Omega-3 fatty acids help influence moods
DENVER, March 3 (UPI) — Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may influence mood, personality and behavior, a University of Pittsburgh study found.
In a study of 106 healthy volunteers, the researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that participants who had lower blood levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were more likely to report mild or moderate symptoms of depression, a more negative outlook and be more impulsive. Those with higher blood levels of omega-3s were found to be more agreeable.
“A number of previous studies have linked low levels of omega-3 to clinically significant conditions such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse and attention deficit disorder,” said Sarah Conklin, a postdoctoral scholar.
“However, few studies have shown that these relationships also occur in healthy adults. This study opens the door for future research looking at what effect increasing omega-3 intake — whether by eating omega-3 rich foods like salmon, or taking fish-oil supplements — has on people’s mood.”
The findings were presented at the 64th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society in Denver. Ω