- "Journal of Neurotrauma"; Docosahexaenoic acid prevents white matter damage after spinal cord injury; R. E. Ward, et al.; Oct. 27, 2010
- "Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Bilogy"; A dietary combination of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids is more efficient than single supplementations in the prevention of retinal damage induced by elevation of intraocular pressure in rats; C. Schnebelen, et al.; September 2009
- "Prostaglandins, Leukotriends and Essential Fatty Acids"; Omega-3 fatty acids and neurological injury; A.T. Michael-Titus, et al.; November/December 2007
- "Neuroscience"; Neuroprotective effect of developmental docosahexaenoic acid supplement against excitotoxic brain damage in infant rats; E. Högyes, et al.; 2003
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