Scientists of the University of Medicine and Medical Sciences RCSI in Ireland called harm, which can apply with teenagers of vegetable oils rich in omega-6-fatty acids. The high level of these substances in the blood was associated with mental disorders in young people. This is reported in an article published in Translational Psychiatry magazine.
Specialists examined 3,800 people aged 17 to 24 years for psychotic disorders, depression or generalized anxiety disorder. Blood samples were also collected to measure the level of omega-6 fatty acids, which enhance inflammatory processes, and omega-3 fatty acids that reverse effect. It turned out that volunteers aged 24 years old with mental disorders had higher levels of omega-6-fatty acids in relation to Omega-3 compared to those who did not observe the disorders.
In addition, the high risk of psychotic disorder was associated with a lower level of docosahaseanic acid (DGK), which is usually contained in fish or food additives. In a group of more than 2,700 people, over the state of which were led long-term observations, adolescents with a higher level of DGK at the age of 17 by 56 percent less often developed a psychotic disorder during the seven years.
These results remained unchanged when taking into account factors such as the floor, body mass index, tobacco smoking and socio-economic status. At the same time, they indicate the potential relationship between the use of vegetable oils, which contains many omega-6 fatty acids, and a tendency to mental diseases. Nevertheless, scientists emphasize that further research is needed to disclose the mechanisms underlying the effect.