Get omega-3 balance to beat depression
A lack of omega-3 in the diet has been linked to not just treating, but also the instigation of depression. The fatty acids, found commonly in fish oils, has long been known to boost brain function, and tackle degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Researchers have found that reduced levels of omega-3 had “deleterious consequences on synaptic functions and emotional behaviours”.
Depression can have disastrous consequences on the British way of life and economy. One in four British adults experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety, in any one year.
In a study published in Nature Neuroscience, researchers observed thecannabinoid receptors in mice, which play a strategic role in neurotransmission, suffer a complete loss of function when fed an omega-3 deficient diet.
The researchers observed that only the cannabinoid receptors, which play a strategic role in
"Our results can now corroborate clinical and epidemiological studies which have revealed associations between an omega-3/omega-6 imbalance and mood disorders,” said researchers Olivier Manzoni and Sophie Layé.
They now plan further studies to see if omega-3 deficiency is directly responsible for the start of such neuropsychiatric disorders.
