Omega-3 Deficiency & Metabolic Syndrome in The Brain
In May 2012, a research study was reported in The Journal of Physiology about Metabolic Syndrome and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency. University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) researchers concluded:
1. Metabolic dysfunctions affect brain functions and performance.
2. Omega-3 deficiency is just one mechanism and how a poor diet can hinder optimal brain functions.
The model to mimic an unhealthy diet consisted of feeding rats unhealthy amounts of fructose and a diet deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. The rats were tested using a standardized, and accepted, maze. The use of mazes in research has been accepted by researchers for decades. Mazes are simple, cost effective, and are easily monitored. The maze test is ideal for studying learning, memory, and any external factors that can affect cognitive abilities.
The UCLA researchers found evidence that omega-3 deficient rats experienced memory problems with a diet rich in fructose. Other test parameters included sophisticated brain chemistry markers to look for traces of metabolic activity. This study was simple and gives more insights into the role of diet and brain metabolism and functions.
One important point is this research used simple fructose sugar. Now, just imagine what happens in the brain with high fructose corn syrup. HFCS is much sweeter and more potent than fructose.
You can read the summary points and the short abstract, here.
Metabolic Syndrome & Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Learn more about omega-3 fatty acids and how to get them in your diet.