The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil plays an important role in brain function, growth and development. Emerging research has shown a connection between omega-3 fatty acids and depression. Already used in alternative medicine, fish oil supplements are emerging as a supplement for depression, usually with minimal side effects. It can be difficult to get enough fish oil from food alone to maximize its benefits. Supplements are readily available without a prescription in a variety of doses.
Because this is an area of ongoing research with conflicting results, additional research is needed before final recommendations are made for fish oil as a treatment for depression. The U.S. National Institutes of Health reports that there are, as of 2010, 14 national clinical trials studying the use of fish oil and depression.
Depression
The Mayo Clinic reports that fish oil supplements, used alone or with traditional medication, may treat depression effectively. In addition, scientists have observed that people living in countries that consume a diet high in fish have a lower risk of depression than other countries. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are thought to be responsible for the reduce rate of depression.
Heart Disease and Depression
Almost half of coronary artery disease patients experience depression, which can have a negative impact on their quality of life, increase the risk of future cardiac events, and increase the risk of death from these events. More than half of these patients do not respond to traditional antidepressant treatment, making fish oil a desirable alternative.
In 2009, the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reported that heart disease patients with depression have lower levels omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. The report indicated that raised levels of omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent both depression and adverse cardiovascular events.
Perinatal Depression
Approximately 10 to 15 percent of women experience perinatal depression, which includes depression during pregnancy and postpartum depression. The risks of antidepressants during and after pregnancy are unknown, making fish oil a desirable option.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health reports that there are a number of national clinical trials testing the effectiveness of fish oil to prevent symptoms of depression in pregnant and postpartum women. Because postpartum depression is less common in countries where people eat a diet high in fish, researchers are testing if the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are responsible for the reduce rate of depression.
Childhood Depression
More than 1 million children and adolescents suffer from depression each year. In 2007, the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reported that children taking antidepressants were at an increased risk for suicide, making fish oil a desirable alternative. The U.S. National Institutes of Health reports that there are numerous clinical trials studying the effectiveness of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and adolescent depression.
Side Effects
The U.S. National Institutes of Health found that common side effects from fish oil include nausea, burping, acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, abdominal bloating and pain, diarrhea, a fishy aftertaste and skin rashes. Patients can minimize side effects by taking fish oil supplements with meals and starting with low doses that are gradually increased.
As with all medications and supplements, there are a number of instances where fish oil is not appropriate. Fish oil can affect bleeding and clotting time, interfere with other medications, and may contain high levels of environmental contaminants. Talk with your doctor before about the benefits and risks of fish oil supplements, as well as appropriate dosages.
Member Comments