Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Depression

From Food & Fitness Advisor newsletter published by Weill Cornell Medical College.

“A study published in the April Psychosomatic Medicine found that higher blood levels of omega-6fatty acids, found in refined vegetable oils used in margarine, commercially produced baked goods and snack foods, were associated with more symptoms of depression and higher levels of inflammation-causing compounds that have been tied to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. The ratio of omega-6 to healthier omega-3 fatty acidswas key: Six of the 43 study participants had been diagnosed with major depression, and their omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was 18 to one. The study authors suggest increasing dietary intake of omega-3 fats from salmon, mackerel, walnuts and flaxseed oil to acheive a healthier balance between the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and replacing processed foods containing omega-6 with more fruits and vegetables.”

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Category: Nutrition