Nutrient and the Mind-Body Axis, in Relation to Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Amino Acids

Abstract

Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs); obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) and cancer have become major health problems in both developing and developed countries. Physical inactivity and increased intake of energy rich proinflammatory foods in association with genetic predisposition are common primary risk factors for these problems. Mind-body interactions and mechanisms in relation to hypothalamus neurotransmitters and vagus nerve have been discovered in causing NCDs. Apart from above risk factors. The role of salivary glands, liver and beta cells of pancreas and their interactions with hypothalamus and vagus nerve are important mechanisms to explain the neural and behavioural factors in the pathogenesis of NCDs. In this connection, the role of w-6/w-3 fatty acids ratio as well as essential and nonessential amino acids like glutamate, arginine and cysteine (the latter two being conditionally essential in some situations) and the sulphonic acid taurine have on brain function appears to be of great interest. This broad hypothesis focusses on the role of environment on mind-body connection in the pathogenesis of NCDs. Omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids possibly glutamate, can also improve neuronal efficiency causing improvement in taste, appetite, attention, cognitive performance and mood state. Omega-3 fatty acids can improve the electroencephalographic alpha and theta oscillations which are indicators of memory function. Treatment of NCDs; coronary atherosclerosis, hypertension and type 2 diabetes with an w-3 fatty acid rich Mediterranean diet may be protective, as it is also rich in amino acids. There is a need to study the role of amino acids, especially, glutamate in the pathogenesis of NCDs, because other ‘amino’ acids like arginine, taurine and cystiene have been found to be protective against cardiovascular diseases.