Good news for health - Scientists find that omega-3 fatty acids can protect nerves from injury
Last updated 1/17/2012 12:44:17 PM
Good news for health - Scientists find that omega-3 fatty acids can protect nerves from injury
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, have the potential to protect nerves from injury and help them to regenerate.
When nerves are damaged because of an accident or injury, patients experience pain, weakness and muscle paralysis which can leave them disabled, and recovery rates are poor.
The new study, from Queen Mary, University of London , suggests that omega-3 fatty acids could play a significant role in speeding recovery from nerve injury. It focused on peripheral nerve cells - the nerves which transmit signals between the brain and spinal cord, and the rest of the body.These nerves have the ability to regenerate but, despite advances in surgical techniques, patients usually only have good recovery when their injury is minor.
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for the body's normal growth and development and have been widely researched for their health benefits. Because the body cannot manufacture omega-3 fatty acids, they have to be consumed in foods such as oily fish.
Adina Michael-Titus, Professor of Neuroscience at Barts and The London Medical School explained: "More work is needed but our research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids can protect damaged nerve cells, which is a critical first step in a successful neurological recovery."