Fish oil contributed to the high levels of depressed mood in veterans read more at here www.spinonews.com/index.php/item/972-fish-oil-contributed-to-the-high-levels-of-depressed-mood-in-veterans

According to researchers from Texas A&M, low concentration of fish oil in the blood and lack of physical activity may contribute to the high levels of depressed mood among soldiers returning from combat.

In a study, researchers worked with 100 soldiers to identify which factors affected moods in returning soldiers.

Richard Kreider, Professor and Department head of Health & Kinesiology in Texas A&M, says, we looked at how physical activity levels and performance measures were related to mood state and resiliency.

Kreider says, fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids that help to boost brain function and also acts as anti-inflammatory within the body helping athletes and soldiers manage intense training better.

Fish oil content is especially important for soldiers due to the consistent training and physical regiments performed in and out of combat and risk to traumatic brain injury.

The study originated from research conducted by Colonel Mike Lewis, M.D., who examined Omega-3 fatty acid levels of soldiers who committed suicide compared to non-suicide control and found lower Omega-3 levels in the blood were associated with increased risk of being in the suicide group.

In order to properly measure soldiers physically, Kreider and Major Nicholas Barringer, a former doctoral student in Texas A&M, developed a formula to assist in effectively screening soldiers with the potential Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ahead of time.

The formula measures a number of factors, including fitness and psychometric assessments, physical activity, and additional analysis.

Barringer says, by improving resiliency in service members, we can potentially decrease the risk of mental health issues. Early identification can potentially decrease the risk of negative outcomes for our active service members as well as our separated and retired military veterans.

Kreider says that, by working to identify such high-risk issues faced by soldiers, it can set a precedent that will benefit not only military leadership, but also the general public.