US: US military believes fish oil may help against suicidal temptations

Years of research suggest that omega-3 fatty acids protect mental health by reducing the risk of developing anxiety, depression and other serious behavioral disorders. A new study will test whether taking products fortified with these nutrients represents a viable therapeutic opportunity to reduce suicide risk. A new study aimed at testing whether omega-3s can help reduce the risk of psychological disorders and suicide will kick off soon. Leading the research will be Bernadette Marriott and Hugh Myrich of the Medical University of South Carolina, who will test the effect of taking an Omega-3-enriched milkshake, already distributed on the European market, on the mental health of individuals involved in the study.

Why Omega-3s in particular?

The choice of Omega-3s as possible adjuvants in reducing suicide risk is based on both the results of previous research and the need for clarity on the involvement of these fatty acids in psychological disorders. Indeed, while some studies have failed to establish a correlation between Omega-3 levels and issues such as anxiety or depression, others point in a totally opposite direction, suggesting protection against depression, substance abuse addiction and other disorders of the mind. Research published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience has, for example, revealed that cognitive flexibility and executive function are associated with the availability of these nutrients. 

In contrast, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that military personnel (men) characterized by low levels of docosahexaenoic acid (the omega-3 known by the acronym DHA) were at a 62 percent higher risk of suicide than those with the highest levels of this Omega-3. Despite these research findings, it is currently not possible to say that there is causation, i.e., that it is Omega-3 deficiency that induces suicide. Not only that, the benefits of Omega-3 intake would extend far beyond the effects on psychological health, involving all other aspects of well-being on which these fatty acids have a positive effect: from cardiovascular health, to reducing the risk of disabling conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

The choice of participants

Marriott and colleagues will involve a group of U.S. veterans at high risk for suicidal behavior in the study. The high suicide rate among veterans is, indeed, an extremely topical and important problem in the U.S. military, which in July 2012 alone recorded 38 cases of alleged suicide among its soldiers, the highest number since monitoring began. Suicide is, however, a problem that extends outside the military environment as well, and in the United States it is the fourth leading cause of death in the 18-65 age group.

Fortunately, analyses conducted by Istat have revealed that Italy is one of the OECD countries with the lowest level of suicide mortality and that between 1993 and 2009 there has been a continuous decrease in the incidence of sucides. There remain, however, 6.7 people per 100,000 inhabitants of the Boot who choose to take their own lives each year, a total of about 3,800 people. Omega-3s could be a valuable and inexpensive way to further curb this phenomenon.

Psychological well-being is in an Omega-3 milkshake

The new research involves daily intake, for 6 months, of 2 Omega-3 enriched milkshakes or 2 milkshakes to which these valuable fatty acids have not been added. Marriott explained that the choice of the product to be used in the study was dictated by its excellent taste and the absence of side effects associated with its intake. Beyond the form of administration, this new study will shed more light on the role played by Omega-3s in determining suicidal tendency.   

Sources Lewis MD, Hibbeln JR, Johnson JE, Hong Lin Y, Hyun DY, Loewke JD, "Suicide Deaths of Active-Duty U.S. Military and Omega-3 Fatty-Acid Status: A Case-Control Comparison," J Clin Psychiatry, August 23, 2011 Johnston DT, Deuster PA, Harris WS, Macrae H, Dretsch MN, "Red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid levels and neurocognitive performance in deployed U.S. Servicemembers," Nutr Neurosci. 2012 Jun 28