Studies On Fish Oil & Depression

Fish oil refers to the oil found in fatty, cold-water fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids found in fish oil are anti-inflammatory and serve several functions to health, one of those being for depression. Research on fish oil and depression is still evolving, so no major claims can be made, but does appear to be positive and promising. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in salmon, mackerel, tuna and herring.

Mind and Body Connection

Some researchers propose there is a mind-body connection associated with omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and depression. Since typical anti-depressant medication doesn't always prove successful, research is looking more seriously at other potential treatments. Omega-3 fats play critical roles in the brain especially with stability of cell structure and signaling between neurotransmitters in the brain and body. A study published in the February 2009 journal "Neurosignals" explains that an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency is linked to depression. The fatty acid deficiency in the brain cells may be responsible for the physical symptoms of tiredness and fatigue associated with depression because the chemicals in the brain are not communicating effectively with the rest of the body.

Fish Oil, Olive Oil and Mood

A March 2005 study in the journal "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids" assessed the effectiveness of fish oil and olive oil on mood improvement. Fish oil and olive oil were compared to one another with olive oil being used as the placebo treatment. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and olive oil contains monounsaturated fats that are both very healthy types of oil. The study showed no significant improvement one over the other, but both the fish oil group and the olive oil group saw significant improvements in mood.

Fish Oil and Bipolar Depression

Fish oil has shown benefit to bipolar depression. A 2006 study published in the "British Journal of Psychiatry" assessed the effectiveness of eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, fish oil on symptoms of bipolar depression. Participants were given 1 g or 2 g of fish oil for 12 weeks. Significant improvement was seen in bipolar depression symptoms; however, there wasn't a difference in effectiveness between 1 g or 2 g of fish oil.

Fish Oil, Depression and Pregnancy

Fish oil is beneficial to depression during pregnancy. This is especially important since taking antidepressants and eating large amounts of fish is contraindicated during pregnancy. A study published in the April 2008 "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" supplemented 3.4 g per day of fish oil to pregnant women with major depressive disorder. Significant improvements in depressive symptoms were seen in the fish oil group at both six weeks and eight weeks. No adverse side effects were observed.