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Study
Reveals Omega-3's
May Prevent Parkinson’s Disease
April 19, 2008
Researchers at the University of Laval in Quebec City, Canada say that omega-3 fatty acids could possibly protect the brain from Parkinson’s disease and prevent its progression. Parkinson's disease (also known as Parkinson disease or PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer's motor skills and speech. This is caused by destruction of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
Study Protocol
One group of mice received a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and injections
of a powerful neurotoxin, called MPTP (1-methyl 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine),
that can cause permanent symptoms of Parkinson's disease by killing
dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain.
The second group of mice also received the MPTP injections but were
given their normal diet.
Study Results
In a press release from the university, it was reported that the mice
in the second group who did not receive the omega-3 fatty acids had
" a 31% drop in dopamine-producing neurons and a 50% decrease in
dopamine levels."
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Protect the Brain
The researchers stated that the reason why the first group of mice did
not have brain damage is that the omega-3 fatty acids, especially the
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), replaced the omega-6 fatty acids, in the
brain. The typical American diet contains 11 to 30 times more omega-6
than omega-3 fatty acids. A person with higher amounts of omega-6s may
be at a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. The author of the study,
Frederic Calon said, "This demonstrates both the importance of
diet on the brain’s fatty acid composition and the brain’s natural inclination
for omega-3 fatty acids."
He also stated, “Our results suggest that this DHA deficiency is a risk factor for developing Parkinson’s disease, and that we would benefit from evaluating omega-3's potential for preventing and treating this disease in humans.”
A Rich Source of Omega-3
Fatty Acids DHA and EPA for Optimal Health
The amount of DHA suggested by health researchers for optimal health
is 1.25 grams daily. This is recommended for EPA as well. Both DHA and
EPA are known as omega-3 fatty acids and found in high amounts in fish.
An omega-3 fatty acid is also in flax seed oil and known as ALA or alpha-linolenic
acid. People who use flax seed oil as a source for DHA will get very
little benefit as ALA has to be converted to DHA by the body. Studies
demonstrate that the conversion process yields only about a 4% increase
in DHA. In diets containing high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids the
conversion process is even lower.
Reference: Gerster H. Can adults adequately convert
alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) to eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) and
docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3)?
Int. J. Nutr. Res. 1998; 68(3):159-73.
Excessive Omega-6
Fatty Acids Are Harmful
While the body requires some omega-6 fatty acids Americans have excessive
amounts. As a result this reduces the omega-3 fatty acids ALA , EPA,
and DHA. This will interfere with the fatty acid chemistry resulting
in chronic inflammation throughout the body which increases the risks
of heart attacks and strokes. In cultures that have a high omega-6 to
omega-3 fatty acid ratio they also have higher amounts of high blood
pressure, cancers, diabetes, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders),
Alzheimer’s disease and other brain dementia, depression, suicides,
lower IQ’s, obesity, immune system dysfunctions, hormone imbalances,
skin problems such as eczema, asthma, allergies, menopausal symptoms,
liver problems, kidney problems, bowel problems such as irritable bowel
syndrome, Chron’s disease, stiff and painful joints, osteoarthritis,
Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and weakened cell wall and function.
Decreasing Omega-6
Fatty Acids and Increasing Omega-3 Fatty Acids
By decreasing the intake of omega-6 fatty acids and increasing the omega-3
fatty acids ALA, DHA and EPA one can improve their health. To lower
omega-6 fatty acids it is best to avoid all hydrogenated fats and oils
such as margarine and polyunsaturated oils such as corn, canola, safflower,
and soy. Instead use two very good oils, Extra Virgin Olive and Sesame
Seed. Do not fry foods as excessively high heat alters the structure
of the oils and destroys their health benefits.
If you are eating chicken and beef try to get grass fed. The meat is higher in the omega-3 fatty acid ALA than non-grass fed as they receive corn and soy high in omega-6. Also, try to eat organic eggs from cage free hens. The eggs are higher in omega-3 fatty acids. Use real butter instead of the substitutes. Believe it or not butter is actually healthier. And no, butter does not raise cholesterol or cause heart disease as research has substantiated.
Other sources of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA are flax seeds, flax seed meal, hemp seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts, sesame seeds, avocados, and dark leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, purslane, mustard greens, and collards.
Sources of DHA and
EPA
To insure that you receive sufficient amounts of DHA and EPA it is recommended
that 6 to 8 ounces of fish be consumed a minimum of twice a week. Fish
high in DHA and EPA include Tuna, Mackerel, Sardines in oil, Whitefish,
Herring, Salmon, Anchovy, Trout, and Bass. For those who wish to supplement
you can take a high quality omega-3 fatty acid supplement from fish
oil as a softgel.
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