Omega 3 and Brain Development
See also:
Depression and Fish Oil
Essential Fatty Acids
and Foetal Development
Omega 3 and 6 May Help Dry
Eye Syndrome
Fish Oil and
Dramatic Learning Development
Evidence
suggests that omega-3 polyunsatured fatty acids play a vital role in
the function of cell membranes, and the development of the brain and
eyes.
Optimising
omega-3 intake appears to offer many benefits, including reduced
risk of heart disease and a lower likelihood of behavioural
problems, depression and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid
arthritis.
Although there
is not as yet complete agreement as to the level of intake which is
optimal, it is clear that British diets are low in omega-3 fatty
acids.
Good sources
include oily fish, fortified eggs* and oils derived from microalgae**.
Nurs Stand. 2004 Aug 11-17; 18(48):38-42
*e.g. Columbus
eggs ** e.g. Klamath Lake Blue Green Algae
Comment:
Although oily fish is an excellent source of omega-3 Fatty Acids,
due to significant levels of toxicity found in almost all fish
nowadays, it is no longer recommended that fish be eaten more than
once per week, and it is now generally recommended to take good
quality EPA/DHA (fish oil) supplements instead. |
