Abstract

Psychiatric depression and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, have shown a considerable increase in recent decades, particularly in Western countries. These diseases are closely related to the age, socioeconomic status, employment conditions, physical activity, family history or genetic, and in recent years dietary patterns. Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) from marine origin are decisive factors in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, and most recently in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. There is evidence that supplementation with omega-3 LCPUFA may help in preventing the development or in ameliorating the progression of both psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Different clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of omega-3 LCPUFA in the prevention and or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses different evidences about the role of omega-3 LCPUFA in the protection against neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases.