Fish Oil & Depression!
Posted on Monday, August 23, 2010 at 12:24 PM
A while back, I sent you an email with a 8min audio clip from a seminar I attended about the benefits of fish oil on our DNA & Cellular Health.
Today I want to share another 8min audio clip from the same seminar that isn't so "geeky", the last audio clip was a bit techy/geeky for the consumer so I totally get it if you lost interest!!
In the first 3mins of this audio Dr Karl talks about the benefit of fish oil & the impact it has on Depression! I would like to also provide 5 research studies to back up his claims.
1) Increasing the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids has direct effects on serotonin levels (happy gene).
Andrew Stoll M.D.1999 Archives of General Psychiatry
2) Fish oils, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) help prevent heart disease, depression, and cancer.
Hans R. Larsen, Msc chE ""Fish Oils: The Essential Nutrients"" International Health News
3) ArticleText "1. Fish oils, rich in the Omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent depression, stabilize the moods of maniac-depressives, and alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia.
University of California's Johnsson Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA health.com
4) Less Energy Metabolism in Brain Regions Linked to Depression and Lower DHA
Brenna JT, Diau GY. The influence of dietary docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid on central nervous system polyunsaturated fatty acid composition. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2007;77(5-6):247-50.
5) Low Omega-3 levels and suicide risk
Sublette M, Hibbeln J, Galfalvy H, et al. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Essential Fatty Acid Status as a Predictor of Future Suicide Risk. Am J Psychiatry, 2006;163:1100-1102.
This is just 5 studies of over 50 papers published on DEPRESSION alone!!
And because I'm a father with 2 kids under 2years of age, breast feeding & DHA is vital both from breast milk or supplementation (among other things like loads of love!!)
So here's 5 of over 50 research studies published about Breastfeeding & DHA for pregnancy!
Breastfeeding or not, new moms need DHA
Otto SJ, van Houwelingen AC, Badart-Smook A, et al. Comparison of the peripartum and postpartum phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles of lactating and non-lactating women. Am J Clin Nutr 2001 Jun;73(6):1074-1079.
Effects of Omega-3 FAs During Pregnancy And Lactation
The available data suggest a modest effect of these fatty acids on increasing gestational duration and possibly enhancing infant neurodevelopment.
Jensen CL. Effects of n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;83(6 Suppl):1452S-1457S.
DHA taken during pregnancy associated with problem solving capabilities in children.
Judge M, Harel O, Lammi-Keefe C. Maternal consumption of a docosahexaenoic acid–containing functional food during pregnancy: benefit for infant performance on problem-solving but not on recognition memory tasks at age 9 mo. American Journal of Clin
Maternal intake of Omega-3 DHA improves cognition, including IQ, in children
Cohen JT, Bellinger DC, Connor WE, Shaywitz BA. A quantitative analysis of prenatal intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cognitive development. Am J Prev Med, 2005;29(4):366-374.
Taking cod liver oil early in pregnancy is associated with higher birthweight, healthier life
Taking cod liver oil early in pregnancy is associated with higher birthweight, healthier life
RESULTS: Fourteen percent of the study population used liquid cod liver oil in early pregnancy. Regression analysis shows that these women gave birth to heavier babies (P < 0.001), even after adjusting for the length of gestation and other confounding.
CONCLUSIONS: Maternal intake of liquid cod liver oil early in pregnancy was associated with a higher birthweight.
Higher birthweight has been associated with a lower risk of diseases later in life and maternal cod liver oil intake might be one of the means for achieving higher birthweight.
Olafsdottir AS, Magnusardottir AR, et al. Relationship between dietary intake of cod liver oil in early pregnancy and birthweight. BJOG, 2005; 112(4):424-429
Ok, enough of the geeky stuff let's hear what he's got to say!!
Now, "sales time" :-) If you would like to purchase fish oil & get it directly to your door with NO SHIPPING charges (save $7.50NZ), I have some options below that we used during the pregnancy with both our girls.
I always recommend Nordic Naturals over ANY OTHER brand on the market in NZ/AU! In the US their are a few other brands that are great, however I won't recommend any because I don't know for sure, so my suggestion is stick to Nordic Naturals.
Omega 3 with 1000IU Natural Vitamin D
To Improve the possibility of your child's development during pregnancy
The real take home message here, is not that you must buy from me! It's Fish Oil is ESSENTIAL to our health and because we don't produce it, we must source it from external food such as plant based omega 3's such as flax seed or fish. Now there is research suggesting that majority of our fish is got Contaminated things like mercury etc in it due to pollution to our waters!
This is another can of worms that doesn't need to be eaten :-) here! So again the message is take some form of fish oil supplement that is guaranteed to be of great quality & quantity and my recommendation is Nordic Naturals!!
Thanks for raising your health I.Q.
P.S. If you like what you read, then sign up to our Fish Oil Newsletter & discounts on fish oil products!
Category: Nutrition Coaching, Uncategorized
Tags: cod liver oil, depression, fish oil, nordic naturals, omega 3, vitamin d
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