Friday, March 09, 2007

Omega-3s may affect mood and behavior





Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with increased gray matter volume in areas of the brain commonly linked to mood and behavior, according to a University of Pittsburgh study.

The researchers discovered that participants who had high levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake had higher volumes of gray matter in areas of the brain associated with emotional arousal and regulation -- the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, the right amygdala and the right hippocampus.


I guess it's time to hit the fish-oil supplements again.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

In case you're interested, they do have vegetarian Omega-3 supplements as well. With fish projected to be extinct by 2048, I personally try to lay off the little guys whenever possible.

Of course, it's the fish oil supplements, not the vegetarian ones, that they've done the studies on. But it's still the same EFA.

Dustin said...

With the brain being, basically, a big chunk of butter it's always made sense to me that putting the right fats into your system would help your brain.

Anonymous said...

"...a big chunk of butter..."

Eh? What!? I beg to differ, sir!

_My_ brain is in no way derived from dairy products! This is "cheesy" thinking... :')

But, yes, Omega 3 is good for the old grey matter. 3000 mg--that sounds high. Worth investigating, however.