Omega-3 fatty acids and anxiety: A systematic review of the possible mechanisms at play.
Nutr Neurosci
; 23(7): 494-504, 2020 Jul.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30264663
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Anxiety is prevalent, costly, and associated with significant adverse outcomes. The importance of nutrition is underestimated in the management of mental health disorders. In particular, omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs) are a critical component for healthy development and have been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms.Objective:
This paper reviews the current state of the research to identify potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between ω-3 FAs and anxiety reduction.Method:
Studies were identified using PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases.Results:
Of the 197 full-text studies screened, six met criteria for inclusion. Four mechanisms were identified based on primary outcomes reported by each study, Inflammatory Response, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Cortisol, and Cardiovascular Activity.Conclusion:
Five key recommendations are provided to guide future research examining ω-3 FAs and anxiety. They include (1) standardization of dosage and duration of ω-3 supplementation, (2) more rigorous measurement of variables, (3) effective blinding of participants, (4) designing experiments that test mediation, and (5) increasing sample diversity.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Anxiety
/
Fatty Acids, Omega-3
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
/
Systematic_reviews
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Nutr Neurosci
Journal subject:
CIENCIAS DA NUTRICAO
/
NEUROLOGIA
Year:
2020
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Estados Unidos