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Effects of α‐Linolenic Acid (ALA) Versus Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) on Mood Status in Healthy Adults
Author(s) -
Mazhar Wajeeha,
Wien Michelle,
Sabaté Joan
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.323.6
Subject(s) - eicosapentaenoic acid , docosahexaenoic acid , mood , profile of mood states , depression (economics) , anxiety , algae fuel , medicine , algae , polyunsaturated fatty acid , fatty acid , food science , physiology , biology , psychiatry , botany , biochemistry , macroeconomics , biodiesel , economics , catalysis
Study Objective There is mounting evidence associating intake of n‐3 essential fatty acids ALA, EPA and DHA with mood states. This study aims to compare the effects of flaxseed oil, a terrestrial source of the n‐3 ALA versus algae oil, a marine source of EPA/DHA (V‐Pure) on mood status in healthy adults. Methods We performed a randomized cross‐over feeding study (three 8‐week dietary study periods) in 24 healthy adults. Subjects consumed three eucaloric diets Control, flaxseed oil (6–7g of ALA/2400 kcal/d) and algae (0.20/0.72g EPA/DHA per 2400 kcal/d). Mood state was assessed by two self‐rating questionnaires: Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) administered at the end of each study period. Results Compared with control, the flaxseed diet exhibited a tendency to decrease POMS and DASS depression scores by 14% and 39% respectively. Algae diet tended to raise depression scores by 31% and 33% respectively (all p>0.05). Similar trends were observed for stress scores while scores for vigor were reversed for the diets. Conclusions Longer studies are needed to test the effects of diet enriched with ALA and/or EPA/DHA on mood states which may clarify the tendencies observed during our short term study.