Herring

Overview

Herring is an oily fish providing high levels of EPA/DHA omega-3 fatty acids, supporting brain health and anti-inflammatory pathways. Herring is part of the fatty fish category recommended for brain health.

Recipes

no recipes found

Substances

3 substances in this food

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

Accounts for ~10–15% of total brain fatty acids, 20–30% of neuronal phospholipids (PE, PS), and >90% of brain omega-3 PUFA; critical for membrane fluidity, synaptic vesicle fusion, neurodevelopment

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)

Potent anti-inflammatory; precursor to E-series resolvins; modulates dopamine and serotonin signalling

Vitamin D

Neurotrophic and immune modulation; calcium homeostasis

Preparation Notes

• Best prepared with gentle cooking
• Low on food chain = lower heavy metal burden
• Sustainable omega-3 source
• Part of regular oily fish intake

Biological Target Matrix

Biological Target	Substance	Contribution Level	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Gut–Brain Axis & Enteric Nervous System (ENS)	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	—
Gut–Brain Axis & Enteric Nervous System (ENS)	Vitamin D	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Supports gut barrier integrity; nutrient deficiencies including vitamin D disrupt tight junctions, increasing permeability
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) - resolvins, protectins, maresins terminate inflammation without immunosuppression, downregulate COX-2, inhibit neutrophil infiltration, enhance macrophage clearance, limit glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Production of DHEA and EPEA (N-acyl ethanolamines) feeds into CB2-related anti-inflammatory signalling; ECS lipid mediators regulate immune tone and microglial activation (primary anchor for ECS mechanism: Inflammation & Oxidative Stress).
Metabolic & Neuroendocrine Stress (HPA Axis & ANS)	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Improve vagal tone and HRV control, improve cortisol rhythms
Metabolic & Neuroendocrine Stress (HPA Axis & ANS)	Vitamin D	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	Modulates immune responses to reduce inflammation in the brain; supports stress response through neurotrophic and immune effects
Methylation & One-Carbon Metabolism	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease	Support homocysteine reduction in combination with B12, phospholipid methylation (PLM) dependent on SAMe
Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	ECS-related lipid signalling may influence mitochondrial coupling/efficiency (context-dependent; largely preclinical). Omega-3 incorporation changes membrane fluidity (secondary anchor for ECS mechanism: Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics).
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Membrane fluidity and neurotransmitter receptor function, ion channel behavior and gamma oscillations, support neurotransmission and phospholipid methylation

References

• Oily fish (herring, mackerel, sardines) provide EPA/DHA omega-3 fatty acids for brain health