Fish Oil Reduces the Effects of Stress
In a recent study, the influence of an acute low dose of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids on young, healthy individuals was examined. Participants were randomly assigned to either 21-days of omega-3 fatty acids (1.4g EPA and DHA) or matched placebo. Cardiovascular measurements were obtained in the laboratory during baseline and during a standard mental arithmetic task. Cardiovascular reactivity to the task was calculated. Mean arterial pressure reactivity was significantly reduced by supplementation but not by placebo. These results suggest that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may reduce the effects of stress.