2020 INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Showcase

Presentation Type

Open Access Paper Presentation

Keywords

Fatty acids in human nutrition; Mental health--Nutritional aspects;

Abstract

Depression, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's Disease may be associated with dietary imbalances currently seen in the average Western diet. The increase in intake of omega-6 fatty acids is a point of concern, as evidence links disproportionate intake with inhibited neural membrane function and increased inflammation. This paper reviews evidence related to problems associated with decreased omega-3 fatty acid intake in the average Western diet. Evidence connects omega-3 supplementation with alleviation of symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and defiant behavior. Further research may be warranted regarding the degree of omega-3 deficiency in given populations of interest, such as the University of Northern Iowa. Further research using the Diet History Questionnaire (DHQ) from the National Institutes of Health to measure dietary intake is planned.

Start Date

17-4-2020 12:00 PM

End Date

17-4-2020 4:00 PM

Faculty Advisor

Catherine Desoto

Department

Department of Biology

Student Type

Undergraduate Student

File Format

application/pdf

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Apr 17th, 12:00 PM Apr 17th, 4:00 PM

Effects of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Mental Health

Depression, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's Disease may be associated with dietary imbalances currently seen in the average Western diet. The increase in intake of omega-6 fatty acids is a point of concern, as evidence links disproportionate intake with inhibited neural membrane function and increased inflammation. This paper reviews evidence related to problems associated with decreased omega-3 fatty acid intake in the average Western diet. Evidence connects omega-3 supplementation with alleviation of symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and defiant behavior. Further research may be warranted regarding the degree of omega-3 deficiency in given populations of interest, such as the University of Northern Iowa. Further research using the Diet History Questionnaire (DHQ) from the National Institutes of Health to measure dietary intake is planned.