Here's how omega-3s are effective against Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome: the positive action of Omega 3 supplements

Rett syndrome is a disease of the nervous system for which there is no treatment. However, interesting news has emerged in recent days from the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese and Le Scotte Hospital in Siena. Claudio De Felice, Cinzia Signorini and Joussef Hayek led a group of researchers who identified the first nutritional approach useful in diminishing both the symptoms and oxidative stress characteristic of this disease: taking Omega 3 fatty acids.

Rett syndrome, a matter of genes and oxidative stress

Rett syndrome is a rather rare disease that impairs the development of the nervous system. A mutation in a gene underlies its onset.Research over the years has shown that affected patients are characterized by increased oxidative stress. This leads to lipid damage. No therapy is currently able to prevent the disease or halt the accompanying nerve degeneration.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3s

The potent anti-inflammatory agents Omega-3 may also counteract the effect of oxidizing agents. De Felice and colleagues set out to test their possible benefits against oxidative stress and lipid oxidation, which are typical in neurological diseases such as Rett syndrome.

The study

The researchers administered fish oil rich in these nutrients to 10 patients with the disease at the earliest stage of its development. Single daily dose (average):

- 72.9 grams per body weight of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA);
- 117.1 grams per body weight of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

They are the 2 main food-derived Omega-3s.

The administration was continued for 6 months. As a control, 10 other patients in the same condition were followed for the same period without receiving the fatty acid supplement.

Rett syndrome symptoms: reduction demonstrated through fatty acids

At the end of 6 months of administration, researchers observed a significant reduction in symptom severity only in patients who received Omega-3s. The improvements noted included:

- motor skills
- nonverbal communication deficits
- breathing difficulties

A decrease in all markers of oxidative stress that were analyzed was also observed in individuals taking EPA and DHA.

Anti-inflammatories or antioxidants?

Experts in the field reiterate that Omega-3s are first and foremost active ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties. Past studies show that these valuable nutrients can protect against oxidative stress, although they are not true antioxidants. Whatever their mechanism of action, this research shows for the first time that an Omega-3-based nutritional approach can lead to at least partial recovery of the clinical and biochemical symptoms of Rett syndrome.

Source 

1. De Felice C, Signorini C, Durand T, Ciccoli L, Leoncini S, D'Esposito M, Filosa S, Oger C, Guy A, Bultel-Poncé V, Galano JM, Pecorelli A, De Felice L, Valacchi G, Hayek J, "Partial rescue of Rett syndrome by ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) oil," Genes Nutr. 2012 Mar 8.