Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Concussions: Treatment or Not?

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Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Concussions: Treatment or Not?

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Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Concussions: Treatment or Not?

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Access the profile card for user: Gregory Peckels Gregory Peckels

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October 27, 2013 4:51 PM

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Greg Peckels

KINE 5306

27 OCTOBER 2013

Title

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Concussions: Treatment or Not?

Purpose of Study

The purpose of this study is to address if fish oil should be used to help athletes with the recovery after mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) (concussion).

Methods and Materials

This particular study, which is a meta-analysis, focused their research on animal and basic science data since clinical data in humans have not been published. The research study, Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA’s) and Concussions: Treatment or Not?, looked at fish oil/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) use following concussion, fish oil/DHA use before a concussion, a-linolenic acid (ALA) use, the risks of fish oil use, and specific dosing for omega-3 PUFA’s.

Summary of Results/Conclusion

When looking at spinal cord injuries (SCI), omega-3 PUFA’s may be necessary to protect neurons in a SCI patient. Looking at mild TBI’s, omega-3 PUFA supplementation ameliorates protein oxidation and reverses the reduction of Sir2-a levels in rats and levels of total and phosphorylated AMPK were reduced after TBI and levels were normalized by omega-3 PUFA supplements. This basically says that TBI’s may compromise neuronal protective mechanisms by the action of Sir2-a and other regulatory enzymes and that omega-3 PUFA correct those abnormalities. When looking at the supplementation prior to TBI in rats, it has be determined that these rats had reduced oxidative damage and less learning disability as measured by the Morris water maze, maintaining neuronal function and plasticity after TBI. It seems logical that fish oils, particularly omega-3 PUFA, are of great benefit to individuals that suffer from a TBI. During this study, risk of fish oil use was looked at and the main side effects include belching, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, and loose stools. It really seems that the potential benefits of omega-3 PUFA’s outweigh the potential risks of its use. Furthermore, according to this study, it has also been determined that supplements of fish oil, with 10 mg_*kg^-1 of EPA and DHA per day in a 2:1 ratio or 10 mg_*kg^-1 d^-1 of DHA alone seem to be sufficient if started right after a concussion from animal studies. In conclusion, the evidence in the animal models is convincing that omega-3 PUFA, especially, DHA is beneficial after mild TBI occurs, and supplementation for 30 days before mild TBI, even though costly, can be helpful as well. The excessive cost and unintended benefit compared with supplementation at the time of injury should also be looked at. Further studies need to be performed to determine the role that omega-3 PUFA plays in humans who sustain mild TBI’s.

Critique of the Study

I found the study to be very informative and could potentially use the information in the future when I deal with athletes sustaining and recovering from concussions in sport. I thought that the information was presented in a way that was easy to follow, making it easy to understand. The information presented, could definitely change the way that head injuries are reduced in severity and treated.  Obviously, further research is needed to determine whether the use of omega-3 PUFA in humans produces clinically measurable benefits after concussions.

Practical Application(s) of the Study

It has been determined from this study, that omega-3 PUFA’s could be used to help treat concussions and help reduce the severity of concussion symptoms in laboratory rats. The potential benefit of omega-3 PUFA’s seems safe and generally well tolerated and the potential benefit seems to be greater than the risk of taking fish oil. This is of particular benefit to athletes recovering from concussions, which may help to speed up the recovery, potentially allowing athletes to return back to their particular sport in a timely manner. More studies need to be performed to determine the effects on human subjects who are dealing with head injuries, specifically mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions).

Unanswered Questions

1.     Potentially how fast (in days) can omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids speed up the recovery for individuals?

2.     Is there a specific age in which it is safe or unsafe to take omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids?

Reference

Trojian, T., & Jackson, E. (2011). Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Concussions: Treatment or Not?. American College of Sports Medicine,10(4), 180-186. 

Attachment:  Omega 3 PUFA and Concussions.pdf (582.66 KB)

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