Serum [omega]-3 and [omega]-6 Fatty Acids Are Not Associated with Personality Traits in Healthy Japanese Young People

Background: Recent studies have reported that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are associated with mood and behaviors including depression and suicide risk. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between PUFAs and personality traits in healthy subjects. Methods: A total of 279 subjects completed the Temperament and Character Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. Serum levels of the PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the ω-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA), and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid were measured. Results: Pearson's correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between DHA and cooperativeness scores. In the multiple regression analysis, harm avoidance scores were positively associated with AA, and a negative association was found between the EPA/AA ratio and reward dependence scores. However, these associations were nonsignificant after a Bonferroni correction. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that the blood levels of PUFAs are not likely to be associated with personality traits.