Omega-3 fats in diet to calm overactive nerves in adults
Official title: Ameliorating Hyperexcitability in the Nervous System Through Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Funded at University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa · NIH-11450433 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to see if adding omega-3 rich foods or supplements can reduce nerve hyperactivity and improve neurological symptoms in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tuscaloosa, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $457,288 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS146457-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450433 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older who have or are at risk for neurological conditions involving brain excitability.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without conditions related to neural hyperexcitability may not experience direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project will explore whether omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can modulate nerve activity and improve brain-related symptoms in adults. Researchers will use model systems and human-relevant approaches to uncover the molecular and cellular changes driven by omega-3s that affect brain function. The study builds on prior findings that certain dairy components and omega-3s can reduce hyperexcitability in animal models and may influence epilepsy-like phenotypes. By understanding the timelines and mechanisms of diet-driven neural plasticity, the work could guide dietary recommendations for people with neurological sensitivities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform dietary strategies to reduce brain hyperexcitability and improve quality of life for adults with related neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in animal models and some models of human epilepsy suggest dietary omega-3s can reduce hyperexcitability, supporting potential benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iyengar, Atulya Srisudarshan Ram — University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
- Study coordinator: Iyengar, Atulya Srisudarshan Ram
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.