A few years back, Spanish researchers followed more than 12,000 European university graduates and their diets for 6-1/2 years.  The researchers found that diets rich in trans fats increased the risk of depression by 50%. On the other hand, those whose diets were high in fish oil had a low risk of depression.

Fish oil is a rich source of fatty acids called Omega-3s, specifically EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid). Omega-3 deficiency has been linked with a diminished ability to cope with stress and with increases in anxiety, depression, hostility and aggression. In a study on medical students, EPA/DHA lowered anxiety 20%. 

In the US, we consume much more trans fat than Europeans do, and it’s been estimated that up to 90% of us are deficient in Omega-3s.  Could that explain why so many Americans are in a bad mood?

A recent paper by eminent nutrition researcher Bruce Ames, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, and director of the Nutrition and Metabolism Center at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, explains at least one of the reasons Omega 3s are so important for our mood.

Along with vitamin D, EPA and DHA each play a critical role in supplying the neurotransmitter serotonin to our brains.

Serotonin calms the brain and engenders self-confidence. It affects mood, decision-making, appropriate social behavior and impulse control. Low levels of serotonin are found in depression, anxiety, food craving, sleep problems as well as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.

Vitamin D is needed to convert the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin; EPA helps with serotonin release, and DHA helps cell receptors in the brain accept serotonin.

So how much EPA and DHA do you need?  If you’ve been following the standard American diet, your body is in need of an “oil change.”  See Raymond Francis’ article “The Oil Crisis” on our website for more details.  

What about eating two servings of oily fish a week (equal to about 6-1/2 grams of EPA and DHA) instead of taking fish oil supplements?  We don’t agree with this recommendation.

First, today’s seafood has been contaminated by our polluted waters.   

Second, this recommendation is based on studies that found fish oil supplements less effective than fish oil from fresh fish. But this is because most fish oil supplements are rancid, which means its benefits have been compromised. Bite into a capsule. If it tastes “fishy,” it’s rancid. Also many supplements harbor the same contaminants found in fish.  

Deficiency and toxicity are the two causes of all disease.  Make sure you’re not deficient in Omega 3s, and that you’re getting Omega 3 supplements from a company that is passionate about purity.

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