Scientists at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) analyzed a sample of suicide deaths among U.S. military personnel on active duty between 2002 and 2008, and found that suicide risk was greatest among individuals with the lowest levels of omega-3 fatty acids concentrated in their brains. In previous studies, they found that just 2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day reduced suicidal thinking by 45 percent, as well as depression and anxiety scores among individuals with recurrent self-harm. The new study adds more information on the potential usefulness of omega-3 fats in reducing suicide risk and optimizing mental health, the scientists said.