[PHNUTR-L] Study: Improving ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 in diet may improve mood, reduce depression

[Kathrynne Holden]

Colleagues, the following is FYI and does not necessarily reflect my own
opinion. I have no further knowledge of the topic. If you do not wish to
receive these posts, set your email filter to filter out any messages
coming from   @nutritionucanlivewith.com    and the program will remove
anything coming from me.
---------------------------------------------------------
Better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio could reduce depression study

By Stephen Daniells
http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=75940&m=2nie420&c=xeiqgoegavfxtla

20/04/2007- Improving the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 in the diet may 
improve mood and reduce depression, suggests a new study.

Researchers from Ohio State University took blood samples from 43 older 
adults (average age 67) and calculated polyunsaturated fatty acids 
(PUFA) levels and compared these to levels of markers of inflammation, 
and found that people with high ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 were more 
likely to suffer depression and inflammatory diseases.

"Our findings highlight ways in which diet may enhance or inhibit 
depression-related inflammation among older adults," wrote lead author 
Janice Kiecolt-Glaser in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine. "These 
behaviour-dietary-immune interactions have important implications for 
both mental and physical health."

The new study adds to a growing body of evidence linking an increased 
omega-3 to omega-6 intake ratio to improved health.

Numerous observational studies and uncontrolled trials have reported the 
benefits of fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA on the 
behaviour and learning, especially in kids, as well for improving the 
symptoms of depression

For the new study, the researchers measured levels of markers of 
inflammation, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), 
interleukin-6 (IL-6), and levels of the IL-6 soluble receptor (sIL-6r). 
Symptoms of depression were assessed using the Center for 
Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.

"We found that individuals who met the criteria for syndromal depression 
had significantly higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratios as well as higher 
TNF-alpha, IL-6 and sIL-6r levels than those who did not meet the 
criteria," wrote the authors.

Chronic inflammation, brought about by an over-expression or lack of 
control of the normal protective mechanism, has been linked to range of 
conditions linked to heart disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline and 
Alzheimer's, and type-2 diabetes.

"Epidemiological studies have clearly linked increased pro-inflammatory 
cytokines with depressive symptoms as well as elevated omega-6:omega-3 
ratios," said the researchers. "Our data suggest that a lower 
omega-6:omega-3 ratio offers some protection, particularly as depressive 
symptoms increase; accordingly, it is possible that the differences in 
participants' dietary omega-3 intakes may have contributed to the 
variability in depression-cytokine relationships in other studies."

Omega-3 are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) consumed predominantly 
in the diet from fish, nuts and seeds. The fish oil PUFAs include 
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenioc acid (DHA). EPA is 
proposed to function by increasing blood flow in the body. It is also 
suggested to affect hormones and the immune system, both of which have a 
direct effect on brain function. DHA, on the other hand, is involved in 
the membrane of ion channels in the brain, making it easier for them to 
change shape and transit electrical signals.

Source: Psychosomatic Medicine
Published on-line ahead of print, doi: 10.1097/PSY.0b013e3180313a45
"Depressive Symptoms, omega-6:omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Inflammation in 
Older Adults"
Authors: J.K. Kiecolt-Glaser, M.A. Belury, K. Porter, D.Q. Beversdorf, 
S. Lemeshow, and R. Glaser
-- 
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar at nutritionucanlivewith.com >
"Ask the Parkinson Dietitian"  http://www.parkinson.org/
"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease"
"Parkinson's disease: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy"
http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/