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PubMed · 42100925

Causal Relationship of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Yiying Yao·Xiaopeng Yang·Junwei Yan·Hongran Lv·Zihan Yue·Jiayao Yu·Xiuqin Lin·Chao Qian·Huafang Zhang·Zheng Liu·Mengfei Ye
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Abstract

CONTEXT: Mental disorders (MDs) pose a important global health challenge, with a complex pathogenesis complicating treatment development. Nutritional interventions, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), have gained attention as potential therapeutic options. OBJECTIVE: This Mendelian randomization (MR) meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the potential causal relationship between PUFAs and MDs. DATA SOURCES: Genome-wide association study data were utilized to analyze the association between PUFAs (including omega-3, omega-3 percentage [omega-3%], omega-6, omega-6 percentage [omega-6%], and omega-6 to omega-3 ratio) and 12 major MDs. DATA EXTRACTION: Two-sample MR technology was used to assess the role of PUFAs in MDs. DATA ANALYSIS: The MR analysis revealed that genetically predicted omega-3 was causally linked to MDs, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. Omega-3% exhibited protective effects against emotional personality disorder. Conversely, omega-6 was inversely correlated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder risk, while a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was associated with an increased risk of depression and other mood disorders. CONCLUSION: High omega-3 levels and omega-3% may reduce the risk of MDs, whereas a high omega-6:omega-3 ratio may elevate the risk. These findings highlight the potential of PUFAs, particularly omega-3, in MD prevention and treatment, while underscoring the need for further research into the complex interactions between omega-3 and omega-6. The study provides a scientific foundation for future clinical trials and dietary intervention strategies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO no. CRD42024598472.

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HumansMental DisordersFatty Acids, Omega-3Fatty Acids, UnsaturatedFatty Acids, Omega-6Genome-Wide Association StudyMendelian randomizationmeta-analysispolyunsaturated fatty acidspsychiatric disordersJournal ArticleSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis

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Yiying Yao, Xiaopeng Yang, Junwei Yan, Hongran Lv, Zihan Yue, Jiayao Yu, Xiuqin Lin, Chao Qian, Huafang Zhang, Zheng Liu, Mengfei Ye. 2026-10-01. Causal Relationship of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit%2Fnuaf225

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Fatty Acids, Omega-3 subjectGenome-Wide Association Study subjectHumans subjectJournal Article subjectJournal Article; Systematic Review; Meta-Analysis resourceMendelian randomization subjectMeta-Analysis subjectSystematic reviews study

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