A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders revealed that post-trauma supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may be effective for secondary prevention of psychophysiological symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychophysiological symptoms, such as a pounding heart, are known to be common complications of PTSD.

• For the study, researchers from Japan recruited 83 accident survivors to determine whether omega-3 fatty acids have a beneficial effect on preventing psychophysiological symptoms like increased heart rate caused by PTSD.
• In conducting the study, the Japanese researchers gave the participants either omega-3 fatty acids — 1,470 milligrams (mg) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 147 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) — or placebo within 10 days of the accidental injury.
• The supplementation period lasted for 12 weeks.
• After 12 weeks, the participants performed script-driven imagery of their traumatic experience as the researchers monitored their heart rate and skin conductance.
• The researchers found that heart rate during rest and script-driven imagery was substantially lower in those who took omega-3 fatty acids than those who took the placebo.

From these findings, it can be concluded that supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids might help improve psychophysiological symptoms of PTSD.

To read more studies on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on mental health, visit Omega3.news.

Journal Reference:

Matsumura K, Noguchi H, Nishi D, Hamazaki K, Hamazaki T, Matsuoka YJ. EFFECTS OF OMEGA-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS ON PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IN ACCIDENT SURVIVORS: A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL. Journal of Affective Disorders. 15 December 2017; 224: 27-31. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.05.054