FISH OILS
Four or five years ago I attended a lecture at Royal Perth Hospital, given by a colleague of Dr Horrobin.  At this time research on fish oils as a treatment for ADD was presented.  Now this same research centre shows that again fish oils are very important in maintaining normal brain function.

60% of the brain is composed of fatty acids.  80% of the myelin sheath (the outer insulation of nerve fibres) is fatty acids or phospholipid.  Fish oils (EPA & DHA) are principal components and they attract the oxygen necessary for the chemical activities of these nerves and improve blood circulation in the brain.  These omega 3 essential fatty acids are found primarily in cold water fish.

Most of us grew up on cod liver oil.  We may not have liked it but, in fact, it kept us healthy in many ways, including a healthy brain.  Dr Horrobin's research shows that EPA in particular is important  He advocates 2 grams daily (best as salmon oil). Fish for our diet high in EPA and DHA include herring, salmon, sardines and mackerel but will not be as effective as the salmon oil.

Five trials (incl double blind) conducted by Dr Horrobin (Peet, Glen & Horrobin 1999) using a particular fish oil high in EPA and low in competing substances show greater improvement than those achieved by standard anti-psychotic drugs, offering a new safe approach to management of mental illness.  His book, "Phospholipid Spectrum Disorder in Psychiatry" 1999, Marius Press UK can be ordered at book shops or from Marius Press PO Box 15  Carnforth, Lancashire, LA6 1HW UK

VITAMIN B6
Other research shows that of people with depression, 79% are low in Vitamin B6.   B6 and serotonin are both found to be low in people who are suicidal, have a low pain threshold, mood swings or are depressed.

 B6 is essential for the conversion of many brain neurotransmitters.  Low B6 affects the enzymes for nerve chemicals including serotonin and domapine - can also lead to accumulation of toxic nerve chemicals that imitate nerves.  Remember adequate carnitine levels are needed for B6 to work.  Magnesium is needed too.

Check for other deficiencies like other B vitamins, zinc, manganese, potassium, amino acids and Vitamin C.

Blood pressure tablets - beta blockers and ACE inhibitors can cause depression. Ask your doctor to try a different sort of anti-hypertensive.

Depressed people often turn to food for comfort but certain foods increase depression.  Sweet foods may lift the mood temporarily but  returns with a vengeance when effects wear off.  Eliminating sugar and coffee will take 3 weeks to improve mood.  There is a tendency to eat carbohydrate snacks.  Vegetarians are more prone to depression due to low carnitine & B6.

REFERENCES
The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition, Osiecki 1998
Phospholipid Spectrum Disorder in Psychiatry Horrobin 1999
Modern Nutrition in Health & Disease Shils et al 1999
Nutritional Influences on Illness Werbach 1998
Hyperhealth CD ROM (Published Research info) 1998
Prescription for Nutritional Healing Balch 1990
Food & Mood Somer 1995