Research on omega-3 fatty acids has come a long way since its beginnings in the middle 70's. Starting with studies on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, interest soon turned to the mechanisms of and the need to balance the omega-6 to the omega-3 ratio for homeostasis and normal development. Today, it is widely accepted that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid are essential for brain development during pregnancy, lactation and throughout the life cycle. It is also no longer controversial that DHA can affect brain function, mental health and behavior, and studies on supplemental DHA in age-related macular degeneration have revealed significant Interactions between DHA and genetic variants. Featuring contributions by leading scientists in the field, this publication discusses not only the role of omega-3 fatty acids in maintaining homeostasis, but also their importance in the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases associated with the aging process or genetic predisposition. It is thus not only of interest to nutritionists, dieticians or policy makers, but also to psychologists, physiologists, neuroscientists, psychiatrists, ophthalmologists, geneticists, neurologists, pedlatrlclans, obstetricians and geriatricians.

Research has clearly established a link between omega fatty acids and general health, particularly cardiovascular health. Omega Fatty Acids in Brain and Neurological Health, Second Edition, illustrates the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in longevity, cognitive impairment and structure and function of the brain's neurons and also the adverse effects of omega-6 fatty acids on neurological function. This book encompasses some of the most recent research on the links between omega fatty acids and the developing brain, aging, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, including the role of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on hippocampal neurogenesis, substantia nigra modulation, migraine headaches, the developing brain in animals, sleep and neurodegenerative diseases. This completely updated second edition focuses on the counterbalancing dietary and tissue omega-6 fatty acids as well as it studies the effects in pregnancy and early infancy, animal model studies and autoimmune neurological diseases. - Provides a comprehensive introduction to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in neurological health and directions for future research - Features novel focus on the adverse effects of omega-6 fatty acids on neurological function and the counterbalancing of dietary and tissue omega-6 - Illustrates the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in longevity and cognitive impairment - Features new chapters on early effects in pregnancy and early infancy, animal model studies and autoimmune neurological diseases - Discusses links between omega fatty acids and the developing brain, aging, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, including the role of omega-3 fatty acid supplements

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for up to one-third of combat-related injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to some estimates. TBI is also a major problem among civilians, especially those who engage in certain sports. At the request of the Department of Defense, the IOM examined the potential role of nutrition in the treatment of and resilience against TBI.

Research has clearly established a link between omega-3 fatty acids and general health, particularly cardiovascular health. Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Brain and Neurological Health is the first book to focus exclusively on the role of omega-3 fatty acids on general brain health. The articles in this collection illustrate omega-3 fatty acids' importance in longevity, cognitive impairment, and structure and function of the brain's neurons. Research has established links between omega-3 fatty acids and the developing brain, aging, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. This book encompasses some of the most recent research, including the role of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on hippocampal neurogenesis, substantia nigra modulation, migraine headaches, the developing brain in animals, sleep, and neurodegenerative diseases. This collection helps to push research forward toward a complete understanding of omega-3 fatty acids' relationship to brain and neurological health. - The first book-length collection of original research on the connection between omega-3 fatty acids and the brain - Provides a comprehensive introduction to the state of research on omega-3 fatty acids and the brain and directions for future research - A foundational collection for neuroscience, neurology, and nutrition research

The evidence that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human development and most helpful to achieve good health throughout life is clearly documented by Dr. Joyce Nettleton in her new book Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health. Omega 3 fatty acids are produced by the plants of the land and sea. The tissues of the body require the omega-3 fatty acids for their proper functioning just as they also need the omega-6 essential fatty acids. It is probable in man's evolutionary development that there has always been the proper balance between these two groups of essential fatty acids, but in the modern era with the provision of inexpensive vegetable oils it is possible that the pendulum for increased dietary omega-6 fatty acids in the form of linoleic acid has swung too far and the intake ofomega-3 fatty acids has actualIy declined. In particular, the 22 carbon omega 3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid, which has six double bonds, is important in the membranes of brain cells, heart muscle cells, the rods and cones of the retina and spermatozoa. Docosahexaenoic acid is found only in foods such as fish and other sea life, having been synthesized by the phytoplankton of the waters. An outright deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids has led to a number of distur bances in animals and human infants such as impaired vision, abnormalities of the electroretinogram, of the eye and various behavioral aberrations.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the scientific-medical literature to identify, appraise, and synthesize the human evidence for the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on eye health. Visual health is a broad topic, yet we focused on eye health conditions that have a large public health impact in North America. Impact was defined in various ways. Our definition encompassed conditions that either demonstrate high prevalence (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, agerelated macular degeneration [ARMD], and retinal vascular occlusions), produce many potential years of vision loss in that they affect the young (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa [RP]), or constitute a challenge to health services in no small part because they are costly to treat (e.g., cataracts). The brain and eye are highly enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, which accumulate in these tissues during late fetal and early neonatal life. Very high levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are present in the retina, specifically in the disk membranes of the outer segments of photoreceptor cells. DHA accounts for over half the total fatty acyl groups present in the phospholipids of rod outer segment membranes, a proportion higher than is found in any other tissues. Its specific role, however, is not well understood. The role of DHA may be related to its biophysical effects on the cell membrane. DHA influences the biophysical properties of membranes via its high polyunsaturation, and may help to create a membrane that accommodates the dynamic behavior of rhodopsin during the photoreceptive process. In addition, DHA may modulate the activity of membrane bound enzymes and receptors, and the kinetics of membrane transport systems, as well as being a precursor for the synthesis of other biologically active molecules. A number of studies in preterm and term human infants have suggested that a dietary supply of omega-3 fatty acids may be essential for optimal visual development. Finally, animal data suggest that retinal degeneration in rats might be prevented by dietary intake of DHA, and DHA administered before ischemia may reduce pressure-induced retinal damage in monkeys. It is against this backdrop that the key questions were investigated. Our project's overarching goal was to systematically review the human evidence to help develop a research agenda.

Fish oil's universal actions and benefits make it one of the best choices for all Americans to influence their health for the better. Taking fish oil as a supplement or as part of a healthy diet, along with adequate amounts of exercise and stress reduction, can save lives, prevent disease, and reduce our healthcare requirements. In this book, we will discuss the latest science on the benefits of omega-3's and how this special molecule can benefit every organ in our body. We will also focus on how our body's innate natural protective mechanism, the inflammatory response, is hijacked by our poor diet and lifestyle choices and contributes, rather than prevents diseases of aging. We will give you the information you need to make better choices when looking for fish oil supplements and help you determine what dose of omega-3's works best for you. We hope to lead you down a road of exciting discovery, give you the tools to make better choices and help you to die young... as late as possible!