Are omega-3 fatty acids efficacious in the treatment of depression? A review

Abstract

The hypothesis that omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in preventing and treating depression is based on correlative associations between fish consumption, omega-3 fatty acid intake and the prevalence of major depressive disorder. Reduced omega-3 fatty acid erythrocyte levels have been found in individuals with depressive disorders. These observational findings are unable to establish a causal relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and depression. The results of randomized controlled trials of omega-3 fatty acids for depressive disorders are inconclusive and also fail to prove causation. The therapeutic efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids appears to be moderate at best but is more likely to be minimal or non-existent. Potential long-term adverse effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation should be considered. Large-scale, well-controlled clinical trials are required to establish potential anti-depressive effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Such studies need to consider baseline values of omega-3 fatty acids and symptom severity, the dosage and types of the fatty acids used, the duration of supplementation and the concomitant use of medication. Conclusive evidence of the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in depression is currently lacking. The recommendation of potentially ineffective therapies may have considerable opportunity costs, with other possibly more useful treatments remaining unutilized.

Antioxidant activity assessment of Yingjisha sweet almond oil

“…Previous studies have shown that almond oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and other phytochemicals (Özcan et al ., 2011; Banjanin et al ., 2020). Unsaturated fatty acids from oil extract are tightly linked to antioxidant properties (Parry et al ., 2005; Li et al ., 2016a; Lange et al ., 2021). Although the contents of fatty acids may vary depending on different almond genotype (Özcan et al ., 2020), the fatty acid profile was mainly composed of unsaturated fatty acids including oleic acid, linoleic acids and palmitic acid in the study of 12 almond variants in Siberia (Banjanin et al ., 2020).…”

Effect of Diet on Depression: A Review of Nutritional Solutions

“…Omega-3 fatty acids have also been found to prevent and decrease depression-like behaviors in rat models. However, it's important to remember that most animal models of major depressive illness have significant flaws, especially when it comes to depression subtypes, TRD, and recurrent depression (Lange et al, 2021).…”

Sport and physical exercise in sustainable mental health care of common mental disorders: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic

“… 9 Furthermore, various nutrients and food bioactive have been proposed as effective measures in the management of common mental disorders. 10 , 11 However, evidence of their clinical efficacy is lacking 12 , 13 and their long-term administration may even be harmful. 14 …”