The Importance of Marine Omega-3s for Brain Development and the Prevention and Treatment of Behavior, Mood, and Other Brain Disorders.
James J Di NicolantonioJames H O'KeefePublished in: Nutrients (2020)
Most of the global population is deficient in long-chain marine omega-3s. In particular, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, is important for brain and eye development. Additionally, DHA plays a significant role in mental health throughout early childhood and even into adulthood. In the brain, DHA is important for cellular membrane fluidity, function and neurotransmitter release. Evidence indicates that a low intake of marine omega-3s increases the risk for numerous mental health issues, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, bipolar disorder, depression and suicidal ideation. Studies giving supplemental marine omega-3s have shown promise for improving numerous mental health conditions. This paper will review the evidence surrounding marine omega-3s and mental health conditions.
Keyphrases
- mental health
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- fatty acid
- bipolar disorder
- autism spectrum disorder
- resting state
- white matter
- mental illness
- functional connectivity
- depressive symptoms
- cerebral ischemia
- working memory
- major depressive disorder
- body mass index
- intellectual disability
- machine learning
- artificial intelligence
- weight gain
- early life