Primary nocturnal enuresis: omega-3 fatty acids may be of therapeutic value

Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE), or bed-wetting, is a distressing urinary condition which can persist through childhood and beyond. Altered prostaglandin and nitric oxide production have been observed in children with PNE, and prostaglandin inhibitors are known to be of therapeutic value. Omega-3 fatty acids have the potential to influence the symptoms of PNE by inhibition of prostaglandin and renal nitric oxide production. In addition, children with PNE have an inappropriate startle response and an apparent maturational delay of the central nervous system. Research clearly shows that omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in the development and function of the central nervous system. It is our contention that inadequate omega-3 intake may play a role in the lack of inhibitory input to the startle and micturition centers in PNE.