However, in societies and nations consuming larger quantities of fish, high in essential fatty acids (EFAs), experience lower rates of major depression. Furthermore, higher concentrations of DHA (major brain PUFA) in red blood cell membranes and higher EPA to AA (higher omega-3 than omega-6) ratios in plasma have been associated with less severe levels of depression.
It has been seen in scientific studies that there are lower concentrations of total PUFAs and a higher ratio of high levels of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids to omega-3 PUFAs in participants with depression. However, in Western countries the intake of PUFAs has decreased and a steady rise in fried and fast-foods, vegetable and seed oils and a variety of commercially prepared baked goods. An Omega-3 deficiency in rat brain has been associated with decreased learning ability and cognitive performance but improves with Omega-3 addition along with the improvement of the mood state. This is due to the fact that the activity of some neurotransmitters involved in psychiatric disorders affects the metabolism of PUFAs.
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