Influence of dietary omega-3 and omega-6 containing oils on the neurobehavioral responses in male rats

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids affect growth vitality and mental state. They favorably affect atheroscieorosis, coronary heart diseases, inflammatory diseases and perhaps even behavioral disorders. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the possible effect of feeding rats a diet enriched with 5% of each flaxseed oil or sun flower oil [for 10 weeks]on the levels of brain monoamines and on the parameters of two behavioral tests[open field and swimming tests].90 male rats pups after weaning[21 days of age]were divided into 3 groups: group[1]control untreated, group [2] and [3] subjected to a diet containing [5% flaxseed oil or sun flower oil] respectively for 10 weeks. The results showed that both Omega-3 and 6 produced a significant increase in the levels of serotonin and dopamine. In the open field test omega-3 and omega-6 oils induced a significant increase in the grooming number whereas, induced a significant decrease in the rearing number. Application of swimming test to tested groups revealed that both Omega-3 and Omega-6 induced a significant decrease in latency time, The data showed that both Omega-3 and Omega-6 containing oils cause alterations In the brain functions and behavior in rats

Variations in fat and fatty acid intakes of adult males from three regions of India.

Fat and fatty acid intakes of 25 healthy adult urban males from Ghaziabad, U.P.; Goa and Kolkata, W.Bengal, respectively were studied. Fat intakes were estimated using dietary records, food frequency questionnaires and chemical analysis of the diets consumed. Fatty acid intakes were estimated by gas chromatography. Total fat intakes ranged from 26.9 g/day to 163.2g/ day. Percent subjects having intakes above the desirable level were 72% in Kolkata, 36% in Ghaziabad, U.P. and only 10% in Goa. Visible fat constituted more than 60 percent of total fat. In all 3 areas, SFA intakes were higher and MUFA lower than desirable levels. Palmitic acid constituted at least 50% of SFA intakes. In Goa, lauric acid, in Ghaziabad and Kolkata, stearic acid and myristic acid were major dietary SFAs, In Kolkata, erucic acid was 17.3+/-8.3%. Overall 60% of subjects had n-6:n-3 intakes close to the desirable ratio. Linoleic acid constituted almost the entire n-6 intake. Alpha linolenic acid constituted most of the n-3 intakes in Ghaziabad, U.P. and Kolkata. The ratios of SFA:MUFA--PUFA vaned widely and percent subjects with intakes close to the desirable ratios were 12% in Goa, 23% in Ghaziabad and 40% in Kolkata. The data highlights the need for limiting fat intakes and modifying diets to provide fatty acids in desirable ratios.