Depression is a debilitating and potentially lethal disorder. With the age of onset getting lower, and resistance to treatment increasing, depression is affecting more people at greater levels of severity. Depression is a complex mood disorder which is thought to develop from several factors including genetics, environmental stress and neurology. Although each of these areas has been extensively researched in hopes of finding effective treatment, the influence of nutrition has received little attention.
Depression and Nutrition
Omega-3 might play an important role in understanding and treating depression from a nutritional perspective. The results from the small of amount of research done on the relationship between depression and nutrition suggest, according to Alan Logan of the "Integrative Care Center" of Toronto, that Omega-3 levels in the brain are linked with both a person's chances of developing depression and the severity of depression experienced. Logan says that the effect of Omega-3 levels is currently underestimated and that further research will likely reveal a strong connection.
Supporting Research
Offering support to Logan's position, the "American Journal of Psychiatry" reported in 2002 that clinical trials demonstrate that Omega-3 intake improves mood. In one study of depressed patients, ranging in age from 18 to 75, half were given Omega-3 fish oil and half were given a placebo in addition to their prescribed antidepressants. One patient in the placebo group dropped out due to a worsening depression, but six of the 10 patients receiving Omega-3 supplements experienced a significant decrease in depression.
Not All the News is Good
As evidence is gathered, not all the news is good. The "American Journal of Psychiatry" has also reported research that cast doubt on a connection between Omega-3 and depression. In another clinical trial, no significant difference was shown between the placebo group and the group taking Omega-3. A difference exists, however, between this unsuccessful trial, and the successful trial. The unsuccessful trial used docosahexaenoic acid, also called DHA. DHA is only one of two Omega-3 acids found in the Omega-3 fish oil which was used in the successful trial. The other form is eicosapentaenoic or EPA. Future research may determine if only one type of Omega-3, or perhaps a combination of both, aid in understanding and treating depression from a nutritional perspective.
Consider This
The evidence of a connection between Omega-3 and depression is growing, and the possibility that Omega-3 might help with depression is hopeful. But, as psychiatrist Simon Young of McGill University in Montreal says, "There is not sufficient evidence to suggest the use of fish oils for the treatment of depression and no evidence for the prevention of depression." Since Omega-3 appears to have no adverse effects when taken reasonably, it might be considered as an addition to antidepressants by some physicians. Patients with depression should speak with their prescribing physician before starting Omega-3 supplementation and work closely with their physicians when considering Omega-3 for depression relief.
References
- Lipids in Health and Disease; Omega-3 fatty acids and major depression: A primer for the mental health professional; Alan C. Logan; November 2004.
- "The American Journal of Psychiatry"; Addition of Omega-3 Fatty Acid to Maintenance Medication Treatment for Recurrent Unipolar Depressive Disorder; Boris Nemets, M.D., et.al.
- "The American Journal of Psychiatry"; A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Omega-3 Fatty Acid Docosahexaenoic Acid in the Treatment of Major Depression; Lauren B. Marangell, M.D., et. al.
- "Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience"; Fish Oil for Depression?; Simon N. Young; January 2008
Member Comments