Omega-3s may affect mood, personality

by Nick Vagnoni, Posted Mar 6th 2006 @ 4:14PM

Research from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center suggests that levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, commonly found in fish, may have effects on depression levels, personality and behavior. A recent study examined the blood levels of omega-3s in 106 healthy volunteers and found that those with lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids were more likely to be impulsive, have a negative outlook and report mild or moderate depression. The results were based on "three accepted tests for depression, impulsiveness and personality," according to a UPMC press release. The release also reminds that the American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish per week.

Filed Under: Science, Ingredients
Tags: behavior, depression, fatty acid, fish, mood, omega-3, pittsburgh, seafood, study

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-06-2006 @5:05PM Linda said... How much Omega 3 would that be if you were taking the supplement? Is the supplement as good?
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3-09-2006 @2:32PM Ruth, MD said... I use Restasis 4 times a day and I also have plugs in my tear ducts to treat dry eyes. It was recommended recently by my Ophthalmologist to try an Omega 3, fish oil, supplement. She found that some patients it has helped. Like any supplement, it is not a guarantee.
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3-09-2006 @2:53PM Kim K. said... Hi,

For further information about the benefits of Omega 3's (as well as other natural products and general info) I would highly recommend the Dr.Andrew Weil website. Here's the link below regarding specific usages and dosages.

http://www.drweil.com/u/QA/QA356000/

He recommends that if you take them in supplement form, to start with 1 to 2 grams per day. He also recommends that you make sure that you're taking a high quality form, one is distilled (to remove heavy metals). You can find these high quality supplements in health food stores, like Whole Foods.

Good luck!
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3-09-2006 @4:07PM Mike Robinson said... Vegetable sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids are walnuts and flaxseed. Health food stores have breads and even chips with flaxseed,which, although the name may not sound appetizing, actually tastes pretty good. Walnuts can be added to homemade cookies and brownies to offset the bad effects of sugar.
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3-09-2006 @4:24PM kc said... fish/omega three is great for your tear ducts! i had a tear duct angioplasty years ago, and when my tear ducts started to slowly re-clog, i started a high-fish diet. fish at least twice a week. problem solved! tear ducts are healthy and moist, and my mood is better too. salmon and swordfish are our friends! (plus i take a daily omega 3 supplement) do it!
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3-09-2006 @5:04PM Panther said... I take three Omega 3 capsules a day and can confirm their ability to make one feel upbeat. In my case, I think that they have also definitely improved my memory.
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3-09-2006 @6:24PM kathy stone said... I have been hearing about the benefits of Omega 3-s for some time now. I have recently been advised by my opthomologist to take fish oil capsules to combat dry eyes. I have extemely dry eyes, have been on Restasis for a couple years now, have plugs in my tear ducts, and also use OTC eye drops. I have noticed a difference since taking fish oil capsules in that my eyes aren't bothering me as much.
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3-09-2006 @6:29PM kathy stone said... I have been hearing about the benefits of Omega-3s for some time now. I have recently been advised by my opthomologist to take fish oil capsules to combat dry eyes. I have had extremely dry, irritated eyes for a few years now. I have been using Restasis, have plugs in my tear ducts, and use OTC eye drops. Since taking fish oil capsules, I have seen improvement with the dry eyes.
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3-09-2006 @7:16PM Jaculis said... Chia seed (think "Chia Pets(r)" annoying advertisements...) has a lesser known use. It contains the omega-3 fatty acids.

The seeds are rumored to be quite edible. Check for yourself by using a search engine.

Stranger than the 10 year-old grilled cheese sandwich that sold on EBay because it resembled the Virgin Mary? If you think not, check it out!

Think of all the endangered bay herring and small estuary bait fish you'll save from the extinction/extraction process!

To your health!
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3-09-2006 @7:41PM Jane B. said... I take 6 capsules per day for its cardiovascular benefits & relief of arthritis pain (yes!). Depression is never a problem since I've been taking this supplement. I only use Omegagard by Shaklee.
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3-09-2006 @7:48PM jc said... I take Omega 3 capsules which contain both flaxseed and fish oils. I have found that taking them at bedtime eliminates my tasting fish when they repeat on me during the day.
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10-23-2008 @4:14AM a treatment for depression said... Depression is a commonplace event in modern times, taking on many different forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and verbal abuse, occurring in many different contexts.
-http://www.depressionfighters.com

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10-10-2006 @2:50PM bess holton said... how much is too much of the supplement if i eat fish every day? usually it's tuna,talapia, sardines, catfish,drum or orange roughy
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