Oral consumption of α-linolenic acid increases serum BDNF levels in healthy adult humans

Abstract

Background aimsDietary omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids have remarkable impacts on the levels of DHA in the brain and retina. Low levels of DHA in plasma and blood hamper visual and neural development in children and cause dementia and cognitive decline in adults. The level of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) changes with dietary omega-3 fatty acid intake. BDNF is known for its effects on promoting neurogenesis and neuronal survival.MethodsIn this study, we examined the effect of the oral consumption of α-Linolenic acid (ALA) on blood levels of BDNF and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in healthy adult humans. 30 healthy volunteers, 15 men and 15 women, were selected randomly. Each individual served as his or her own control. Before consuming the Flaxseed oil capsules, 5cc blood from each individual was sampled in order to measure the plasma levels of BDNF and MDA as baseline controls. During the experiment, each individual was given 3 oral capsules of flaxseed oil, containing 500mg of alpha linolenic acid, daily for one week. Then, plasma levels of BDNF and MDA were tested.ResultsThe plasma levels of BDNF and MDA significantly (P < 0.05) increased in individuals who received the oral capsules of ALA. Plasma levels of BDNF increased more in the women in comparison with the men.ConclusionALA treatment could be a feasible approach to reduce size of infarcts in stroke patients. Thus, ALA could be used in adjunction with routine stroke therapies to minimize brain lesions caused by stroke.

The effect of dietary supplementation on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cognitive functioning in Alzheimer’s dementia

“…While the clinical improvement was supported by the enhancements in the serological data, no neurological mechanism of action was established in the study. Additionally, animal studies and at least one human study have shown that many of the nutrients in APMC, including polysaccharides, antioxidants, resveratrol, and omega-3 fatty acids, have individual benefits on cognition and memory [17][18][19][20][21] and can increase BDNF levels [22][23][24][25]. The sum of these findings suggests that long-term oral supplementation can modulate BDNF production in the brain and can also explain the memory improvements demonstrated in our prior studies.…”

Measuring myokines with cardiovascular functions: pre-analytical variables affecting the analytical output

“…On the contrary, a weekly oral assumption of α-linoleic acid increased plasma BDNF levels, particularly in women (195). OGTT-induced hyperglycemia also decreased plasma but not serum BDNF and return to baseline was faster in normoglycemic subjects than in borderline/diabetic ones (190).…”

Flaxseed oil supplementation on severity of depression and brain-derived neurotrophic factor: a randomized, double blind placebo controlled clinical trial

“…Thus, it may be effective to treat depression through these pathways, as the results of the present study are also consistent with these earlier findings. [38] The beneficial effect of ALA on depressive symptoms has previously been shown in a study on mice. The result of this study revealed that ALA treatment on mice led to decreased depressive behavior, in comparison with vehicle-treated mice, as well as being effective in compensating for or repairing neural plasticity.…”