The teenage years to the early adult years is a crucial time to ensure a healthy diet is eaten, but it is also a time of independence and free choice about the types of foods eaten. Healthy eating habits are not always adopted. In the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey, people in this age range ate the least amount of fish*.
Apart from the growth, development and protection against degenerative diseases, a particular function of essential fatty acids for teenagers is controlling hormonal changes. For example, in young women, there is the possibility that higher intake levels of omega 3 essential fatty acids may be associated with reduced menstrual pain**.
There is a theory that low levels of omega 3 in the cell membrane, possibly from oxidative damage in the cells, are linked to depression. Experiments with supplementation of essential fatty acids show that patients can improve after being treated with fish oils. Supplementation trials with omega 3 essential fatty acids are still underway to prove this relation.
With regards to aggression, a recent well-publicised study conducted in a British prison found that young offenders showed a 30 per cent drop in the instance of aggression when given fish oil supplements with their daily diet***. Although there may have been other factors involved in this difference in behaviour, it is interesting to note that diet is seen as important in relation to behaviour.
A recent study from Bristol reported that the likelihood of a young person being jailed as a result of criminal activity was much greater in those born to mothers who did not eat seafood during pregnancy compared to those born to seafood-eaters. Studies have also shown that a low intake of omega 3 essential fatty acids is linked to the increased presence of brain chemical substances, which are associated with violent and impulsive behaviour.
Furthermore, international comparisons of fish consumption and suicide rates show marked increases in suicide rates as fish consumption falls.
Currently, the evidence for the link between essential fatty acids and asthma is in its preliminary stages. Population observations, such as from the Inuit community who consume a large amount of oil-rich fish in their diet, show a low rate of asthma.
Reference
* National Diet and Nutrition Survey Adults aged 19 to 64, Volume 1 (2002 ). London HMSO
** Deutch B. Menstrual pain in Danish women correlated with low n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake. 1995 European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 49: 508-16
*** Gesch CB, Hammond SM, Hampson SE et al. Influence of supplementary vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids on the antisocial behaviour of young adult prisoners. 2002 British Journal of Psychiatry. Jul; 181:22-8.
