Fish Oils and Mood Disorder Prevention

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Fish Oils and Mood Disorder Prevention
In addition to adequate micronutrient intake, fatty acid balance also plays a critical role in mental health. Low fish consumption has been found in multiple studies to be a statistically significant finding in those with depression. For example, this study showed that rates of depression increased more than twofold in women who were rare fish consumers compared with regular fish eaters.1 Research scientists consistently found a reduced level of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with mood disorders and mental illness. There is overwhelming evidence that omega-3 fatty acids are important to mental health.

The two main omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have important biological functions in the brain. DHA is a major structural component of neuronal membranes, and changing the fatty acid composition of neuronal membranes leads to functional changes in the activity of receptors and other proteins embedded in the membrane phospholipid. EPA has important physiological functions that can affect neuronal activity. Clinical trials have suggested benefits from DHA and EPA treatments in borderline personality disorder, bipolar or manic-depressives, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Our bodies have the ability to make these important fats from the short chain omega-3 fats found in leafy greens, walnuts, flax, and hemp, but some people do not fabricate sufficient DHA from the shorter length precursors as well as other people do, predisposing them to neurological problems. These individuals have a greater need to supplement their diets, especially since fish today is so polluted, and farm-raised fish is no longer a dependable source of DHA and EPA. Using a DHA supplement or purified fish oil is cleaner and more dependable.

Documented benefitsThe following interesting observations are found in the scientific literature:
1. Both lower DHA content in mothers’ milk and lower seafood consumption were associated with higher rates of postpartum depression.2

2. Depressed patients have lower levels of DHA in their fatty tissues compared to normals.3

3. Multiple studies indicate that in depression and schizophrenia, one gram a day of the EPA component is more effective than DHA, and a higher dose does not add additional efficacy

4.Depression is related to low levels of these long chain omega-3 fats in the brain, and it is apparent that supplementation with DHA and EPA have beneficial results in patients with mood disorders.

Since studies have shown that EPA is even more effective than DHA for alleviating depression in the short run, and DHA is more important for structural normalcy to maintain long-lasting results, I recommend real fish oil containing both EPA and DHA for those with depression and related mood disorders. About two grams of fish oil usually contains about one gram of active ingredient (EPA + DHA) appropriate for those with mild mood disorders. With major depression, use about 3 grams to achieve the one gram of EPA that has documented clinical efficacy for depression. Look for an oil that gives the most active ingredients (EPA + DHA) per gram of oil.

For more information about these Metagenics products, please call us at: 208-325-9292 or by e-mail at jes@jescollection.com. Web-site: www.jescollection.com or www.jescollection.meta-ehealth.com