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Deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids may place individuals at an increased risk of developing mental disorders, a new study finds.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that cannot be produced by the body and are supplied from food intake. Oily fish like salmon, walnuts and ground flax seeds are rich sources of these fatty acids.

While the cardioprotective benefits of these fats had long been recognized, the new study, however, is the first to report their benefits to brain health.

According to the study published in Behavioral Neuroscience, two omega-3 fatty acids known as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid play a critical role in maintaining the health of the nervous system.

Low omega-3 levels, hence, are linked to information-processing problems commonly found in mental disorders such as schizophrenia, and bipolar, obsessive-compulsive and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders.

Scientists concluded that omega-3 supplements not only have mood-stabilizing and antidepressant properties but also play an important role in brain development, encouraging the growth of neurons that control impulsive behavior.