Omega-3 Fatty Acids and your mood

Taking Omega 3 Fatty acid may reduce and probably prevent the signs associated with anxiety, depression, sadness, and many other mental-related conditions. Researchers don't know for sure how Omega-3 works.

Studies conducted in different countries and in the USA suggest that reduced levels of Omega-3 Fatty acid correlates with probable rising development of depression and anxiety. Omega-3 Fatty acid deficiencies may partially contribute to the development of depressive symptoms in multiple sclerosis, alcoholism, and post-partum depression. Scientists believe that DHA- docosahexaenoic acid (one of Omega-3) may lessen the chances of developing depression.

One large study published in 1999 found that supplementation with Omega-3 Fatty Acids drastically improved the outcome of patients suffering from bipolar disorder. These results were attained after 4 months of supplementation with Omega-3 DHA and EPA, which were given in addition to the patients' baseline pharmaceutical treatment.

Omega-3 Fatty acids may balance the mood by "soothing" the overly active neurons, which are believed to be responsible for the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder. Omega-3 has worked as a natural mood stabilizer. Patients who tried Omega-3 were extremely enthusiastic to use it, since it was effective and practically had no side effects. Needless to say, patients using Omega-3 are much more compliant with this treatment due to the lack of side effects.

Fascinatingly, Omega-3 Fatty Acid involvement in both heart and brain function may elucidate clinical facts connecting depression to cardiovascular conditions. A deficit of Omega-3 may be the "missing link" to explaining why people suffering from major depression are at higher risk for developing and dying from cardio-vascular conditions.

Few studies have shown positive effects of Omega-3 on relieving symptoms of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder and insomnia in patients with and without a history of alcohol and drug abuse.

In addition, Omega-3 Fatty Acids were found to relive symptoms of fatigue associated with depression.

The amount of Omega-3 has varied. However, 2 capsules 2 times a day seemed to be effective for the relief of symptoms.