Depression is a chronic mental illness characterized by loss of interest in life, sadness and frustration. Most people feel down or find life difficult from time to time, but a person with depression suffers from a low mood most or all of the time. If you are suffering from depression, don't despair -- it is a treatable condition. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants to alleviate symptoms, or you may benefit from counseling or psychotherapy. Some supplements, including fish oil, may also help to improve your mood. Talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements.
Properties
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that may alleviate depression. The two main forms of omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid, EPA and DHA found in fish oil. You can obtain fish oil by eating oily fish such as mackerel, herring, salmon and tuna, or you can take a fish oil supplement. Fish oil is available as a liquid, but if you find the taste or texture unpleasant, you may prefer to take fish oil capsules.
Dose
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 3 g to 9 g of fish oil daily to help relieve symptoms of depression. However, MedlinePlus notes that if you are taking fish oil alongside conventional antidepressants, you will need to take a slighter higher dose -- 9.6 g daily. Check with your doctor to find out if this is a suitable dose for you, as other factors, including your age and general health, may influence how much fish oil you need to take daily.
Effectiveness
The results of a study published in the "European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience" in February 2011 show that taking 1 g fish oil capsule containing 300 mg of EPA and DHA daily for six months helps alleviate mild to moderate depression. Research findings published in the December 2010 issue of the "European Journal of Pharmacology" also suggest that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may boost the effects of low dose prescription antidepressants.
Considerations
Taking up to 3 g of fish oil is likely safe but higher doses, such as those used to treat depression may hinder your blood's ability to clot, MedlinePlus reports. Other side effects may include bad breath, nausea, rash and nosebleeds. High doses may also affect your immune system, so don't take a fish oil supplement if you have an immune disorder such as HIV. Fish oil may interact with other drugs you may be taking, including anticoagulants and birth control pills.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Depression
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Omega-3
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- "European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience;" The Effect of Low-Dose Omega 3 Fatty Acids on the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Depression in the Elderly: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study; Y.Tajalizadekhoob et al.; February 2011
- "European Journal of Pharmacology;" Potentiation of Omega-3 fatty Acid Antidepressant-Like Effects with Low non-Antidepressant Doses of Fluoxetine and Mirtazapine; C.H. Laino et al.; December 2010
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