The Action Of Fish Oil In Depression

The "American Journal of Psychiatry" reports "Deficits in omega-3 fatty acids have been identified as a contributing factor to mood disorders." Evidence from both mainstream and alternative mental health research suggests fish oil is effective at reducing depression. Based on this research, omega-3-rich fish oil is thought to reduce depression by eliminating the deficit. Although the effect of fish oil in reducing depression is supported by research, the specific action of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing depression remains a topic for research.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Psychiatrist Gordon Parker suggests that the biochemical action behind the effectiveness of fish oil in reducing depression is due to the high content of omega-6-rich vegetable oils in many diets. The high proportion of omega-6, says Parker, results in the chemical compounds found in omega-6 fatty acids being used in the body's production and maintenance of cells -- including brain cells. Parker offers support for this position citing research that found high blood-levels of omega-6 compounds in patients with depression. It is thought that the compounds derived from omega-6 fatty acids create cells that are less efficient than cells constructed from omega-3 compounds -- resulting in a variety of problems including depression. In essence, increasing omega-3 intake improves chances that cells are produced and maintained with the more efficient omega-3 compounds.

Neurotransmission

Brain cells, or neurons, do not actually touch each other. They rely on various chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, to pass signals from one neuron to another. Poor transmission of some neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, is known to cause depression. The "Alternative Medical Review" notes that neurons are coated with omega-3s, which leads to another possible explanation of the effect of fish oil on depression. Just as antidepressant medications work in various ways to improve neurotransmission, it is thought that adding omega-3s does the same -- by supplying the brain with an essential component which had become depleted.

EPA

One of the distinct fatty acids which comprise omega-3s is eicosapentaenoic acid, called EPA. EPA is essential to brain chemistry by aiding in the metabolism of neurotransmitters. It is possible that omega-3s reduce depression by providing this essential nutrient. In support of this idea, the "Archives of General Psychiatry" published results from a clinical trial demonstrating that 88 percent of depressed patients who only took EPA, along with antidepressant medications, experienced a significant decrease in depression.

Improved Physical Health

Most speculation about how omega-3s act to reduce depression is focused on brain chemistry. It is worth noting, however, that omega-3s have been shown to have many positive effects on health in general. Among the positive effects are improved functioning of the heart and circulatory system, lower cholesterol, reduction in triglycerides and reduced joint inflammation. Improved overall health may lead to increased physical activity, improved mood, increased social interaction and a general sense of well-being. It is possible that it is the indirect effects of improved physical health that leads to reduced depression.