Omega-Choice

• References

The omega-3 fatty acid Docosahexanoic Acid (DHA) plays a number of biologically important roles particularly in the nervous system where it is found in high concentrations. In pregnancy, DHA is associated with formation of the brain, with deficiencies resulting in learning difficulties in infants and children around the age of three. In adults DHA maintains normal brain function. When the childhood and adult diet are low in omega-3 fatty acids (DHA), the brain is more likely to display abnormal signs such as depression. Recent studies suggest that DHA plays unique roles in the molecular activity of the brain. Molecular activity of a cellular membrane is measured by Na(+)K(+)ATPase units and the content of DHA in the membrane itself. It was found that there is a positive correlation between these two, and that reduced levels of DHA in the membranes in the brain would be linked with neurological dysfunction.

Approximately 60% of brain activity is linked to the Na(+)K(+)ATPase enzyme and DHA .(1) Other studies have suggested the relationship between low DHA status after pregnancy and the occurrence of postpartum depression. It appears that the availability of DHA in the body of postpartum women is less in women developing depressive symptoms (they are deficient).(2) Geographic areas where consumption of DHA is high are associated with decreased rates of depression. DHA deficiency has been clinically seen in alcoholism and postpartum depression.(3) Both lower DHA content in mother's milk and lower seafood consumption are associated with higher rates of postpartum depression.(4)

It also should be noted that when people are depressed, clinical findings suggest that their red blood cell membranes (an indication of dietary fatty acid status) are deficient in DHA, and show evidence of oxidative damage in the membrane.(5)

Thus, depression is associated with low anti-oxidant status which can be corrected with vitamin supplementation.

Other studies show that subjects with major depression had higher ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 (high omega-6 fatty acid ratio correlates with increased inflammatory diseases and depression).(6) DHA from fish oil has also been shown to positively modify the immune system. Coronary heart disease, major depression, aging and cancer are characterized with an increased level of the inflammation causing cytokine Interleukin 1 (Il-1).(7)

Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to inhibit cytokine synthesis (stop the body from producing Il-1). Consuming fish oil (EPA and DHA) significantly affects depression.(8) Treatment with EPA at a dosage of 1g per day was effective in treating depression in patients who remained depressed even though they had received regular medication therapy.(9)

Studies show that treating depression with EPA over a nine month period and then performing brain scans (MR) to review changes in the brain demonstrated positive structural brain changes.(10) Symptoms of social phobia and depression also dramatically improved. Current data also shows a link between depression, cardiovascular disease, elevated homocysteine and omega-3 fatty acid intake.(11) Interestingly, folic acid is currently being widely used to decrease levels of homocysteine, which when elevated increase the risk of heart attacks.

Further studies show that the lower the folic acid intake of the individual, the higher the risk of those people to be depressed.(12) Thus folic acid may have a role as a supplement for depression.(13) Low folic acid levels have readily been detected in depressed members of the general US population for some time.(14) The use of omega-3 fatty acids in bipolar depression is also of interest. The common treatment for these individuals usually is a combination of mood stabilizers. Other alternative therapies for bipolar disorder include omega-3 fatty acids.(15) Patients with depression have been reported to be associated with significantly low EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes. Thus from these findings omega-3 fatty acids could improve the short-term course of treating depression without side effects.(16)

It was also found in one larger study from the Netherlands, that low EPA and DHA measurements in the elderly were associated with depressive symptoms. The data suggests that there is a direct effect of fatty acid composition on mood.(17) The introduction of omega-3 fatty acids to a current regimen of medications for depression is a rational concept in that a substantial proportion of depressed patients show only a partial response to antidepressants. Even when a person responds to the medication, many times there are also other unwanted symptoms that occur. In these cases a vitamin compound (example fish oil) may be added to assist in relieving symptoms.(18) Thus, to summarize depression and vitamin intervention: Omega-3 fish oil, antioxidants that reach the brain, and folic acid have all been suggested to provide some benefit for the depressed patient.

• References