Sul ruolo essenziale degli acidi grassi omega-3 in psichiatria
Year: 2007
Type: article
Abstract: Summary Objective The present up-to-date review of the international psychiatric literature summarizes scientific evidence pointing to potential mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acids in normal brain functioning, development and prevention of some neuropsychiatric disorders and efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in the treatment of various psychopathological symptoms. Epidemiological data suggest that the dietary intake of essential long chain n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may modify the risk of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Clinical evidence confirms that decreased blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with several neurological and psychiatric conditions, including: dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, senile dementia, depression, bipolar mood disorder and schizophrenia. The reasons, for blood fatty acid alterations, in these disorders, are unknown. Supplementation studies, using one or both the omega-3 fatty acids, suggest the possibility of decreased symptoms, associated with some of these disorders. Methods An update review of the scientific literature was performed, focusing, in particular, on the neurobiological roles exerted by omega-3 fatty acids in physiological and pathological conditions. The benefits of dietetic supplementation with omega-3, in terms of decreasing the risk of onset of various psychiatric diseases, but also as effective symptomatic treatment, were revealed in a number of clinical studies. To date, there is no clear and univocal interpretation concerning the mechanism of action of omega-3 on these pathological conditions. The potential mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids may function differ in normal neuronal activity and in the prevention and treatment of various neuropsychiatric diseases. It is known, however, that DHA is the predominant omega-3 fatty acid present in the nervous system, while EPA appears to play a more important role as an anti-inflammatory precursor.
Author: Vincenzo Manna
Language: Italian
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2123495892