Diet matters
“Highly unsaturated fatty acids are important components of neuronal cell membranes and in cell signaling,” Jessica M. Gannon, MD, University of Pittsburgh, who was not part of the study, said in an interview.
“Omega-6 fatty acids are precursors to proinflammatory compounds. Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are thought to be competitive inhibitors of omega-6 and thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. Supplementation with omega-3 has been explored in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and in rheumatologic disorders as well as in a host of psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorders, where a possible treatment effect has been suggested,” Dr. Gannon said.
Dietary interventions targeting not only increasing omega-3 but also decreasing consumption of omega-6 rich foods could be both effective and attractive to patients invested in a healthy lifestyle for promotion of mental health, especially when they are not optimally controlled by prescribed medications, she added.
“This study suggests that such an intervention could prove beneficial, although significant patient support may be necessary to assure adherence to the diet. I would agree that future studies would be worth pursuing,” Dr. Gannon said.
The investigators and Dr. Gannon have reported no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article originally appeared on Medscape.com.