Consuming a steady diet of essential fatty acids
(EFAs) throughout your life can significantly reduce motor deficits if
you are at risk for HD. Some of the most common EFAs are the “omega-3s”
in fish oil supplements, called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). For more information on omega-3s, click here.
Researchers have shown that two grams of EPA per day can prevent or
delay some of the movement symptoms of HD in humans. Some experts
recommend that expectant mothers take fish oil capsules during
pregnancy if their children are at risk for HD.
To test their ideas about fish oil, the researchers
alternated between giving the HD mice and normal mice EFAs or placebo
throughout their lives. The researchers found that EFAs, taken early
and continuously, protected the mice against motor deficits. This study
offers hope that EFAs may also be beneficial in humans, but you should
consult your doctor before taking EFA capsules, as they may cause
thinning of the blood.
To find out more about the benefits of fish oil,
please go here.
Last Modified: 5-10-04
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