The response of an expert panel to Nutritional armor for the warfighter: can omega-3 fatty acids enhance stress resilience, wellness, and military performance?
BACKGROUND
Recommendations of an Expert Panel on 5 central questions addressed during the workshop.


METHODS
The Panel reviewed available scientific literature, workshop presentations, and comments from workshop guests.


RESULTS
The Panel unanimously agreed that a military Daily Recommended Intake for long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) should be established within the context of lowering current intakes of omega-6 FAs. The Panelists also felt that there was sufficient evidence to support increasing omega-3 intake to receive cardiovascular, immunological, and surgical benefits. In addition, research indicates that preloading with omega-3 FAs before combat exposure may be beneficial. Evidence for reduction of depressive symptoms and suicide prevention was felt to be strong. Insufficient data were available to evaluate post-traumatic stress disorder and impulsive aggression. Benefits for traumatic brain injury were promising. Adverse side effects were deemed negligible.


CONCLUSIONS
The Panel concluded that based on studies analyzing omega-3 and omega-6 FA balance, it would be unethical to not attempt elevating the omega-3 status among U.S. military personnel.
RAND/Samueli Chair in Integrative Medicine, RAND Corporation 1776 Main Street Santa Monica CA 90401.
Ian D
ID
Coulter
D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D008889:Military Personnel; D044623:Nutrition Therapy; D010809:Physical Fitness; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D064167:Recommended Dietary Allowances; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D020011:Protective Agents