Oiling the Brain A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Psychopathology across the Lifespan 英文参考文献.docVIP

Nutrients 2010, 2, 128-170; doi:10.3390/nu2020128 OPEN ACCESS nutrients ISSN 2072-6643 /journal/nutrients Review Oiling the Brain: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Psychopathology across the Lifespan Natalie Sinn *, Catherine Milte and Peter R. C. Howe Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Frome Road, Adelaide 5000, Australia; E-Mails: te@.au (C.M.); peter.howe@.au (P.H.) * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: natalie.sinn@.au. Received: 3 December 2009 / Accepted: 3 February 2010 / Published: 9 February 2010 Abstract: Around one in four people suffer from mental illness at some stage in their lifetime. There is increasing awareness of the importance of nutrition, particularly omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), for optimal brain development and function. Hence in recent decades, researchers have explored effects of n-3 PUFA on mental health problems over the lifespan, from developmental disorders in childhood, to depression, aggression, and schizophrenia in adulthood, and cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in late adulthood. This review provides an updated overview of the published and the registered clinical trials that investigate effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation on mental health and behavior, highlighting methodological differences and issues. Keywords: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; mental health; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; autism; aggression; depression; dementia 1. Introduction Mental health is described as “a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community” [1]. About 450 million people worldw