On Omega 3 and Depression. Or Does Eating More Omega 3 Fats Help Your Depression?

The efficacy of Omega-3 fatty acids for treating depression has been the subject of many clinical studies ever since a connection between the two has been observed. In the article Major Depression and Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Dr. Scott Olson wrote, "There is strong evidence from epidemiological (population) studies that cultures which eat large amounts of fish containing these oils have a low incidence of depression."

Another article, Treating Depression With Omega-3: Encouraging Results from Largest Clinical Study, reports, "Epidemiological and neurobiological studies have suggested that a relative deficit in polyunsaturated fatty acids of the Omega-3 group may predispose individuals to psychological disorders such as depression." Naturally, results from such studies do not just strongly imply a link between Omega-3 and depression, but they do suggest that dietary intake of fish oil for depression may be a viable treatment plan.

To say that depression is a very important health concern is an understatement. Co-morbidity incidence reports on depression and other psychological or physiological problems (such as alcoholism, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, drug abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal tendencies) cannot just be dismissed offhandedly. Bottomline, if statistical reports are suggestive of anything, it is that depression may be a risk factor to more serious problems.

It is for this reason that the "Omega-3 for Depression" hype is as strong as ever. Clinical trials continue to study not just the premise that low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to depression, but also to test whether increasing these levels through dietary intake and/or supplementation might have a positive effect. At the other end of this bandwagon are the entrepreneurs who stake their money on the efficacy of using fish oil supplements for depression. If present trends are an indication, it is a good bet this is not going to end anytime soon.

Now, what do the experts have to say on the matter? The excerpt below from may help provide a bird’s-eye-view of what the medico-scientific community has probably been thinking:

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center:

Studies have found mixed results as to whether taking Omega-3 fatty acids can help depression symptoms. Several studies have found that people who took Omega 3 fatty acids in addition to prescription antidepressants had a greater improvement in symptoms than those who took antidepressants alone. However, other studies have found no benefit.

Studies are also mixed on whether Omega-3 fatty acids alone have any effect on depression.

The prevailing thought is clear enough: Clinical trials have yet to yield absolutely conclusive evidence on the efficacy of fish oil supplementation for treating depression, however results from these same tests do suggest that it may well be a viable option. In the end, it seems sufficiently clear that there is indeed a link between Omega-3 and depression, and this should be enough to warrant further studies.

For more information on the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids visit my website.

Visit Peter's Website at http://www.omega3fishoil.com.au/ to learn more about treating depression with Omega 3 and also about the health benefits of Omega 3 fats generally.