How Does Omega 3 Fish Oil Help Depression?

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, depressed people who take omega 3 fats along with prescription medications boost their mood more than those who stick to medications alone.
However, the results from scientific research investigating omega 3 fats and depression have been conflicting, and experts aren't sure whether omega 3s are the real deal -- or just a fishy solution to a serious problem. However, according to the 2007 issue of the "Asian Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition," scientists are making headway toward figuring out how omega 3s may play a role in depression.

Depression

According to a report on the Public Broadcasting System, PBS, major depression afflicts nearly 10 percent of all American adults, and women are much more likely to experience depression than men. PBS reports that the effects of depression are wide reaching, and include a weakened immune system and increased risk of suicide. However, while treatable, only 20 percent of people with depression seek treatment.

Omega 3s

According to Science Daily, omega 3 fish oil has the potential to improve symptoms of depression. In a randomized control trial, omega 3s were shown to improve depressive symptoms in people who were not also diagnosed with anxiety disorder. However, results have not been not crystal clear. For example, the March 2004 issue of the "American Journal of Psychiatry" found no link between omega 3s in the diet and overall mood.

Function

The 2007 issue of the "Asian Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition" reports that the brain is mostly made up of fat. The composition of the brain's fat is largely dictated by the fats eaten in the diet. This is important because the amount of omega 3s in the diet largely dictate the fluidity of brain cell membranes. The more omega 3s that you eat, the more fluid your cell membranes become. The 2007 study suggests that brain cells with fluid membranes communicate better with one another. It also hypothesizes that omega 3s shield the brain from oxidative damage that can lead to depression.

Sources

Studies on omega 3s and depression have used fat from fish oil. Human studies using plant sources of omega 3s, such as walnuts and flax seed, have not been done. Omega 3 fish oil can be found in fatty fish such as salmon, but also comes in supplement form.

Considerations

Health experts aren't sure whether omega 3s on their own are an effective treatment for depression. Therefore, you should continue your treatment regimen prescribed by a health care professional, even if you decide to also take omega 3 fish oil for depression.