Review on Omega-3-Supplementation in Eating Disorders.

Background: Eating disorders are complex, potentially life-threatening conditions, characterised by disturbances in eating behaviours and extreme fear of weight gain with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Individuals avoid fattening foods. This avoidance of fattening foods may lead to the avoidance of foods which may include those with omega 3 fatty acids. Aim of the work: Aim of the review is to explore the consequence of starvation on the brain both in adolescence and in adults and particularly due to omega 3 deprivation. It also aims to explore the role of the benefits and possible mechanisms of omega 3 supplementation on other mental health conditions and to consider these implications for eating disorders. Methods: The search was undertaken by using PubMed and the search terms, eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and Omega-3. Alternatively, search terms such as depression, schizophrenia or other mental health conditions and omega-3 were used. References lists of identified reviews and articles were also searched for relevant empirical studies. Results: According to a growing body of evidence, the role and importance of omega-3 fatty acids in mental health is well-recognised and well-established to be beneficial. Fatty acids are fundamental components of the brain and are necessary for normal body physiology. Since the body cannot synthesize these fats, it has to be completely obtained from the diet. Brain tissue is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids have a major role within cell membranes and in connections between neurons. Omega-3 FAs deprivation may be correlated with the happening of many psychiatric conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Conclusion: The clinical research evidence on omega-3 supplements in eating disorders is preliminary and not definitive in comparison to other mental health disorders. Thus, this will be an important area for future research, and may lead to the development of newer interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]