Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in certain fish tissues, and also in some vegetable foods such as green leaves.

It has been conjectured that the diet in the Human [Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness]? may have been rich in seafood, and that modern diets are deficient in their balance of Omega-3 to [Omega-6 fatty acids]?, perhaps leading to a number of modern illnesses.

There are preliminary reports that supplementing the diet with large doses of omega-3 oils may act as a mood stabilizer. However, care must be taken to avoid overdose, and more research is needed.

Lower doses may also have beneficial cardiovascular effects. Again, more research is needed.

References:

• Andrew L. Stoll et al. "Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Bipolar Disorder - A Preliminary Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial", http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/issues/v56n5/abs/yoa8185.html

• "FDA ANNOUNCES DECISION ON ANOTHER HEALTH CLAIM FOR DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS", http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/ANS01050.html

• "Seafood Gave Modern Humans Edge" http://dsc.discovery.com/news/briefs/20010521/seafood.html