Omega-3 in psychiatry

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are essential to human health, but cannot be manufactured by the body. In recent years, researchers have demonstrated a growing interest in fatty acids and their beneficial influence on human health. Positive findings have multiplied, and more than 500 papers on this topic have been published during the last 70 years. Omega-3 fatty acids are built in to the cell membrane, affecting the function of neurotransmitter receptors. A relationship appears to exist between omega-3 fatty acids and central nervous system (CNS) neurotransmitters. It has been shown that oil diets may have mood-stabilizing effects by reducing the generation of second messengers coming from phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine in cell membranes. It was suggested that major depression is associated with elevated plasma concentrations of the 2-series prostaglandins (PGE2). Other suggested actions of omega-3 fatty acids include reduction in proinflammatory cytokines, direct inhibition of PKC activity and alteration in serotonergic neurotransmission. Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to stimulate neurotrophic factor, increasing synaptic plasticity, improving neurotransmission, and to have antidepressant and neuroprotective properties.