Initial trials using fish oil (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) to help with depression have been promising, according to ABC news. The fatty material the makes up our brain tissue is composed of omega-3 fatty acids, thus, supplementing seems logical. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids because your body needs them but cannot produce them. To get omega-3 fatty acids we have to depend on our diet.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)---both found in fish oil---and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), found in plant sources, make up part of the membrane of every cell in our bodies. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats that the body needs to form the walls of neurons (cells of the brain and spinal cord). Omega-3 fatty acids contain DHA, which is highly concentrated in the brain, says ABC News. DHA has a direct influence on brain development and function and is concentrated at the synapses of neurons, where the signals cross back and forth between the brain cells.
Depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a depressive disorder interferes with daily life. Symptoms of clinical depression may include persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness, suicidal thoughts, eating and sleeping disturbances, trouble concentrating, pain or fatigue, and loss of interest in family and activities. Often other clinical illnesses coexist with depression, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or Parkinson's.
Fish Oil and Depression Research
ABC News states that researchers fed omega-3 fatty acids to piglets and discovered that levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, were raised--a similar effect that the drug Prozac has on the brain. Since the frontal cortex is where depression and impulses are regulated, seeing the increased levels of serotonin in the frontal cortex of these animals was encouraging. In addition, scientists have learned that the countries with the largest intake of omega-3s have the least incident of depression.
Fish Oil and Diet
The body cannot make these fatty acids; we have to get omega-3s from diet or supplementation. According to Best Health Magazine, oily fish is the best source: mackerel, sardines, and salmon--all cold water fish. The colder the water the higher the concentrations of EPA and DHA. Nutritionists are concerned that very few people actually eat enough fish each week to get enough omega-3. Supplements of fish oil come in capsule form. Suggested amounts of EPA and DHA are 500 mg per day, according to Best Health Magazine.
Fish Oil and Depression Drugs
According to Natural Solutions Magazine, fish oil may be a logical adjunct to depression medications prescribed by your doctor, enhancing the effects of antidepressant drugs. In the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Simon N. Young Ph.D. suggests that there has not been enough evidence that fish oil alone may prevent depression, although there is a plausible connection. He discourages patients from substituting fish oil supplements for antidepressants. Young claims that since omega-3s are good for the heart and have no known adverse affects, taking them along with traditional depression treatments may have a beneficial effect on mood.
Member Comments