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MSM

Health News Archive 378 - Mental Health
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Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels Predict Suicide Risk

Low levels of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and a high ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids predicted suicide risk in subjects with depression who were not taking medication.

Researchers determined if risk of future suicidal behaviors could be predicted by measuring the subjects’ level of essential fatty acids including DHA, a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil. They measured the level of plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in phospholipids in 33 medication-free depressed subjects monitored for suicide attempt over a two-year period. Seven subjects attempted suicide during the follow-up period.

Researchers discovered that subjects with a low percentage of docosahexaenoic acid and a higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio were more likely to be in the group who attempted suicide.

According to the study authors, “If confirmed, this finding would have implications for the neurobiology of suicide and reduction of suicide risk.”

Source: Sublette ME, Hibbeln JR, Galfalvy H, Oquendo MA, Mann JJ. Omega-3 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid status as a predictor of future suicide risk. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Jun;163(6):1100-2.

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