Omega-3 fatty acids and anxiety: A systematic review of the possible mechanisms at play.

Bibliographic Details
Title: Omega-3 fatty acids and anxiety: A systematic review of the possible mechanisms at play.
Authors: Polokowski, Ashley R., Shakil, Haque, Carmichael, Cheryl L., Reigada, Laura C.
Source: Nutritional Neuroscience; Jul2020, Vol. 23 Issue 7, p494-504, 11p, 2 Charts
Subject Terms: BRAIN-derived neurotrophic factor, INFLAMMATION, META-analysis, OMEGA-6 fatty acids, ANXIETY, MENTAL illness, MENTAL health, OMEGA-3 fatty acids
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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Nutritional Neuroscience is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Complementary Index
Full text is not displayed to guests.
More Details
ISSN:1028415X
DOI:10.1080/1028415X.2018.1525092
Published in:Nutritional Neuroscience
Language:English