Evidence for the role of essential fatty acids in alcohol dependence is reviewed. If alcohol-induced tissue damage is associated with impaired fatty acid and phospholipid metabolism, supplements of essential fatty acids might be beneficial in the treatment of alcoholics. The evidence for this effect is examined.
A double-blind trial carried out with alcohol-dependent males randomly allocated to n-6 essential fatty acid (EFA) supplementation or placebo capsules over a 6-month period incorporated a battery of automated neuropsychological tests. Results from problem-solving and perceptual motor speed tests are used. The effect that EFA supplementation had on recovery over 6 months of abstinence is shown, as well as the tests in which younger (aged 20-39) alcohol-dependent males differ from the older (aged 40-59) subjects.
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