Wednesday, August 15, 2007 – NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – The results of a major review of published research that examined the relationship between depression and level of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet suggest that omega-3 fatty acids have antidepressant effects.
However, the researchers point out that the quality of the studies means it’s still too soon to say definitively that omega-3s can treat depression or bipolar disorder.
More studies are also needed to determine the appropriate dosage and the best composition of omega-3 supplements, as well as the patients who are most likely to benefit from the therapy, Drs. Pao-Yen Lin of Chang Gung University College of Medicine in Kaohsiung and Kuan-Pin Su of China Medical University Hospital in Taichung, both in Taiwan, conclude.
Fish and fish oil, as well as flax seed oil, are rich sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Because areas in which there is high omega-3 PUFA consumption have a lower prevalence of depression, much interest has been generated in their use as antidepressants, the researchers note in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
Interest has been particularly strong in using omega-3s for treatment-resistant depression, childhood depression, and postpartum depression. But studies to date have had mixed results.
Lin and Su reviewed 10 clinical trials, lasting 4 weeks or longer, which used two omega-3 PUFAs — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — to treat depression or bipolar disorder.
When the researchers pooled the data from all of the trials, they found a significant antidepressant effect of omega-3s. However, because the trials used different methods to analyze the data, the researchers say, the findings must be interpreted with caution. There is also evidence for publication bias, they add, meaning studies that didn’t find a benefit of omega-3s were less likely to have been published than those with positive results.
Because omega-3s are safe and have many other health benefits, the nutrients could be particularly beneficial to patients with depression and heart disease or diabetes, or women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, Lin and Su note.
Nevertheless, they conclude, “more large-scale, well-controlled studies are warranted to find out the favorable target subjects, the optimal composition and the dosage of EPA and DHA, and the long-term efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in treating depression.”
SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, July 2007.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_53531.html
Filed under: childhood depression, postpartum depression | Tagged: mental illness, bipolar disorder, depression, anti-depressants
Bring on the salmon.
Excellent comment!
I’m skeptical of the dizzying array of supplements on the market–you just don’t know what you’re getting, plus the cost can be prohibitive, but high quality fish caps seem to be a sure thing…to help a number of conditions. I started to take them for their anti inflammatory effects, to counteract the pounding I take from running endurance races, but I’ve noticed it’s been great for my skin. I’m very prone to depression too….possibly the fish oil caps helping! I’ve settled on taking a good multi-vitamin and fish oil caps to supplement my diet. I’ve heard just too many good things about fish oil supplementation to pass it up. It would probably be better to choke down salmon a few times a week, but I just can’t get myself to do it. Great blog, BTW. You are a gold mine of mental health wisdom.
Thank you. I take my Omega-3 mainly for the fatty-acid probs in my diet, but was informed by the family doc that they aid in depression also. Quite the benefits can be found from these fish oil caps I am finding.
can you please tell me if you know whether it is safe to take omega 3 with antidepressant and benzo diazapan i was made to go on these meds and am afraid to come off due to side effects i amk wso angry went to dr with panic attack bought on by coming off one benzo and ended up being put in mental health unit so wrongly diagnosed these meds are horrendous why didnt dr tell me they aid in depression i read they do but dr says no real proof because they want to push their drugs onto you any info would be appreciated thank you
Thank you for visiting, unfortunately, I am not a professional, only a survivor of mental illness seeking answers to many questions such as you. I suggest you contact your local mental health assoc, or a psychiatrist or therapist in your area. Also, the links at the side may be of some help to.
This is fascinating because it is my belief that dreams bring up trapped psychic energy thus alleviating some depressions. Since I have been taking 3 grams a day of purified fish oil (LOVAZA) for my heart, I have noticed that my REM time or at least the REM time that produces dreams that I can remember when I wake up has increased tremedously. I also notice more inclination and desire to exercise since I have been taking it.
So happy you discovered this fish oil, and if it’s working – go for it! Thanks for the comment also.