Essential Fats, Cognitive Decline And Mental Disorders

Evidence from observational studies in humans favors the consumption of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids to reduce cognitive decline with aging. The clinical trials conducted to date have shown no benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for the secondary prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, however. 

Larger, ongoing randomized clinical trials should provide more definitive answers regarding the use of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids for the management of patients with this condition.

Essential Fats And Depression

Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids has been found in hospitalized patients with depression. One clinical study of patients with depression shows that patients who consumed fatty fish two to three times per week for five years had a significant reduction in their depressive episodes and symptoms. Several studies found that a combination of essential omega-3 fatty acids with prescription antidepressants was more successful than antidepressant therapy alone. 

Essential Fats And Bipolar Disorder

Several studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful for patients with bipolar disorder when added to the usual treatment pan. It appears that omega-3 acids are more effective for depressive episodes than for manic ones. These studies were limited by the rather small cohort of patients, but they do indicate that high doses of fatty acids are likely to be needed. 

It is also unclear how much omega-3 acids of different types are required and whether omega-3 acids work best when added to the mood stabilizers and antidepressants, or whether they are more effective when taken alone. One clinical study found that patients who were treated with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids during a period of four months had fewer mood swings and relapses in comparison with those who received a placebo.

Essential Fats And Schizophrenia

Many theories suggest that abnormalities of phospholipids metabolism can trigger schizophrenia in people with a genetic predisposition. Some evidence shows an improvement of symptoms in schizophrenia patients when omega-3 fatty acids are given. The incidence of schizophrenia is lower in countries where the diet is rich in fatty acids.

Essential Fats And Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder In Children

Research studies have found that children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have a deficiency of essential fatty acids including EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA. It was shown that supplementation with these acids can improve activities such as reading and spelling and behavior in children with this condition.

READ Omega-3 Fatty Acids And Their Effect On Brain Function

Essential Fats And Anorexia

Clinical studies have found that people with eating disorders have lower concentrations of fatty acids (alpha-linolenic and gamma-linolenic acids) in the body. Many health experts recommend fatty acid-rich foods such as fish and organ meats as a dietary treatment for anorexia nervosa.