Depression is a serious illness that impairs an individual's cognitive and behavioral functioning. Those who suffer from depression may wish to supplement their diet with fish oil as an alternative treatment to conventional medicine. A study published by the "Journal of Affective Disorders" in 1996 found that decreased levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been implicated in patients with depression. A 2002 study in the "Archives of General Psychiatry" found that fish oil supplementation was effective in reducing the symptoms of depression.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that must be obtained from food sources because the human body does not produce them. Fish oil is one source of such fatty acids. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that omega-3 fatty acids play important roles in cognitive functioning, mood regulation, and brain development. Two types of omega-3 fatty acids include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Symptoms of Depression
Depression is an illness characterized by a number of symptoms. Dr. David Rakel from the University of Wisconsin explains that symptoms can include feelings of sadness or irritability, loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances, physical pains such as headaches and body aches, loss of concentration and focus, feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness, and thoughts of death and suicide. If you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms of depression it is very important that you consult with your health care provider.
Omega-3 Levels and Depression
Individuals with depression have been found to have decreased levels of omega-3. A 1996 study published in the "Journal of Affective Disorders" found that patients suffering from major depression had lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids than healthy individuals. Similarly, a 1999 study published in the "Psychiatry Research" journal found that omega-3 fatty acids were not metabolized normally in patients with major depression, leading to decreased levels of omega-3 and inflammatory conditions associated with depression.
Benefits of Omega-3
Fish oil supplementation may help to ease the symptoms of depression. A 1999 study published in the "Archives for General Psychiatry" found that individuals who consumed omega-3 fatty acids experienced lower levels of depression and longer periods free from symptoms than individuals receiving a placebo. A 2002 study published in the same journal found that EPA supplementation was effective in reducing the symptoms of depression in individuals who failed to respond to conventional antidepressant medication.
Recommended Amounts of Omega-3
David Rakel and Charlene Luchterhand from the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, recommend taking fish oil supplements to alleviate the symptoms of depression. They state that 3 g fish oil per day is the amount most often indicated in the treatment of depression. In the patient handout on non-drug approaches for dealing with depression, they also discuss the importance of considering the ratio of EPA to DHA in fish oil supplements. A ratio of 3-to-2 is typically found in supplements, but higher ratios may be more beneficial in the treatment of depression.
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