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.")

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[xlerb.livejournal.com]

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