Omega-3/NUTRICION
High Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Mood, Behavior Levels
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."
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."
Omega-3 Supplementation May Reduce Heart Rate, Cardiovascular Events
Several randomized controlled trials and epidemiologic studies have demonstrated the cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids, in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
While these fatty acids are believed to decrease susceptibility to heart arrythmia, it remains unclear as to whether this effect is mediated by direct cardiac mechanisms or classic risk factors.
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 18 white men with a history of myocardial infarction were randomized to receive three capsules containing a total of 810 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids (585 mg of DHA and 225 mg of EPA) per day or identical placebo capsules for two four-month periods in a crossover design. At the end of each period, heart rate (HR), heart rate variability, and heart rate recovery after exercise were determined, along with effects on arterial compliance, blood pressure, cardiac function and other measurables.
"Our principle findings were that omega-3 fatty acids significantly decreased HR at rest, accelerated the return to a normal HR after standing and exercise, and increased HR variability," the researchers stated. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreased resting heart rate from an average of 73 beats per minute to 68 beats per minute. In addition, omega-3 supplementation was associated with a 19 percent decrease in heart rate one minute after exercise, which was accompanied by "appropriate increases in stroke volume and ejection times."
Conclusion: "A high HR at rest (especially in men) has been strongly linked to cardiovascular events, including mortality. The decrease in HR noted in the present study is in the same range as that observed with beta-blocker therapy, another intervention that has been shown to decrease risk of sudden death. A recent meta-analysis has associated a small but significant decrease in HR with increased omega-3 fatty acid intakes. Our observations extend these findings and suggest that modulation of HR can be achieved in patients with known coronary heart disease who consume recommended amounts of EPA plus DHA."
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 18 white men with a history of myocardial infarction were randomized to receive three capsules containing a total of 810 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids (585 mg of DHA and 225 mg of EPA) per day or identical placebo capsules for two four-month periods in a crossover design. At the end of each period, heart rate (HR), heart rate variability, and heart rate recovery after exercise were determined, along with effects on arterial compliance, blood pressure, cardiac function and other measurables.
"Our principle findings were that omega-3 fatty acids significantly decreased HR at rest, accelerated the return to a normal HR after standing and exercise, and increased HR variability," the researchers stated. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreased resting heart rate from an average of 73 beats per minute to 68 beats per minute. In addition, omega-3 supplementation was associated with a 19 percent decrease in heart rate one minute after exercise, which was accompanied by "appropriate increases in stroke volume and ejection times."
Conclusion: "A high HR at rest (especially in men) has been strongly linked to cardiovascular events, including mortality. The decrease in HR noted in the present study is in the same range as that observed with beta-blocker therapy, another intervention that has been shown to decrease risk of sudden death. A recent meta-analysis has associated a small but significant decrease in HR with increased omega-3 fatty acid intakes. Our observations extend these findings and suggest that modulation of HR can be achieved in patients with known coronary heart disease who consume recommended amounts of EPA plus DHA."
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