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• References
Deciphering today's headlines as it relates to nutrition, supplements and mental health concerns is overwhelming for medical professionals and lay persons alike. Often, individuals with Alzheimer's, depression and anxiety are searching for prompt and accurate information on vitamins and supplements that may help with these symptoms. Physicians many times are not trained in these subjects, and clerks at health food stores have a poor understanding in evaluating published alternative health literature. The reading and interpreting of medical information, especially as it relates to the brain, is best understood by individuals with training in these areas. Exciting and important information is published every day This is why pharmacology experts in the field of alternative medicine can shed light on the research data, and present it in a summarized format. Now for the first time, the subject matter has been summarized in a referenced format that has accurate information for the public. Many times, people purchase drug-store and discount vitamins, 
The understanding of these points are best discussed by persons trained in pharmacology (the study of drugs) and pharmacognosy (the study of herbal drugs). If you decide to take supplements please consult your healthcare provider.  The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are a group of naturally occurring lipids which are referred to as essential polyunsaturated fatty acids or PUFA. These fatty acids are called essential because our body needs them to function, and they must be consumed in the diet. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids found in nature are: The modern diet in western nations is now largely depleted of omega-3 fatty acids. This is of particular concern to those who suffer from psychiatric disorders. Omega-3 essential fatty acids and psychiatric disorders has been the discussion of a National Institute of Health workshop in September of 1998, as well as many other articles, conferences and books including the work "Natural Medications for Psychiatric Disorders". To avoid making this topic too complicated, the subject will be summarized including a discussion about brain phospholipids, cellular remodeling and signal transduction as it relates to our current epidemic of psychiatric and neurological disorders.(1-4) Within our brain, essential fatty acids are particularly important, with two being dominant. They are DGLA (Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid) and AA (Arachiadonic acid) in the omega-6 series, and DHA (Docosahexanoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) of the omega-3 fatty acid series. Between them, they compose 15-30% of the dry weight of neuronal tissue (the brain), with AA and DHA constituting 80-90% of that total.(5) These essential fatty acids have two roles within the neuronal membrane-structural (actually forming the brain neurons), and functional (actually playing a central role in cell-signaling; how nerves communicate with each other). The essential fatty acids cannot be synthesized, or made in the body. Thus, an inadequate dietary intake of these fatty acids would possibly make an individual more susceptible to a psychiatric disease. The neurons in the brain are largely made up of phospholipids, which are composed of these fatty acids we have been discussing. Scientists have suggested that the evolution of the modern brain depended on a rich source of DHA (forms the brain) from marine consumption.(6) Recently attention has focused on the role of essential fatty acids in influencing the activity of brain receptors. It has been suggested that dietary modification (low fat diets) aimed at cholesterol reduction may have the effect of reducing the level of omega-3 fatty acids in the tissues. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have an effect on cell signaling cascades in the brain. The prescription Lithium (for bipolar disorder, a type of mood disorder), works on this cascade in the brain as well. The outcome of these signaling events is the release of fatty acids (AA and DHA) from membranes made of phospholipids, which are composed of these fatty acids. Therefore, small alterations in the fatty acid composition of brain-membrane phospholipids may affect signal transduction and lead to changes in the brain function and behavior.(7) In the randomized placebo controlled trial- Influence of Supplementary Vitamins, Minerals, and Essential Fatty Acids on the Antisocial Behavior of Young Adult Prisoners, it was concluded that antisocial behavior in prisons, including violence, is reduced by vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids(8) with similar implications for those eating poor diets in the community. Remember when your mother said you are what you eat? She actually was right. Our omega-3 fatty acid poor diet has led us to dangerous deficiencies that have resulted in increased: AGGRESSION, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, ATTENTION DEFICIT AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AS A WHOLE. Fatty acid research in schizophrenia has demonstrated altered cell membrane phospholipid metabolism. Significantly lower levels in red blood cell fatty acid composition were found in schizophrenics (lower) than controls or normal subjects.(9) Molecular and cellular biochemists suggest that deficiencies of DHA in Alzheimer's disease, depression and ADHD may be responsible for abnormal signal transduction in the brain which is associated with learning disabilities. Results published from other articles reveal a consensus that fatty acid composition of the brain's cell membrane phospholipids reflects their intake in the diet. It is also known that the ratio in the membranes of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids influences neurotransmission (communication in the brain) and prostaglandin formation, processes that are vital in the maintenance of normal brain function.(11) Numerous studies in the medical literature have demonstrated that supplementation with essential fatty acids, like those in fish oil, restore normal fatty acid composition in crucial brain regions. © 2004 Botanical Resource, Inc. all copy & summary rights registered. |
