Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Omega-3 supplements may protect against traumatic brain injury in at-risk groups
By Staff Writer
Following a recent animal experiment, scientists believe that an omega-3 fatty acid may help to protect individuals from traumatic brain injury (TBI).
According to a report in the February issue of Neurosurgery, new research may lead to preventative treatment options for military personnel, athletes in contact sports and other individuals who are at high risk of receiving a TBI.
In the study, researchers provided rats with an amount of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexanoic acid (DHA), similar in size to a supplement that would be given to a human. Omega-3s are typically found in fish oil or algae, which is where the DHA for this study originated from.
The rats' tissue and behavioral responses were compared after one month. Rats who had received the highest dose of DHA were shown to have reduced tissue damage after TBI.
The researchers behind the study felt that DHA supplements could be given to groups at high risk for brain trauma. In addition, the researchers felt that these supplements may be beneficial to other groups, such as patients at high risk for stroke. Results from this study reflected recent evidence that DHA may reduce brain tissue damage caused by TBI.
