Fish Oils for Depression: Do They Work?

 It may surprise you to learn that depression is the leading cause of disability in women, and, overall, up to twenty percent of the population will experience the symptoms of depression at some point in their lifetime. Unfortunately, pre scri ption antidepressants, although effective, are fraught with side effects including weight gain, dry mouth, headache, nausea, and anxiety. What if there was a safe and natural way to improve the symptoms of depression? Studies are now suggesting that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils may help to alter mood. Are fish oils for depression really effective?

 A variety of studies have shown that not only are levels of EPA, one of the long chain varieties of omega 3’s, low in depressed patients but that supplementation with EPA can reduce depressive symptoms. In an analysis performed by Expert Opinion Investigational Drugs Magazine, six out of seven clinical trails showed that EPA supplements could significantly reduce symptoms of depression without the undesirable side effects of pre scri ption antidepressants. Several other large trials have also shown encouraging results in regard to fish oils for depression.

 How might the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oils positively impact depressive symptoms? The thought is that these long chain fatty acids can alter important hormones involved in regulating mood and emotions. By supplementing with omega 3’s, these hormone levels tend to normalize causing positive changes in mood and personality. Interestingly, the fatty portion of the brain is rich in omega 3 fatty acids which show the critical role these fats play in brain function. A study carried out in Budapest showed that increasing consumption of omega 3’s may actually cause increase volumes of grey matter in the portions of the brain responsible for regulating emotion .This was confirmed by MRI studies. Omega 3 fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties which could play some role in altering the symptoms of depression.

 Although the majority of trials have shown some positive benefit for use of fish oils for depression, some smaller trials have not been supportive. A smaller study conducted in Great Britain in 2008 and published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed no association between omega 3 supplementation and reduction in depressive symptoms.

Analysis:

 With some studies showing conflicting data on the effects of fish oils and depression, is it worth using omega 3’s for this purpose? It should be noted that most studies are showing some benefit of omega 3’s for symptoms of depression. Combine this with the fact that fish oils have been shown to have positive benefits on the heart as well as an anti-inflammatory effect with minimal side effects, you may want to consider a trial of omega 3 supplementation if you have symptoms of depression. Add to this the fact that most Americans get too little omega 3’s in the diet, supplementation is prudent for most individuals. If you decide to supplement with omega 3’s, be sure to let you doctor know and don’t discontinue pre scri ption antidepressants without consulting your physician. Could fish oils for depression be an effective natural treatment? For some people, this may be a viable adjunct to more traditional therapies.

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