N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids through the Lifespan: Implication for Psychopathology

Abstract

Objective:The impact of lifetime dietary habits and their role in physical, mental, and social well-being has been the focus of considerable recent research. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as a dietary constituent have been under the spotlight for decades. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids constitute key regulating factors of neurotransmission, neurogenesis, and neuroinflammation and are thereby fundamental for development, functioning, and aging of the CNS. Of note is the fact that these processes are altered in various psychiatric disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.Design:Relevant literature was identified through a search of MEDLINE via PubMed using the following words, “n-3 PUFAs,” “EPA,” and “DHA” in combination with “stress,” “cognition,” “ADHD,” “anxiety,” “depression,” “bipolar disorder,” “schizophrenia,” and “Alzheimer.” The principal focus was on the role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids throughout the lifespan and their implication for psychopathologies. Recommendations for future investigation on the potential clinical value of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were examined.Results:The inconsistent and inconclusive results from randomized clinical trials limits the usage of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in clinical practice. However, a body of literature demonstrates an inverse correlation between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels and quality of life/ psychiatric diseases. Specifically, older healthy adults showing low habitual intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids benefit most from consuming them, showing improved age-related cognitive decline.Conclusions:Although further studies are required, there is an exciting and growing body of research suggesting that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may have a potential clinical value in the prevention and treatment of psychopathologies.

Effect of docosahexaenoic acid on traumatic brain injury in rats

“…DHA is not only an important polyunsaturated fatty acid in the central nervous system, but it is also the main constituent of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes of cortical gray matter neurons (16). There is limited research on the impact of supplementation with PUFAs on TBI (17)(18)(19). Nevertheless, these studies (17)(18)(19) have consistently demonstrated the protective effects of PUFAs against behavioral deficits and cellular degeneration.…”

“…There is limited research on the impact of supplementation with PUFAs on TBI (17)(18)(19). Nevertheless, these studies (17)(18)(19) have consistently demonstrated the protective effects of PUFAs against behavioral deficits and cellular degeneration.…”

Increasing availability of ω‐3 fatty acid in the early‐life diet prevents the early‐life stress‐induced cognitive impairments without affecting metabolic alterations

“…Because v-3 and v-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are critical for cognitive (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19) and metabolic development (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27), we focus here on a-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 v-3) and linoleic acid (LA, C18:2 v-6), which are obtained solely from dietary sources and are mostly converted in the liver to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 v-3) and arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4 v-6) (28), respectively. Many studies have focused either on overall restriction (29)(30)(31) or supplementation (32,33) with dietary v-3 LCPUFA; however, the ratio between dietary LA and ALA is a key determinant of v-3 LCPUFA status because LA and ALA compete for conversion to their respective LCPUFAs by the same enzymes.…”

Dietary Fatty Acids and Microbiota-Brain Communication in Neuropsychiatric Diseases

“…According to a meta-analysis of the biological status of n-3 PUFAs in mood disorder, plasma and brain EPA and DHA levels were found reduced in in patients with depression [81]. Interestingly, despite the inverse association between dietary fish consumption and depression incidence, and the positive association between increase of eicosanoids production, depression and SCZ [82], the causal relationship between n-3 PUFAs supplementation, Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and antidepressant effects is still poorly understood. As observed for depression, plasma EPA and DHA levels are found decreased in ASD children [83,84].…”