Research Summary: Brain Development and Mental Illness

New research is making it clear that the right fats play a crucial role in brain function. Illnesses such as depression, Alzheimer¹s, and bipolar disorder may all benefit from EFA supplementation. A summary of the latest research highlights.

By: Bioriginal Food & Science Corp.
Date Published: February 2001

Fish may prevent Alzheimer¹s
Research led by University of Guelph professor Julie Conquer found that Alzheimer¹s sufferers, and other elderly patients with cognitive impairments, have lower blood levels of docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, than people with normal cognitive functioning. Researchers concluded that eating fish, containing the omega-3 DHA, could help to prevent Alzheimer¹s. Published in Lipids, December 2000.

GLA shows protective effect in autoimmune disorders
In this animal study, researchers examined the role of GLA from borage oil in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE; a form of inflammation of the brain). Their results showed that oral feeding of GLA-rich borage oil markedly affects the disease course of both acute EAE and chronic relapsing EAE. This research indicates that GLA may be a promising therapy for treating autoimmune related inflammation of the brain in humans. Published in Clinical and Experimental Immunology, December 2000.

Fish oil for schizophrenia
Schizophrenic patients tend to have low levels of certain EFAs, which affects brain functioning. Early clinical trials show that fish oil looks promising as a natural alternative to standard antipsychotic drugs. Cochrane Database System Review, February 2000.

Infant IQ
In a randomized clinical study infants who received a preparation of fish oil in their early months achieved higher IQ scores later than the non-supplemented infants. Published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, March 2000.

Fish oil and manic depression
A four-month, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that fish oil improves bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness). The researchers believe that "omega-3 fatty acids may herald the advent of a new class of rationally designed mood-stabilizing drugs." Published in Archives of General Psychiatry, May 1999.

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