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This article summarizes current evidence for use of omega-3 fatty acids in psychiatry. | This article summarizes current evidence for use of omega-3 fatty acids in psychiatry. | ||
− | ==Omega-3 in mental health== | + | ==Omega Acids physiology== |
+ | * ω-3 (DHA, EPA) and ω-6 fatty acids are '''highly-unsaturated fatty acids'''; | ||
+ | ** their precursors, α-linoleic acid and linoleic acid, respectively, are '''essential''' nutrients (can't be synthesized ''de novo''). | ||
+ | * DHA and arachidonic acid (an ω-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. | ||
+ | |||
+ | == Dietary considerations== | ||
+ | * '''Linoleic acid''', the precursor for omega-6, is abundant in Western diet (soybean, corn, and sunflower oils), with typical intake being often excessive at 12-17 g/day. | ||
+ | * '''α-liloleic acid''', the precursor for omega-3 DHA and EPA, is abundant in leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and seafood. | ||
+ | * enzymes involved in the metabolic conversion to omega-3 and omega-6 overlap; excessive intake of linoleic acid omega-6 may inhibit synthesis of omega-3 EPA and DHA. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==ω-3 in mental health== | ||
===Adults=== | ===Adults=== | ||
Recent large meta-analysis of large number of placebo-controlled trials of PUFA for different indications revealed the following (1): | Recent large meta-analysis of large number of placebo-controlled trials of PUFA for different indications revealed the following (1): | ||
− | * significant clinical benefit of | + | * significant clinical benefit of ω-3 treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder |
− | * significant clinical benefit of | + | * significant clinical benefit of ω-3 treatment in depressive symtpoms in adults without MDD. |
* EPA (not DHA) is believed to be responsible for mental health benefits. | * 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. | * There was no benefit in '''prevention of depression''', or treatment of peripartum depression, schizophrenia, or dementia. | ||
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* A small RCT of '''depressed pre-teens''' found positive effect of omega-3 fatty acids in improving the mood.(3) | * 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) | * 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== | ==References== | ||
Line 30: | Line 49: | ||
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 | 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 | ||
+ | |||
{{completeness}} | {{completeness}} | ||
[[Category:Medications]] | [[Category:Medications]] |
Latest revision as of 01:13, 7 September 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
- ω-3 (DHA, EPA) and ω-6 fatty acids are highly-unsaturated fatty acids;
- their precursors, α-linoleic acid and linoleic acid, respectively, are essential nutrients (can't be synthesized de novo).
- DHA and arachidonic acid (an ω-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.
Dietary considerations
- Linoleic acid, the precursor for omega-6, is abundant in Western diet (soybean, corn, and sunflower oils), with typical intake being often excessive at 12-17 g/day.
- α-liloleic acid, the precursor for omega-3 DHA and EPA, is abundant in leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and seafood.
- enzymes involved in the metabolic conversion to omega-3 and omega-6 overlap; excessive intake of linoleic acid omega-6 may inhibit synthesis of omega-3 EPA and DHA.
ω-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 ω-3 treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder
- significant clinical benefit of ω-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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