Omega-3 Fatty Acids Could Help Nerve Repair
The importance of omega-3 fatty acids in the formation of brain tissue and brain function in infants is well recognised.
Such fats are often added to infant formulas today. It now seems they have other benefits.
In growing nerve cells, there is a small protein called syntaxin 3. When activated, this protein enhances the growth of extensions to nerve cells, which is critical in brain development and also in repair of damaged nervous tissue.
Recent work has shown that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids activate syntaxin 3, and this may in part be the mechanism of action of these fats on the brain.
In turn, perhaps syntaxin-3 itself may be a source of substances to enhance repair of damaged nervous system tissues.
Source: Darion F, Davletov B. Nature 2006; 440: 813-7.
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