Mood Disorders and Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Cross-sectional data indicates that there is a strong connection between mood disorders and Omega 3. Higher consumption of fish (as well as whole grains, fruits and vegetables) is linked to decreased risk of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. For example, prevalence study from Norway found that individuals who consumed cod liver oil on a daily basis were 30% less likely to present depressive symptoms in comparison to non-consumers. Studies have indicated that dietary deficiency of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid; prevents and reverse heart disease, cancer, asthma, menstrual problems, reduce inflammation) and DHA (docosahexaeonic acid; essential for maintenance of brain function, neuronal development and behaviour). Evidence suggests that individuals with mood disorders present low blood n-3 PUFA levels which is linked to higher risk of development of mood disorders in response to inflammation. Omega-3 supplementation may be sufficient for correcting this deficit as well as presenting antidepressant effect.
Sources of Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Dietary sources of Omega-3 include linseed, flaxseed, soy, corn, canola and nut oils. These plant-derived PUFAs are seen as essential as they cannot be produced internally, and therefore, require to be obtained through the diet. Animal based foods containing Omega-3 acids include fatty cold water fish such as trout, salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring as well as fish oil.
Cross-national studies show negative correlation between seafood consumption and presence of major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar spectrum disorder, postpartum depression and cardiovascular disease.
Omega 3 Deficiency and Mood Disorders
The initial onset of mood disorders commonly occurs during childhood and adolescence. There is a strong evidence of a crucial role of Omega-3 acids in normal brain development. Perinatal deficiency of n-3 PUFA leads to changes in neurotransmitter system (“body’s chemical messenger”) including serotonin and dopamine which are implicated in mood regulation. Not sufficient level of fatty acids leads to raised behavioural indicators of anxiety, aggression and depression while fish oil supplementation decrease depressive behaviour.
Omega-3 deficiency during perinatal development may form neurochemical, neuropathological and behavioural components associated with mood dysregulations.
Studies suggest that supplementation with Omega-3 may decrease mood disorder severity. Moreover, increased level of n-3 PUFA may act protective against development of mood disorders.
Since insufficient level of fatty acids can be altered through dietary supplementation, it seems to be a risk factor that is manageable to treatment and prevention.
