Study Shows That Omega-3 Fatty Acids Can Reduce Anxiety

Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to have a number of potential health benefits, from possible anti-cancer effects to improved cardiovascular health. More research into the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids has looked at the possible psychiatric benefits of omega-3s. One such study, from researchers at Ohio State University, was published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity. The findings showed that consuming fish oil reduced both inflammation and anxiety in a group of healthy medical school students.

Prior research showed that omega-3 could help reduce the body's level of cytokines (compounds that promote inflammation). Cytokine production can be increased by psychological stress, so the researchers conducting this study hypothesized that omega-3 supplementation would decrease stress-induced cytokine increases.

The researchers found that the students receiving omega-3 did have a reduction in cytokines, which has benefits to a person's overall health. In addition, they found that the omega-3 group had a 20% reduction in anxiety compared to the group receiving placebos. The researchers caution that it may be too early to recommend that everyone take omega-3 supplements, but do suggest that people consider increasing the amount obtained through diet.

Photo: Medical News Today
Photo: Pexels

More Articles

Why is this medication prescribed?

Prozac or Fluoxetine is an antidepressant (mood elevator) and is used to treat depression, obsessive-...

In what probably doesn't come as a surprise to many people, a research study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology reports that the...

There are a number of herbal remedies touted as treatments for anxiety, and it can be hard to know which ones actually work and which are little...

You heard a rumor of more layoffs at work, have not met your monthly quota, and are finishing up an important presentation at the last minute. You...

As anyone who has experienced one knows, anxiety attacks are very frightening episodes of intense fear or panic. In addition to the severe...

SITEMAP