We are exploring how our diet and genetic differences work together to determine our mental health. Our research will drive a new and emerging field of psychiatric nutrigenomics.
Our research
From the very first stages of development and throughout our lives, what we eat influences the way our brains grow and work.
Dietary lipids and psychiatric disorders
People with psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder, often have problems metabolising the dietary lipids omega-6 and omega-3. We are studying how the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 in our diet influence the effects of these disorders. This will lead to a better quality of life for those affected.
Omega-3
Omega-3 is found in oily fish, walnuts, and rapeseed oil. It is responsible for building neuron (brain cell) membranes and helping synapses and receptors work more smoothly. This affects serotonin and dopamine signalling and stabilises our mood. It also dampens down the effects of brain inflammation and supports the initial development of the brain and vision when in the womb.
Omega-6
Omega-6 is found in nuts, seeds, soybeans, avocados, eggs, and meat. It is needed for skin, hair and cell growth, and is involved in regulating brain signalling. It also makes prostaglandins that regulate bodily processes such as pain, blood flow, inflammation, induction of labour, and menstruation.
Whereas omega-3 tends to reduce the overactivity of inflammation, omega-6 does the opposite by increasing the inflammatory response.
Why it matters
Our bodies do not make dietary lipids, and we must get them through food. What's more, as omega-3 and omega-6 compete with each other, it is important to have the right balance of each in our diets. Unfortunately, in today’s urbanised diets, we often eat a lot more omega-6 than omega-3, and this may have detrimental effects on our brains.
Too much inflammation may affect nerve signalling and alter mood and cognition, especially when a genetic disorder already makes them more sensitive to a poor diet.
Our study
We are studying how levels of dietary lipids affect healthy cells. This will allow us to understand how the concentration of omega-6 and omega-3 affects brain cells and what this means for brain health.
In particular, we will consider how these changes in lipid metabolism lead to psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder. We will first do this by studying cells where the FADS2 gene has been mutated. This gene encodes the enzyme responsible for dietary lipid metabolism. We ultimately want to know how the cells from someone with bipolar disorder may react to the changing concentration of omega-3 and omega-6.
Our work with the Waterloo Foundation
We are funded by the Waterloo Foundation, an independent grant-making foundation based in Cardiff.
Our decade-long partnership with the Waterloo Foundation is built around a shared interest in child development, neurodevelopment, and championing research in Wales.
"It’s been a real pleasure to work with the Waterloo Foundation. If you find an area of genuine common interest with a funder, you can build something really productive."
Previous to the Developing Minds programme, The Waterloo Foundation funded the Changing Minds and Future Minds programmes.
Public lectures
2025 - Fish, food sovereignty and human health in a changing climate
Our 2025 Public Lecture was delivered by Professor Christina Hicks of Lancaster University. It explored how access to foods from the ocean can be sustainable and equitable.
2024 - Protecting the health of Future Generations: Ten Lessons from Wales
This talk from Professor Simon Murphy of Decipher outlines some of the challenges in identifying effective population approaches and implementing them at scale to make a difference.
News
Meet the team
Co-directors
Professor Jeremy Hall
Professor of Neuroscience, Co-Director of Waterloo Foundation Programme, Co-Director of Hodge Centre of Translational Neuroscience, Co-Director of Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute
