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.