Men who binge drink have lower levels of disease-fighting omega-3 fatty acids than their peers, a new U.S. study finds.

This lack of a key essential fatty acid suggests that men who drink alcohol heavily also make poor dietary choices and could benefit from more fish in their diet, say the researchers in the study.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are important building blocks of living cells, making up a substantial part of cell walls. These EFAs also have many biological functions, and a lack of them leads to loss of growth and development, infertility, and a host of physiological and biochemical abnormalities.

In the study, researchers pored over data comparing the EFA levels and alcohol intake of almost 4,200 adults. The data was collected as part of the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results indicate that EFA consumption falls as drinking levels rise, particularly among men.

The polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-6 linoleic acid, also known as n-6 fats, and omega-3 linolenic acid, or n-3 fats, are considered the most important EFAs. The changes found during the study indicate that those who drink alcohol make food selections in such a way as to decrease foods with this important nutrient. The binge-drinking men have decreases in the longer chain n-3 fatty acids, the ones that typically come from eating fish, which suggests binge-drinkers eat less fish.

The study further indicated that alcohol has lasting negative effects on the brain and also negatively affects the way the body uses fatty acids because the brain depends on a supply of omega-3. The brains of men consuming high levels of alcohol, particularly those who regularly binge drink, are further compromised by a low intake of EFA.

In summary, the study suggests for those who drink, especially binge drinkers or those who drink more than one drink per day on average, they should make sure they obtain their sources of n-3 fatty acids in their diet by eating more fish.

Binge drinking is commonly defined as drinking five or more drinks in one setting, or drinking for the purpose of becoming intoxicated.

(Courtesy HealthDay News)