Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids with known anti-inflammatory properties. Fatty fish and sigh oil supplements promote health from the action of docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. Preliminary evidence shows fish oil could promote eye health and protect vision. Fish oil is also being studied as a potential treatment for a variety of mental health disorders because of its positive effect on the nervous system.
Fish Oil and Eye Health
Abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eyes can lead to blindness and is known as retinopathy. In a study published June 24, 2007 in "Nature Medicine," a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids was found to prevent the progression of retinopathy in mice. According to Central Oregon Eye Care specialists, fish oil is an excellent treatment for dry eyes and shown to help prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
ADHD Treatment
Several studies suggest fish oil as a treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. A study published February 14, 2009 in the "Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health" showed fish oil was able to control symptoms of ADHD in a subgroup of 26 children. The research compared fish oil to sunflower oil. Higher serum levels of EPA and DHA found in the supplements correlated with improved symptoms of the disorder.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Fish Oil
Because fish oil has shown benefit for treating a variety of mental health disorders, clinical trials are underway to clarify its use for treating post traumatic stress syndrome. A pilot study, published in the "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology" in February 2011, showed that administering omega-3 fatty oil capsules for 12 weeks lowered symptoms of PTSD in patients suffering from the disorder who were admitted to intensive care following accidental injury.
Aggression and Hostility
A July 2008 study published in the journal "Progress in Lipid Research," suggests that fish oil might help curb aggression and hostility. The scientists noted more studies are needed to confirm how fish oil works on the nervous system to promote a calming effect. It may be from serotonin release, a hormone that promotes a sense of well-being. The study included an analysis of 14 trials, 11 of which showed a positive effect from fish oil for reducing aggressive behavior and hostility.
References
- "Nature Medicine"; Increased Dietary Intake of -3-Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Reduces Pathological Retinal Angiogenesis; Kip M Connor, et al.; June 24, 2007
- Central Oregon Eye Care: The Truth About Fish Oil
- "Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health"; Omega-3 fatty Acid Treatment of Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study; Bélanger S. A. et al.; 2009
- "Biopsychosocial Medicine"; Clearance of Fear Memory from the Hippocampus Through Neurogenesis by Omega-3 Fatty Acids: a Novel Preventive Strategy for Posttraumatic Stress; Yutaka Matsuoka; Feb. 8, 2011
- "Progress in Lipid Research"; Fish Oils and Aggression or Hostility; Hamazaki T, Hamazaki K.; July 2008
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