| Essential fatty acids and human brain. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 20329590 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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The human brain is nearly 60 percent fat. We've learned in recent years that fatty acids are among the most crucial molecules that determine your brain's integrity and ability to perform. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are required for maintenance of optimal health but they can not synthesized by the body and must be obtained from dietary sources. Clinical observation studies has related imbalance dietary intake of fatty acids to impaired brain performance and diseases. Most of the brain growth is completed by 5-6 years of age. The EFAs, particularly the omega-3 fatty acids, are important for brain development during both the fetal and postnatal period. Dietary decosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is needed for the optimum functional maturation of the retina and visual cortex, with visual acuity and mental development seemingly improved by extra DHA. Beyond their important role in building the brain structure, EFAs, as messengers, are involved in the synthesis and functions of brain neurotransmitters, and in the molecules of the immune system. Neuronal membranes contain phospholipid pools that are the reservoirs for the synthesis of specific lipid messengers on neuronal stimulation or injury. These messengers in turn participate in signaling cascades that can either promote neuronal injury or neuroprotection. The goal of this review is to give a new understanding of how EFAs determine our brain's integrity and performance, and to recall the neuropsychiatric disorders that may be influenced by them. As we further unlock the mystery of how fatty acids affect the brain and better understand the brain's critical dependence on specific EFAs, correct intake of the appropriate diet or supplements becomes one of the tasks we undertake in pursuit of optimal wellness. |
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Authors:
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Chia-Yu Chang; Der-Shin Ke; Jen-Yin Chen |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Review |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Acta neurologica Taiwanica Volume: 18 ISSN: 1028-768X ISO Abbreviation: Acta Neurol Taiwan Publication Date: 2009 Dec |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-03-24 Completed Date: 2010-04-08 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9815355 Medline TA: Acta Neurol Taiwan Country: China (Republic : 1949- ) |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 231-41 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Neurology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan Taiwan. chiayu.chang7@msa.hinet.net |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Bipolar Disorder
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drug therapy Brain / physiology* Cognition Cognition Disorders / prevention & control Dementia / prevention & control Depression / therapy Dietary Supplements Fatty Acids, Essential / administration & dosage, physiology* Humans Huntington Disease / therapy Schizophrenia / drug therapy |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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0/Fatty Acids, Essential |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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