because I was asked...

[sev]

Synopsis of studies suggesting that omega-3 consumption can help with depression. The theoretical mechanism I'm familiar with -- that omega-3 fatty acids are required in maintaining cell membranes of brain cells -- is mentioned, but there's also reference to them working much like a calcium channel blocker.

Another article talks about, among other things, the effect of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on the cyclooxygenase/lipoxygenase enzyme system and eicosanoid formation.

CCBs and eicosanoids are both short-acting substances. Therefore, my previous prediction that omega-3s' effect on depression was long-acting due to the several steps of removal between cell membrane formation and the effects that might have on mood is probably incorrect.

(and: I was unfamiliar with eicosanoids before today other than as a mostly-uninteresting byproduct of fatty acid metabolism; the NIH's Polyunsaturated Lipid Function Interest Group has put together a bunch of introductory information explaining what they are and how they work. Fascinating stuff!)

(takes swig of flax-seed oil. ptui! *gaak* really, the answer to this problem is "more sushi.")

Comments

[aynjel.livejournal.com]

Mmmm... sushi......

[xlerb.livejournal.com]

Ow. Not awake enough to resurrect memories of assorted organic chem classes.

[adrian-turtle.livejournal.com]

Fish oil is just as nasty as flax-seed oil, if you drink it straight. Maybe nastier. Ground flax seed can be mixed with rolled oats, in porridge or cookies or whatever, in moderate quantities, and the flavor isn't unpleasant.

[nmc.livejournal.com]

*sigh*

I really should eat more fish.

Sadly, the whole land-locked-desert-with-no-nearby-fresh-water thing is interfering with my goals.

[sev]

*obviously* you need to spend more time on the west coast. sheesh.

[nmc.livejournal.com]

Hey, I'm coming out your way in a couple weeks, as I mentioned in that email.

(This is not fishing for a RSVP. Really. *grin*)