Fish oil relieves depression in some situations. Fish oil, or omega-3 essential fatty acids, contain healthy, unsaturated fats that need to be consumed from the diet; the body does not produce them. Research on this topic has seen mixed results in regard to fish oil benefits for depression, though some have been positive.
Fish Oil and Inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are naturally anti-inflammatory, and depression is an inflammatory process. Fish oil has an anti-inflammatory effect due to its ability to inhibit omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation and are much more prominent in the American diet than omega-3. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains the American diet contains 14 to 25 times more omega-6 than omega-3. There is a correlation between deficiencies in omega-3 and higher rates of depression, according to a study published in the November 2002 journal "Prostglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids." Maintaining and improving omega-3 fatty acids may help alleviate or prevent depressive symptoms.
Fish Oil and Serotonin
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for mood, appetite, temperature regulation and behavior, are typically low or depleted in people with depression. Additionally, omega-3 fats play a role in increasing levels of serotonin by improving its synthesis, explains Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D., in "Food and Mood."
Fish Oil and Cell Communication
Fish oil may help relieve depression by improving the ability of cells to communicate. When cells are communicating well, nutrients arrive where they need to go, including "happy" chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. Adequate omega-3 fatty acids within the brain improve cell signaling, according to the website Food For the Brain.
Adjunctive Fish Oil
Fish oil can be an adjunctive treatment to conventional antidepressant medication. It appears that fish oil may lessen the amount of prescription medication taken needed and improve the medication's effectiveness. A study in the March 2002 "American Journal of Psychiatry" assessed the effects of using fish oil to improve mood in participants already taking an antidepressant drugs. After three weeks, participants in the study reported relief from insomnia, low mood, guilt and feelings of worthlessness.
References
- "Food and Mood"; Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD; 1999
- "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids"; Depression and Adipose Essential Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids; Mamalakis, et al.; 2002
- "American Journal of Psychiatry"; Addition of Omega-3 Fatty Acid to Maintenance Medication Treatment for Recurrent Unipolar Depressive Disorder, Boris Nemets, et al.; 2002
- Food for the Brain: Depression
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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