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* Among children and adolescents with '''autism''' omega-3 fatty acids reduced severe tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior at 6 weeks. (4) | * Among children and adolescents with '''autism''' omega-3 fatty acids reduced severe tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior at 6 weeks. (4) | ||
* Two randomized, placebo-controlled trials demonstrated modest improvement in symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity in schoolchildren. (5,6) | * Two randomized, placebo-controlled trials demonstrated modest improvement in symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity in schoolchildren. (5,6) | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Safety and Side Effects== | ||
| + | Omega-3 supplementation is considered generally safe by the FDA at doses up to 3 g/day. | ||
| + | Common side effects (1-10%) include dyspepsia, diarrhea, (GI) bleeding, and nausea | ||
| + | * there is a recommendation to stop take PUFA a week before surgery due to risk of bleeding. | ||
| + | Chronic treatment with PUFA may contribute to '''vitamin E deficiency''' and concurrent supplementation is recommended. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 05:29, 30 August 2015
Contents
Introduction
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) include eicosapentaeoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). They are believed to be protective in cardiovascular disease due to their anti-infammatory properties.
This article summarizes current evidence for use of omega-3 fatty acids in psychiatry.
Omega Acids physiology
- Omega-3 (DHA, EPA) and omega-6 fatty acids are highly-unsaturated fatty acids;
- their precursors, a-linoleic acid and linoleic acid are 'essential nutrients (can't be synthesized de novo)
- DHA and arachidonic acid (omega-6) are critical for the development of central nervous system.
- polyunsaturated fatty acids must be a part of maternal diet along with other micronutrients.
- DHA and EPA have established role in prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Omega-3 in mental health
Adults
Recent large meta-analysis of large number of placebo-controlled trials of PUFA for different indications revealed the following (1):
- significant clinical benefit of omega-3 treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder
- significant clinical benefit of omega-3 treatment in depressive symtpoms in adults without MDD.
- EPA (not DHA) is believed to be responsible for mental health benefits.
- There was no benefit in prevention of depression, or treatment of peripartum depression, schizophrenia, or dementia.
Children and Adolescents
- A study of adolescents at risk for psychosis, omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduced positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and improved functioning, but had no significant effect on depressive symptoms. (2)
- A small RCT of depressed pre-teens found positive effect of omega-3 fatty acids in improving the mood.(3)
- Among children and adolescents with autism omega-3 fatty acids reduced severe tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior at 6 weeks. (4)
- Two randomized, placebo-controlled trials demonstrated modest improvement in symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity in schoolchildren. (5,6)
Safety and Side Effects
Omega-3 supplementation is considered generally safe by the FDA at doses up to 3 g/day. Common side effects (1-10%) include dyspepsia, diarrhea, (GI) bleeding, and nausea
- there is a recommendation to stop take PUFA a week before surgery due to risk of bleeding.
Chronic treatment with PUFA may contribute to vitamin E deficiency and concurrent supplementation is recommended.
References
1. Grosso G, et al. (2014) Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Depressive Disorders: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. PLoS ONE 9(5): e96905.
2. Amminger GP, et al.(2010) Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids for indicated prevention of psychotic disorders: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Arch Gen Psychiatry 67:146–154.
3. Nemets H et.al. Omega-3 treatment of childhood depression: a controlled, double-blind pilot study. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Jun;163(6):1098-100. PMID:16741212
4. Amminger GP et.al. Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in children with autism: a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Feb 15;61(4):551-3. PMID:16920077
5. Nemets H et. al. AM J Psychiatry 2006; 163
6. Sinn N et al. J Dev Behav Pediatrics 2007; 28
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