Posted by Larry Hoover on April 29, 2005, at 7:16:16
In reply to Re: To Ed/Larry, posted by banga on April 26, 2005, at 18:40:33
> Hi Im not Larry or Ed the last time I checked, but thought I'd pass this on...
>
> Two example articles on the subject:
>
> http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/p991211.html
>
> http://www.mcmanweb.com/article-15.htm
>
> Carlson's supplements have a very good EFA formula, that can be ordered on the web; I get mine from vitacost.com--their NSI brand formulas of supplements are not too expensive and are good quality.
>
> DHA vs EPA: it is interesting, people have typically said DHA is the "neuroactive" form, yet the studies point to EPA being more important in regards to mood stabilization. I personally take both, just to make sure.The two fatty acids have very distinct modes of action. It just happens that the DHA effect is more behind the scenes.
EPA goes to form highly potent signalling compounds, in the class known as eicosanoids (the same root as the name for EPA). Eicosa means twenty, and the twenty-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids are what modulate the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory response. An EPA deficiency leads to generalized inflammation, and this is believed to be part of the "stress" of depression, part of the vicious circle that locks it in. EPA can have a rapid effect, as an inter-cellular (between cells) messenger.
DHA works by being taken into a cell's cytoplasm, and regulates the expression of a variety of proteins (enzymes, receptors, receptor-linked proteins, etc.). It is an intra-cellular (within a single cell) messenger.
That is grossly simplified, of course, but they are both essential, and both in short supply in the typical diet.
More reading, for those so inclined:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021025/msgs/125809.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20030903/msgs/259680.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021101/msgs/126168.htmlLar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:488841
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050414/msgs/491360.html