A new study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that low levels of omega-3 in adolescent mice were more likely to develop behavioural problems in adulthood.
The long-term imbalances involved at adolescence can have a big impact on cognitive functions and emotional wellbeing, according to an international based French research team.
Any kind of Omega-3 deficiency can play a major risk factor in neuropsychiatric conditions like depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Research has also shown how important good Omega-3 status is especially during critical development periods including perinatal and adolescent life stages.
The long term consequences on the test subjects showed that when the diet is lacking in Omega-3’s, it can lead to lower PUFA levels in certain areas of the brain during adulthood.
The research team suggested that when nutritional deficits were noted in dietary n-3 PUFAs during adolescence, this “decreased levels of omega-3 PUFAs in both the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the nucleus accumbens.”
Researchers have noted that lower omega-3s affect a complex signalling mechanism that’s known as mGlu5-endocannabinoid that was observed to show cognitive and emotional changes. It was also noted that cognitive function is impeded by nutritional deficits after a neuro-developmental period.
This study provides further evidence that reinforces the long-term consequences of having poor nutrition during adolescence. Ensuring you have vital key nutrients for your brain health is essential.
Choosing the right foods with adequate levels of Omega-3 fatty acids is therefore recommended and in many cases, it’s better to use a supplement to ensure you are receiving the recommended nutrients to support your emotional and mental wellbeing.
Recommended Examples
Krill Miracle™ – The Krill Miracle™ is a dietary supplement of ultra-pure omega fatty acids 3, 6 and 9 that is formulated to promote wellness and longevity.
A balanced fatty acid nutrition, with added ingredients to support normal immune function, may aid cardiovascular health, joint mobility, brain function, and skin health.
Krill oil is rich in EPA and DHA and is safe, pure and free of heavy metals, PCB`s, dioxins, and contaminates.
Hemp Seed Oil™ – Rich in essential fatty acids and Omega 3, 6 and 9, this is derived from cold-pressed organic hemp. Hemp is unique among common seed oil as it contains GLA, and even more unique, it is able to raise circulating GLA.
Extensive studies have shown that many common illnesses are related to deficiencies or imbalances of specific fatty acids in the body in particular, Omega 3, 9 & 6 – of which Hemp oil can provide and is very high in these fatty acids.
