Research led by King’s College London has, for the first time, shown that when omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are given to patients with depression they are metabolised into molecules called lipid mediators and the levels of these in the blood are linked to an improvement in symptoms. The research is published today in Molecular Psychiatry.
The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in oily fish. Researchers from the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre assessed the effects of high doses of EPA and DHA in lab-grown neurones and then in patients to help clarify how they reduce inflammation and depression. This novel approach allowed the scientists to identify an important molecular mechanism which can help inform the development of potential new treatments involving omega-3 fatty acids for patients with depression.
That’s a very interesting and novel treatment for depression. There’s many suffering with this horrendous condition so I do hope the treatment proves successful. Not being flippant but would a kipper for breakfast help too I wonder.
I eat a lot of herring, kippers and mackerel (the tinned variety) with a salad, perhaps 3 or 4 times a week, mainly because it is just for me, Sharon being at work and I do not have to suffer cooking fumes other than boiling a batch of potatoes, which will keep okay in the fridge for a few days.
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