Fish And Sunlight Help In Good Brain Function
Many research findings have
pointed that serotonin regulates a wide variety of brain functions and
behaviors. Varying concentration of serotonin have been linked with various
medical conditions such as hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia,
and impulsive behavior. Moreover, it is not very clear how supplementation with
omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D improve cognitive function and behavior in
these brain disorders. Inadequate levels of vitamin D (~70% of the population)
and omega-3 fatty acids are common, suggesting that brain serotonin synthesis
is not optimal.
In a recent publication in
FASEBJ, the authors have proposed mechanisms by which serotonin synthesis,
release, and function in the brain are modulated by vitamin D and the 2 marine
omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA).
Their salient findings are:
1. Brain serotonin is synthesized
from tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase 2, which is transcriptionally
activated by vitamin D hormone.
2. EPA increases serotonin release
from presynaptic neurons by reducing E2 series prostaglandins and DHA
influences serotonin receptor action by increasing cell membrane fluidity in
postsynaptic neurons.
3. Insufficient levels of vitamin D,
EPA, or DHA, in combination with genetic factors and at key periods during
development, would lead to dysfunctional serotonin activation and function and
may be one underlying mechanism that contributes to neuropsychiatric disorders and
depression.
Their model suggests that
optimizing vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acid intake may help prevent and
modulate the severity of brain dysfunction.
Article citation: Patrick, R. P. and Ames, B. N. Vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior. doi:10.1096/fj.14-268342
South Indians and Bengali's have sunlight and fish...... :-)
