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Panel Finds Omega 3 Little Help Against Depression

February 14, 2007

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There are health benefits from omega 3 fatty acids, but not all claims are valid, according to researchers writing in the latest issue of Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. They say there is no convincing evidence that taking omega-3 fatty acids on their own can alleviate depression.

And there is only limited evidence that omega-3 oils can relieve depression when used in combination with antidepressant drugs, they say.

Evidence from circumstantial research has suggested links between omega-3 levels and behavior and mood disorders, such as depression. And the findings have attracted widespread attention.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids, or PUFAs, which include ALA, EPA, and DHA. They are involved in chemical messaging in the brain, and help regulate blood vessel activity and aspects of the immune system that affect the central nervous system.

The main dietary sources of EPA and DHA come from oily fish, while ALA is found mainly in nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables.

Omega-3 supplements are available over the counter in the form of fish oil.

The academic journal review looked at published research on the clinical effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids, on their own and in combination, as well as overall analyses of these studies.

It concluded there was little convincing evidence for using the fatty acids alone as a treatment for depression. And it found only limited evidence to back their use as a supplement to antidepressants.

The review found that fish oil supplements are generally well tolerated by people who take them. But there is evidence that they contain environmental toxins, which may be particularly concentrated in supplements made from fish livers. So, they say, it is important not to exceed the maximum recommended doses.

Furthermore, as fish oil supplements contain vitamin A, the researchers caution that pregnant women should take only low doses of them, because of the potentially harmful effects of high levels of vitamin A on the developing fetus.

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