Oral consumption of α-linolenic acid increases serum BDNF levels in healthy adult humans

Mahmoudreza Hadjighassem,Argavan Baseerat,Masoud Mehrpour,Goh Yong Meng,Nima Shekarriz,Fatemeh Ahmadipour,Mahdi Tondar,Mohammad Taghi Joghataei,Nima Molavi,Behnam Kamalidehghan

doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0012-5

Abstract

Background aimsDietary omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids have remarkable impacts on the levels of DHA in the brain and retina. Low levels of DHA in plasma and blood hamper visual and neural development in children and cause dementia and cognitive decline in adults. The level of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) changes with dietary omega-3 fatty acid intake. BDNF is known for its effects on promoting neurogenesis and neuronal survival.MethodsIn this study, we examined the effect of the oral consumption of α-Linolenic acid (ALA) on blood levels of BDNF and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in healthy adult humans. 30 healthy volunteers, 15 men and 15 women, were selected randomly. Each individual served as his or her own control. Before consuming the Flaxseed oil capsules, 5cc blood from each individual was sampled in order to measure the plasma levels of BDNF and MDA as baseline controls. During the experiment, each individual was given 3 oral capsules of flaxseed oil, containing 500mg of alpha linolenic acid, daily for one week. Then, plasma levels of BDNF and MDA were tested.ResultsThe plasma levels of BDNF and MDA significantly (P < 0.05) increased in individuals who received the oral capsules of ALA. Plasma levels of BDNF increased more in the women in comparison with the men.ConclusionALA treatment could be a feasible approach to reduce size of infarcts in stroke patients. Thus, ALA could be used in adjunction with routine stroke therapies to minimize brain lesions caused by stroke.

Highlights

The long chain omega-3 fatty acid with 6 double bonds and 22 carbons, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in the mammalian central nervous system
In this study, we examined the effect of the oral consumption of α-Linolenic acid (ALA) on blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in healthy adult humans. 30 healthy volunteers, 15 men and 15 women, were selected randomly
The plasma levels of BDNF and MDA significantly (P < 0.05) increased in individuals who received the oral capsules of α-Linolenic Acid (ALA)

Summary

Introduction

The long chain omega-3 fatty acid with 6 double bonds and 22 carbons, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in the mammalian central nervous system. Many researchers have shown that dietary ω-6 and omega ω-3 fatty acids have remarkable impact on the levels of DHA in brain and retina [6,7]. A growing body of evidence indicates that omega-3 fatty acids have neuroprotective impact on the nervous system These fatty acids influence the levels of neurotrophins, molecules that increase neuronal growth and survival. The level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) changes with dietary omega fatty acids intake [23,24]. Dietary omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids have remarkable impacts on the levels of DHA in the brain and retina. Low levels of DHA in plasma and blood hamper visual and neural development in children and cause dementia and cognitive decline in adults. The level of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) changes with dietary omega-3 fatty acid intake. BDNF is known for its effects on promoting neurogenesis and neuronal survival

Methods

Results

Conclusion