Pediatria pre prax 3/2015

Utilisation of omega fatty acids in pedopsychiatry

Notable changes in eating habits during industrial and agricultural revolution at the beginning of 19th century resulted in increased prevalence of cardiovascular and psychiatric disorders. A change in ratios of ingested polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) is a common factor in pathophysiology of both disorders. A linoleic acid, the most distinguished source of omega-6 FA, can be found in diet and it´s a precursor of arachidonic acid (omega-6 FA). The source of omega-3 FA in diet is alfa-linolenic acid. It´s an initial substance that are used to synthesize other omega-3 FA like eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Changes in eating habits also affect changes in ratio of omega-6 FA to omega-3 FA from 1 : 1 to 15 – 16 : 1. An increased level of omega-6 FA influences also neuronal cells among other tissues. The arachidonic acid is used for the synthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids that leads to inflammatory reaction of organism. That affect membranes fluidity of neuronal and other cells, transport of substrates across cell membranes, (e. g. neurotransmitters), a signal transmission, activity of a membrane receptors and functions of neuronal and other cells in general. A cell protection mediated by metabolites that originate from omega-3 FA (e. g. anti-inflammatory eicosanoides, resolvines, protectines) is limited because of reversed ratio of omega-6 FA and omega-3 FA. Therefore it´s important to lower ratio of omega-6 FA : omega-3 FA at least to 2 : 1. That can be ensured by fish consumption 2 – 3 times a week. In case of dietary supplements, recommended ratio of omega-3 FA composition of eicosapentaenoic acid : docosahexaenoic acid is 3 : 2 for prevention of psychiatric disorders. Minimal daily intake of (eicosapentaenoic + docosahexaenoic) acids should be 250 mg. For cardiovascular disorders prevention, recommended intake ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid to docosahexaenoic acid is 1 : 2.

Keywords: omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, ADHD, major depression, schizophrenia.