In a recent study published in Neurosurgery, it was found that rats who had been dosed the highest with docosahexanoic acid (DHA) were found to have the least amount of associated brain damage. DHA is an omega 3 fatty acid found in fish oil and some plant foods. The implication is that soldiers and athletes who are prone to traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be served better by increasing the amount of omega 3 fatty acids in their diet, or given supplements to increase their daily intake.

Five groups of 16 rats were given varying doses of omega 3 fatty acids and were then subjected to conditions that would produce TBI. The rats were then inspected and it was found that those with the highest serum level of DHA had the most reduced expression of beta amyloid protein, which is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease and TBI. Effectively, rats given the most omega 3 fatty acids has the least tissue damage, leading researchers to conclude that these fatty acids offered some protective benefit against TBI (and affirmed previous studies that have indicated some protective benefits against Alzheimer’s disease).

“The essential concept of daily dietary supplementation with DHA, so that those at significant risk may be preloaded to provide protection against the acute effects of TBI, has tremendous public health implications,” the researchers said. Dr. Julian E. Bailes of West Virginia University, Morgantown and his colleagues who engineered the study suggested that athletes, soldiers, children, and anyone at risk for stroke may benefit from increased levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their diets. “The potential for DHA to provide prophylactic benefit to the brain against traumatic injury appears promising and requires further investigation” Dr. Bailes concluded.

While the cardiovascular benefits of omega 3 fatty acids (particularly DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)) have been known for some time, it is interesting to note that there seem to be many additional benefits to these essential fatty acids. Our modern diet is exceptionally low in omega 3 fatty acids, and more and more, studies indicate the important role that they play in our health and well being. The potential prevention of traumatic brain injuries may be just one more reason we all should ensure that we are consuming enough of these essential fatty acids every day.

Source:
Neurosurgery. 68(2):474-481, February 2011: doi: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e3181ff692b