Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Involved In Key Functions Of The Brain

There are certain facts that everyone should know about aging and the brain and how omega-3 fatty acids play into this. These facts include:

• A significant portion of the brain is composed of lipids, especially omega-3 fatty acids.
• This fatty acid is associated with a gray matter volume increase, especially in the regions of the brain necessary for intelligence and happiness.
• These acids have anti-aging effects on the function and structure of the brain, improving memory, cognition and mental health and preventing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
• Omega-3 fatty acids increase vital neurotransmitter production, support brain cell structure and blunts inflammatory and oxidative damage.
• Significant improvements in aggression, depression and other mental problems have been seen with the doses of DHA ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams and doses of EPA ranging from 1,000 to 1,300 milligrams. These doses also show promise in protecting against early Alzheimer's disease and early cognitive decline.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Brain Function

Studies show that those with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies also tend to have larger brain volume, as well as volume of the hippocampus. The hippocampus is thought to be the area of the brain that Alzheimer's disease affects the most, as well as the site important for both memory and learning.

In fact, they believe that those getting adequate amounts of this nutrient could increase brain health for two years.

These benefits are thought to be associated with several mechanisms. Cell death may be prevented when DHA is metabolized into anti-inflammatory compounds. The nerve cell membranes also have a high concentration of DHA so if there is not enough of this nutrient in the blood, the cell membranes tend to lose it, eventually resulting in a decline in brain matter over time.

Omega-3 fatty acids and mental disorders

Omega-3 fatty acids may also be beneficial for patients with different mental illnesses, including:

• Depression: Results are mixed at this time, but some studies found that this nutrient could be just as effective as prescription antidepressants.
• Schizophrenia: Preliminary evidence shows that fatty acid may improve symptoms.
• Bipolar disorder: A small study of 30 people report that those taking a fatty acid supplement may reduce relapses and mood swings.
• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Those with this condition may have low fatty acid levels. Increasing their levels could reduce behavioral and learning problems.
• Cognitive decline: Several studies have examined the link between cognitive decline and omega-3 fatty acids. Reduced intake of this nutrient is associated with dementia. Scientists think that getting adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids may help to keep the cognitive decline at bay.

Adequate supply of omega-3 fatty acids is critical for overall health, and the brain health is no exception.

See Also: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The Good Side Of Fats

It is important to get enough and this may require supplementation, depending on the completeness of your diet. It is a good idea, even for a generally healthy person, to evaluate the dietary intake of these important nutrients and make sure that the supply is adequate.