Just in case you are not yet tired of my preaching about fishoil….
Aggressive dogs are characterized by low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acid status
Veterinary Research Communications
March 2008;32(3):225-30 Simona Re, Marco Zanoletti, Enzo Emanuele
FROM ABSTRACT
Canine aggressive behaviour is one of the most common problems being reported
by dog owners. However, the biochemical basis of this phenomenon remains
unclear.
In humans, alterations in omega-3 plasma polyunsatured fatty acids and elevated
omega-6/omega-3 ratios have been linked to behavioural alterations, including
aggression. Thus far, however, the relationship between plasma polyunsatured fatty acid status and aggression has not been investigated in the dog.
Eighteen adult male German Shepherd dogs, aged 4.9±0.9 years, showing no
clinical signs but aggression, were investigated.
Eighteen healthy male dogs, aged 4.8±0.7 years, with a negative history of
behavioural and neurological disorders served as controls. Baseline fasting plasma polyunsatured fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography.
Compared to normal dogs, aggressive dogs showed lower docosahexaenoic acid
(22:6 n-3) concentrations and a higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio. In addition, they showed reduced cholesterol and bilirubin concentrations compared to their normally behaving counterparts.
Altogether, our results suggest that low omega-3 fatty acids may adversely impact
behaviour in dogs, resulting in greater propensity to aggression.
THESE AUTHORS ALSO NOTE:
“Aggressive behaviour is a common behavioural problem in dogs, resulting in
bite injuries, reaching epidemic proportions.”
“In humans, abnormalities in lipid metabolism have been found in a variety
of mental disorders, including pathological aggression and anxiety.”
Altered lipid profile may play a relevant role in hyperactivity, aggression and
impulsiveness.
“Of great interest, human studies have also pointed to a role for alterations in
omega-3 plasma polyunsatured fatty acids and elevated omega-6/omega-3 ratios in the pathophysiology of aggression and hostility.”
RESULTS
“Compared to normal dogs, aggressive dogs showed a significantly lower
concentration of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) and a higher omega-6/omega-3
ratio.”
DISCUSSION
“There is consistent evidence from other studies, especially from human
epidemiological investigations, that a low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status could be linked to aggressive behaviour.”
“Results of our study showed that German Shepherd dogs with a history of
aggressive behaviour displayed a significantly lower docosahexaenoic acid
(22:6 n-3) concentration and a significantly higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio when
compared with non-aggressive dogs.”
Several studies suggest that low-omega 3 fatty acid status may adversely
impact serotonergic function in the central nervous system.
“In conclusion, our pilot study suggests that low concentrations of cholesterol,
bilirubin, docosahexaenoic acid and a higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio may be
biological correlates of aggressiveness in German Shepherd dogs.”
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) “In humans, alterations in omega-3 plasma polyunsatured fatty acids and
elevated omega-6/omega-3 ratios have been linked to behavioural alterations,
including aggression.”
2) In this study, compared to normal dogs, aggressive dogs showed lower
docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) concentrations and a higher omega-6/omega-3
ratio.
3) Low omega-3 fatty acids may adversely impact behaviour in dogs, resulting in
greater propensity to aggression.
4) “In humans, abnormalities in lipid metabolism have been found in a variety of
mental disorders, including pathological aggression and anxiety.”
5) Altered lipid profile may play a relevant role in hyperactivity, aggression and
impulsiveness.
6) “Of great interest, human studies have also pointed to a role for alterations in
omega-3 plasma polyunsatured fatty acids and elevated omega-6/omega-3 in the
pathophysiology of aggression and hostility.”
7) “There is consistent evidence from other studies, especially from human
epidemiological investigations, that a low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status could be linked to aggressive behaviour.”
8) These authors suggest that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and cholesterol
are related to increased aggression because they both alter brain levels of the
neurotransmitter serotonin.
PLEASE CONSIDER THIS….
This study brings up three interesting questions:
1) Are statin drugs that lower cholesterol being over-prescribed to the American
public, causing behavioral problems, including aggression?
2) Could omega-3 supplementation reduce the need for SSRIs (selective
serotonin reuptake inhibiting drugs [Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, etc.])?
3) Could omega-3 supplementation achieve better results than SSRI drugs, at a
lower cost, and with no adverse reactions?
Don’t get mad but did you take a good omega 3 supplement today?
