Omega-3 fatty acids and neuropsychiatric disorders

Abstract

-Epidemiological evidence suggests that dietary consumption of the long chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), commonly found in fish or fish oil, may modify the risk for certain neuropsychiatric disorders. As evidence, decreased blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with several neuropsychiatric conditions, including Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder, Alzheimer's Disease, Schizophrenia and Depression. Supplementation studies, using individual or combination omega-3 fatty acids, suggest the possibility for decreased symptoms associated with some of these conditions. Thus far, however, the benefits of supplementation, in terms of decreasing disease risk and/or aiding in symptom management, are not clear and more research is needed. The reasons for blood fatty acid alterations in these disorders are not known, nor are the potential mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids may function in normal neuronal activity and neuropsychiatric disease prevention and/or treatment. It is clear, however, that DHA is the predominant n-3 fatty acid found in the brain and that EPA plays an important role as an anti-inflammatory precursor. Both DHA and EPA can be linked with many aspects of neural function, including neurotransmission, membrane fluidity, ion channel and enzyme regulation and gene expression. This review summarizes the knowledge in terms of dietary omega-3 fatty acid intake and metabolism, as well as evidence pointing to potential mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acids in normal brain functioning, development of neuropsychiatric disorders and efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in terms of symptom management.

Maternal adiposity prior to pregnancy is associated with ADHD symptoms in offspring: evidence from three prospective pregnancy cohorts

“…Moreover, it is uncertain as to what extent diet in childhood is related to ADHD symptoms. 24 It is also possible that differential postnatal upbringing by obese women could be related to increased risk of ADHD. However, we find this unlikely and have no data to indicate that obese women are less likely to care their children.…”

Associations between increases in plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids following supplementation and decreases in anger and anxiety in substance abusers

“…Evidence has been mounting indicating that deficient intakes of n-3 PUFAs could play a role in the pathophysiology of a wide range of psychiatric disorders that have included (but are not limited to) mood disorders, schizophrenia , attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, Alzheimer disease and dementias (Alessandri et al, 2004;Freeman et al, 2006;Young et al, 2005). This evidence has been based in part on international comparison studies of associations between seafood consumption and the prevalence of some psychiatric disorders (Hibbeln, 1998;Hibbeln, 2002;Noaghiul and Hibbeln, 2003) and on cross-sectional, case control or cohort studies investigating associations between these disorders and fish or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) intake or tissue PUFAs concentrations (Alessandri et al, 2004;Freeman et al, 2006;Young et al, 2005).…”

“…This evidence has been based in part on international comparison studies of associations between seafood consumption and the prevalence of some psychiatric disorders (Hibbeln, 1998;Hibbeln, 2002;Noaghiul and Hibbeln, 2003) and on cross-sectional, case control or cohort studies investigating associations between these disorders and fish or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) intake or tissue PUFAs concentrations (Alessandri et al, 2004;Freeman et al, 2006;Young et al, 2005). These studies are observational and do not constitute absolute proof that fish or n-3 PUFAs affect behavior.…”

Improving the Prediction of Response to Therapy in Autism

“…48 Omega-3 fatty acids are also believed to reduce oxidative stress, possibly through their ability to increase the activity of certain antioxidant enzymes, including xanthine oxidase and superoxide dismutase. 49 Prior studies have found that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids reduces the level of F2-isoprostanes, which is a marker of oxidant stress. 49 Omega-3 fatty acids may therefore be considered as a potential treatment in children with elevated markers of oxidative stress.…”

“…49 Prior studies have found that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids reduces the level of F2-isoprostanes, which is a marker of oxidant stress. 49 Omega-3 fatty acids may therefore be considered as a potential treatment in children with elevated markers of oxidative stress. If omega-3 fatty acids have a true beneficial effect on hyperactivity, it is also possible that this effect might be mediated through a change in the fatty acid levels in plasma or tissue.…”