Omega 3 Nutrition Article - Essay Example

The researchers were focused on mood disorders and the role that a lack of Omega 3 fatty acids has on these disorders. There is some indication that low levels of Omega 3 can lead to increased depression and suicide. The article reviews different studies correlating Omega 3 fatty acids and mood disorders. They examined 10 studies and found that, in 7 of the 10 studies, Omega 3 fatty acids had a positive effect on mood disorders, including bi-polar, depression, and post-partum depression. General Theme – The general theme of the article is that Omega 3 fatty acids have beneficial effects on mood disorders.

The point of View - The article was definitely objective, in that the article covered different research programs regarding the efficacy in Omega 3s in treating mood disorders. In describing these different studies, the author describes the protocols for each study – how many participants, how the research was carried out, and the findings of each of the researches. It was not lacking in facts because it covered all the research very well. At the same time, it was clear that the authors are getting across an agenda, which is that Omega 3 should be used to treat mood disorders.

Issue Analysis – The article talks about the benefits of Omega 3s, and the dietary sources of these fatty acids. Some of the major dietary sources include fish, walnuts, flax seeds. The authors also state that the Western diet has an abundance of Omega 6, much more than Omega 3. In the hunter gatherer days, the diet had a ration of 1:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3. Now, the ratio is 15:1. Omega 6 is found in meat and vegetable oils. The researchers state that the high ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 contributes to depression, bi-polar disorder and cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions and Recommendations – The authors concluded that there are questions that are left unanswered, and more research is needed. Their questions are whether EPA plus DHA is the most effective method of treating mood disorders, or if EPA alone is more effective. Moreover, they have questions as to what the proper dosage would be of the Omega 3. They also have questions about how long the treatment should be. The mechanism by which EPA helps those with mood disorders is also a question.

My conclusion is that it is evident that some level of EPA is very beneficial for those with mood disorders, as every single study which featured EPA showed marked improvement in mood disorder symptoms. Therefore, it would be beneficial for those with depression to consult their doctors about adding EPA into their normal regimen of anti-depressants or drugs to treat bi-polar. This would also encompass my recommendation. Professional Projections – This article is very helpful, and will be very helpful in my professional career and in my personal life.

In my professional career, this article will help me to know that Omega 3s, especially EPA, should be prescribed not only for those with mood disorders, but for anybody having issues with cognitive decline. The article definitively states that EPAs help those with mood disorders, and suggests that the EPAs also help with cognitive issues, including issues regarding learning and memory. I believe that many doctors who are dealing with mood disorde