Scientists believe the mood of teenagers could be determined by the food they eat-and are about to put their theory to the test according to agencies.
A group of Australian scientists believe too few omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and seafood, and too many omega-6 fatty acids, found in processed oils and nuts, raises the risk of depression in adolescents.
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Lower seafood consumption has been linked to higher rates of depression in adults. The study will attempt to prove it affects teenagers in the same way. Researchers want to know if an imbalance in levels of omega-3 and omega-6--due to increases in processed foods-heightens the probability of depression.
Humans evolved with a diet equal in both essential fatty acids but current diets have up to 15 times more omega-6 than omega-3.
Omega-3 fatty acids are critical to brain development and function, but because our bodies cannot effectively make them we rely on dietary sources. However, many people consume less than a quarter of the optimal recommended intake because it is only found in a few foods, including oily fish such as salmon and sardines.
The study will be the first to measure which variant a teenager has of the serotonin transporter gene, which is responsible for our uptake of "feel-good" serotonin and mood control.
Dr. Williams Harris encourages people to eat fish, "Fish of course brings with it proteins and minerals and other factors that are good for our health that the capsules don't bring, but we weren't able to measure any of those things," he said.
Fatty Acid Facts
Omega-3s: cannot be made by the body. They are obtained from oily fish, cod liver oil and egg. Emerging evidence shows links between low levels of omega-3 and mood, behaviour, learning and neurological disorders.
Omega-6s: come from industrial oils used in takeaways, ready meals, chips, biscuits and
Western diets have up to 15 times more omega-6 than omega-3
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