Read Summaries of Important Scientific Studies on Omega-3's
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Omega-3’s and Mood
& Mental Health
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| Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Positively Impact Mental Health |
Research conducted at the University of Pittsburgh School of
Medicine suggests a significant correlation between levels of Omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids and positive mental health.
The study included 106 healthy participants determined to be free of major
depression or any other diagnosed mood disorders. Those who had the lowest
levels of Omega-3’s were found to score higher on psychological evaluations for
negative outlooks, symptoms of mild or moderate depression, and impulsivity.
Impulsivity, in its more extreme form, is commonly known as attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Conversely, those with higher levels of
Omega-3’s were found to have a more positive outlook and to be more agreeable,
based upon the results of standardized tests.
While evidence from numerous prior studies has suggested a link between
deficiencies in Omega-3’s and a number of serious psychological conditions
(including, but not limited to, major depression, bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia, ADHD and substance abuse), the results of this study seem to
indicate that increasing intake of these fatty acids could prove beneficial to
everyone’s mental health.
Plasma fatty acids are associated with normative variation in mood, personality
and behavior. Abstract #1411. Presented at the 64th Annual Scientific Meeting
of the American Psychosomatic Society, Denver, CO, March 1-4, 2006. |
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| Fish Consumption and Depression |
Dr. Joseph Hibbeln of the National Institutes of Health was
quoted in a New York Times article as saying, “In the last century, [Western]
diets have radically changed and we eat grossly fewer omega-3 fatty acids now.
We also know that rates of depression have radically increased by perhaps a
hundred-fold." Links between fish consumption and neurological health may be
supported by the results of global studies, which suggest "rates of major
depression are markedly different across countries, depending upon how much
fish is consumed in those countries."
Hibbeln, J.R.. "Fish consumption and major depression." The Lancet, 1998; 351:
1213.
Hibbeln, J.R.. "Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in depression and
related conditions, in Phospholipid Spectrum Disorder." (Lancashire, England:
Marius Press, 1999), pp. 195-210. |
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| Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Mood Balance |
According to a landmark study at Harvard Medical School
conducted by Andrew L. Stoll, M.D. and other researchers on "Omega-3 fatty
acids in bipolar disorder...", omega-3 fatty acids improved the short-term
course of illness in a preliminary, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of
patients with bipolar disorder. This study was scheduled to last for nine
months; however it was stopped after four months because of the outstanding
results. Dr. Stolls studies of omega-3 fatty acids suggest that natural sources
of omega-3’s (especially fish oil) may help bring mood into balance.
Stoll, Andrew L., et al. “Omega 3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder.” Archives of
General Psychiatry 56:407-12 (1999). |
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| These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or
prevent any disease. |
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| IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ: The information provided in
this section of the web site is for informational purposes only and is not
intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care
professional or any information contained on or in any product label or
packaging. You should not use the information in this section of the web site
for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any
medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare
professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program,
before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health
problem. Of course, you should never stop taking any medication without first
consulting your physician. |
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