Excessive consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids may contribute to the development of some psychiatric disorders, according to a new study.
The findings suggest that increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, such as found in oily fish, might help some young adults.
Professor David Cotter, of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, led a large multi-generational UK study examining links between diet and psychiatric disorders.
Their study appeared on Monday (31 May) in Translational Psychiatry and uses data from participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, who were interviewed and provided blood samples at age 17 and 24 years.
The team focused on total omega-6 and total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, the n-6:n-3 ratio, and percentage levels of the specific omega 3 docosahexaenoic acid.
No links were seen at age 17. However, by age 24, a higher n-6 to n-3 ratio was positively associated with psychotic disorder, depressive disorder and generalised anxiety. Also at this time point, higher docosahexaenoic acid was linked to a lower risk of psychotic disorder.
"These findings provide support for associations between polyunsaturated fatty acids and mental disorders in early adulthood, and in particular, for docosahexaenoic acid in adolescence in relation to prevention of psychosis."
Professor Cotter said: “The study needs to be replicated, but if the findings are consistent, these results would suggest that enhanced dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids among adolescents, such as through oily fish like mackerel, could prevent some people from developing psychosis in their early twenties.
“The results could also raise questions about the relationship between the development of mental health disorders and omega-6 fatty acids, which are typically found in vegetable oils.”
The team add that the mechanisms behind this effect may involve inflammation and/or pruning of brain connections during adolescence.
Mongan, D. et al. Plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids and mental disorders in adolescence and early adulthood: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations in a general population cohort Translational Psychiatry 31 May 2021; doi: 10.1038/s41398-021-01425-4
Leave a Reply