Fatty acids in neurological and behavioural disorders

It has been known for some time that omega-3 fatty acids are qnantitatively important components of the membranes of nenrones in the brain. The remarkable nnmber of axons and dendrites that link the neurones in the brain means that the nnmber of membranes in this organ is enormons. The reqnirement for the omega-3 fatty acids in the brain will be high in at least two conditions  

In view of these factors, it has been suggested that a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acid in the diet will decrease the concentration of these fatty acids available for synthesis of the required phospholipids in the body, including the brain. If this was a chronic deficiency it could increase the risk of development of some disorders, including depression, schizophrenia and attention deficit syndrome. There is some evidence that this is the case. 

The three disorders depression, schizophrenia and dementia are discussed in relation to the possible involvement of omega-3 fatty acids in these diseases, that is a deficiency may be involved in the aetiology of these diseases. 

Three different types of study have provided evidence that omega-3 fatty acids are involved in depression. 

The amonnts of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are low in erythrocytes from patients snffering from schizophrenia. As with depression, snpplementation of the diet of snch patients with omega-3 fatty acids has been claimed to improve the condition. 

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