<p>Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have long been considered healthy dietary additives, reports the journal Brain, Behaviour and Immunity. <br /><br />Previous research suggests these compounds might reduce the level of cytokines, compounds that promote inflammation, according to an Ohio University statement.<br />Psychological stress has been shown to up cytokine output, so the researchers wondered if increasing omega-3 might mitigate that process, reducing inflammation. They turned to a group of medical students to test their theory. <br /><br />“We hypothesized that giving some students omega-3 supplements would decrease their production of proinflammatory cytokines, compared to other students who only received a placebo,” explained Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, professor of psychiatry at Ohio.<br /><br />Half the students received omega-3 supplements while the other half were given placebo pills. Those receiving the omega-3 showed a 20 percent reduction in anxiety compared to the placebo group.</p>
<p>Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have long been considered healthy dietary additives, reports the journal Brain, Behaviour and Immunity. <br /><br />Previous research suggests these compounds might reduce the level of cytokines, compounds that promote inflammation, according to an Ohio University statement.<br />Psychological stress has been shown to up cytokine output, so the researchers wondered if increasing omega-3 might mitigate that process, reducing inflammation. They turned to a group of medical students to test their theory. <br /><br />“We hypothesized that giving some students omega-3 supplements would decrease their production of proinflammatory cytokines, compared to other students who only received a placebo,” explained Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, professor of psychiatry at Ohio.<br /><br />Half the students received omega-3 supplements while the other half were given placebo pills. Those receiving the omega-3 showed a 20 percent reduction in anxiety compared to the placebo group.</p>