| Evolutionary Aspects of Diet: The Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio and the Brain. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 21279554 Owner: NLM Status: Publisher |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Several sources of information suggest that human beings evolved on a diet that had a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (FA) of about 1/1; whereas today, Western diets have a ratio of 10/1 to 20-25/1, indicating that Western diets are deficient in omega-3 FA compared with the diet on which humans evolved and their genetic patterns were established. Omega-6 and omega-3 FA are not interconvertible in the human body and are important components of practically all cell membranes. Studies with nonhuman primates and human newborns indicate that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for the normal functional development of the brain and retina, particularly in premature infants. DHA accounts for 40% of the membrane phospholipid FA in the brain. Both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA have an effect on membrane receptor function and even neurotransmitter generation and metabolism. There is growing evidence that EPA and DHA could play a role in hostility and violence in addition to the beneficial effects in substance abuse disorders and alcoholism. The balance of omega-6 and omega-3 FA is important for homeostasis and normal development throughout the life cycle. |
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Authors:
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Artemis P Simopoulos |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE Date: 2011-1-29 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Molecular neurobiology Volume: - ISSN: 1559-1182 ISO Abbreviation: - Publication Date: 2011 Jan |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2011-1-31 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 8900963 Medline TA: Mol Neurobiol Country: - |
Other Details:
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Languages: ENG Pagination: - Citation Subset: - |
Affiliation:
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The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health, 2001 S Street, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC, 20009, USA, cgnh@bellatlantic.net. |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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