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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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