Fish oil may provide physical and mental health benefits. Research continues on its effectiveness in improving the behavior of people with mental health conditions. Much of the benefits from fish oil may come from the omega-3 fatty acids it contains. Omega-3s gather in the brain and appear to play an important role in the thought process and behavioral function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include poor memory, mood swings and depression.
Food and Supplements
You can only get omega-3s through food because the body does not make the essential fatty acids. Salmon, tuna, sardines, halibut, herring and mackerel contain rich amounts of omega-3s. Many fish oil supplements are made from omega-3-rich fish. Although foods also contain other nutrients, fish oil supplements often include vitamins and minerals. Supplements work well for people who do not consume enough fish. An omega-3 supplement has even been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to lower triglycerides, fats in the blood that contribute to heart disease. Fish oil also shows promise in treating mental health and behavioral disorders.
Attention Deficit
Fish oil may help improve thinking skills and behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known as ADHD, according to MedlinePlus, an online resource of the National Institutes of Health. Researchers at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, analyzed boys, ages 6 to 12, with and without ADHD. They found that the 53 boys with ADHD had lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids than 43 control subjects, according to a January 2000 article in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." However, while a few studies have shown omega-3s may improve symptoms, other studies have shown no effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Depression
Studies have also had mixed results for using omega-3s in the treatment of depression and bipolar disorder. One promising study examined 28 patients with major depression. The subjects were given either omega-3s or placebo in addition to regular treatment during an eight-week period. Researchers at China Medical College Hospital in Taiwan found that those taking omega-3s had significantly decreased depression assessment scores than the control subjects, according to the August 2003 edition of "European Neuropsychopharmacology." Researchers at Harvard Medical School performed a four-month study on 30 bipolar patients. They found the subjects taking omega-3s along with traditional treatment had longer periods of mood stabilization than those in a control group; their results were reported in the May 1999 issue of "Archives of General Psychiatry." Bipolar disorder causes extreme swings from depressive moods to periods of manic behavior.
Benefits and Precautions
The potential heart-healthy benefits of fish oil may improve behavior over the long term by promoting physical wellness. Omega-3 fatty acids may help lower high blood pressure and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. People who practice a Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, have healthy cholesterol levels, notes the University of Maryland. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. However, taking fish oil supplements for a disorder should only be done under the supervision of a doctor. Side effects and interaction with medications may occur.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; June 2009
- MedlinePlus; Fish Oil; November 2010
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; January 2000
- European Neuropsychopharmacology; Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Major Depressive Disorder; August 2003
- Archives of General Psychiatry; Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Bipolar Disorder; May 1999
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