Fish Oils and Breast milk…where’s the connection?

Every wondered why fish oils make you brainier? It all boils down to the shape of phospholipids, an important component of cell membranes. 

These phospholipids can be found in many different shapes. The particular shape depends whether the lipid part is made of saturated, mono-saturated or poly-unsaturated fat molecules. Unsaturated fats have a bend or kink in their structure, so unlike saturated fats they cannot sit closely together. It is their crooked shape that makes them special because it leaves gaps between them, allowing them room to change their shape when receptors come into contact with them.

Receptors are molecules that sit on the cell walls. When neurotransmitters such as serotonin meet with receptors they attach to the phospholipids in the cell wall. Phospholipids that have unsaturated lipid molecules can readily change shape when receptors lock on, because they are loosely packed together, Saturated fats however, are so tightly packed they have trouble changing shape. This directly affects the speed of transmission of signals and therefore our ability to think. Concentration can be greatly improved by increasing the unsaturated fats in your diet.

However, not any old lard will do! A high charge is required to cross the threshold necessary to fire electrical signals in the brain, in the same way a set of jump leads may be required to jump start your car. So our brains are fussy and demand high quality fats. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is the preferred lipid of the brain because DHA is highly charged, exactly what our brain needs to function optimally. Omega oils are very rich in DHA.

High charge is not the only advantage of DHA's in Omegas however. Phospholipids that are made up of DHA are very long chain fatty acids and so can be made into many shapes. The more shapes possible the greater number and type of receptor that can connect with them, in the same way a master key fits many locks. Being able to attach many receptors is what influences cognitive ability and speed and therefore concentration, memory and even mood.

Diets rich in Omega oils have shown positive results with ADHD and depression. Phospholipids made up of DHA are particularly receptive to serotonin a neurotransmitter that elates mood. Tryptophan, an amino acid found in chocolate and bananas is synthesized into serotonin and this increases the levels available to link with phospholipids in the brain. Oily fish has also been shown to reduce aggression. In a study of U.S. and U.K prisons, there was a 35% reduction in violent behaviour among criminals taking Omega supplements, compared to those who weren’t. 

So where is the connection to breast milk? Well breast milk is particularly high in DHA oils, in contrast to formula and bovine milk, which has little or no DHA. Of course levels of DHA will be affected by the mothers diet so it makes sense for mothers breastfeeding to increase their intake of foods rich in these oils such as fish, nuts and seeds. This is not only important for brain development in their baby but also for their own wellbeing. A diet rich in Omega oils may also prevent post - natal depression, as low levels of DHA have been linked to this condition, reinforcing the argument that DHA plays an important role in regulating mood.

So if you are dumb, moody and were never breast fed as a baby, perhaps you should consider eating a little more fish!