Research Shows Omega-3s Can Support Your Brain Through Bouts Of Loneliness

Whether single, grieving the loss of a loved one, or going through a difficult transition right now (divorce, big move, etc.), feelings of loneliness can be especially prevalent for people at this time of year.

Loneliness is a very real issue that can have a profound impact on cognitive function, mental well-being, overall mood, and even brain longevity. But before this information sends you into a downward spiral of panic and despair, let me assure you there are ways to support your mood and promote cognitive vitality when you're feeling lonely.

As humans, we need social interaction. In fact, prioritizing your social and emotional health is just as important as staying active, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep.

As it turns out, social isolation affects the activation of our serotonergic pathways—but omega-3 fatty acids (specifically EPA and DHA) and vitamin D both have an important role in the actions of these pathways and are thus, critical nutrients for everyone but especially people who are dealing with loneliness.

According to a 2015 review published by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, vitamin D, EPA, and DHA all help modulate the synthesis, release, and function of serotonin. To ensure optimal production and use of serotonin, maintaining healthy levels of both vitamin D and marine omega-3s is vital. That requires intention.

If you're feeling lonely (and even if you're not!), you'll definitely want to prioritize this trio of nutrients daily and get both your vitamin D and omega-3 levels checked to ensure your brain has all the nutrients it needs to support your mood and mental well-being. Over time, loneliness can lead to memory difficulties and other cognitive health concerns.