Использование омега-3 в терапии депрессии

The Essential Fatty Acids

There are 2 main types of essential fatty acids in humans, the ω-3 derived from a-linolenic acid and the v-6 series derived from linoleic acid. Although a-linolenic acid is easily converted to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the conversion from a-linolenic acid to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is inefficient in humans (less than 0.1%).[3] Because essential fatty acids cannot be synthesized de novo, they must be obtained from the diet. a-Linolenic acid comes mainly from plant sources, such as flax and canola oil, while EPA and DHA are obtained from marine sources, such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines. On the other hand, the main sources of v-6 linoleic acid are seed oil–based margarines, soy oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oil. Linoleic acid alone accounts for 10% of all calories in the US diet and by suppressing conversion of a-linolenic acid, creates greater dietary requirements for EPA and DHA consumption to achieve adequate levels in tissue.[4]

Anthropological and epidemiological data indicate that humans evolved on a shore-based diet with abundant seafood and few calories from seed oils. This may have permitted hominid encephalization.[5] In contrast, typical Western diets are now nearly devoid of adequate seafood and have excessive linoleic acid. An excess of v-6 fatty acids leads to increased low-density lipoprotein oxidation, platelet aggregation, and alterations in the cell membrane structure. Thus, high dietary intakes of v-6 fatty acids may cause a shift toward the proinflammatory, prothrombotic, and proconstrictive state, thereby promoting the pathogenesis of many illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.[6]

The Use of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Treatment of Depression