Omega 3 may improve mood

A recent presentation at the 64th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society discussed the relationship of blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and a person’s mood. This may be another reason why you might want to add Shaklee’s full-spectrum http://www.shaklee.net/customhealth/product/20244 to your daily supplements list. Here’s the scoop!

In 2000, the American Heart Association revised its Dietary Guidelines to recommend that people eat at least two servings of fatty fish per week as a means of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. While the cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids are well-established, other studies have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids may be linked to a variety of psychological conditions, including major depression and bipolar disorder. Research presented at a recent meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society has strengthened this link, with the results of small trial suggesting that low blood levels of omega-3s may have a negative impact on a person’s mood and behavior.

In the study, researchers collected blood samples of 106 hypercholesterolemic people who had no history of depression or any other diagnosed mood disorder, and did not take fish oil supplements or psychotropic drugs. In addition to blood tests, all subjects completed a series of tests designed to measure mood, personality and levels of impulsive behavior.

Participants with low blood levels docosahexaeonic acid (DCA) were 42 percent more likely to report symptoms of mild to moderate depression, while patients with low levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were more likely to be in a negative mood, and were associated with high neuroticism scores. Low levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) were associated with higher levels of impulsive behavior.

“In conjunction with published research, these data suggest that dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids may be a determinant of normative variability in affect regulation, impulse control and personality,” the authors wrote in their conclusion. They added, “This study opens the door for future research looking at what effect increasing omega-3 intake – whether by eating omega-3-rich foods like salmon or taking fish oil supplements – has on people’s moods.”

Conklin S, Harris JI, Manuck SB, et al. Plasma fatty acids are associated with normative variation in mood, personality and behavior. Abstract #1411. Presented at the 64th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society, Denver, CO, March 1-4, 2006

Frank M. Painter, D.C.
“The Doc on The Block”