January 4, 2008

Omega-3 in fish to boost good mood among teenagers

A group of Australian scientists found that omega-3 fatty acids in fish and seafood promotes good mood among teenagers while omega-6 fatty acids can trigger depression.

Most Australians consume less than a quarter of the recommended intake of omega-3 as it is only found is oily fish such as salmon and sardines. Western diets show 15 times more omega-6 than omega-3.

Researchers pointed that an imbalance omega-3 and omega-6 intake caused by increases in processed foods heightens the probability of depression.

Previous New South Wales (NSW) research showed children have to eat five times more fish and seafood than their usual diet.

The scientists conducted research with 14 to 17-year-old respondents, and were the first ones to measure which variant a teenager has of the serotonin transporter gene, which is responsible for our uptake of feel-good serotonin and mood control.

In 2006 Australian research found people who carry an insufficient version of the gene tend to be more susceptible to depression, while those with the ample version are more resilient against negative life events.

American research suggests fish oil capsules and fatty fish do an equally good job of enriching the blood and other body tissues with omega-3 fatty acids.

Researcher Dr Williams Harris, of the University of South Dakota, said it doesn't make any difference whether omega-3 fatty acids are obtained from a concentrate in a capsule or in fish as they have the same effect on enriching the tissues with omega-3.