Association of Use of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Changes in Severity of Anxiety Symptoms

Abstract

Key Points Question Is omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid treatment associated with an improvement in anxiety symptoms? Findings In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 clinical trials including 2240 participants from 11 countries, improvement in anxiety symptoms was associated with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid treatment compared with controls in both placebo-controlled and non–placebo-controlled trials. The anxiolytic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were also stronger in participants with clinical conditions than in subclinical populations. Meaning Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid treatment for anxiety might be effective in clinical settings.

Nutritional Factors, Physical Health and Immigrant Status Are Associated with Anxiety Disorders among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Findings from Baseline Data of The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)

“…The findings indicating lower odds of anxiety disorders for those with higher intakes of fruits and vegetables, as well as pulses and nuts, are consistent with the results of other studies [28][29][30]. Nuts may be protective against anxiety disorders because certain types, such as walnuts, are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.…”

“…The findings indicating heightened odds of anxiety disorder with intakes of pastries are also consistent with the results of other studies [28,29]. Some investigations suggest that individuals with anxiety may self-pacify with sugary products as "comfort food" [65].…”

“…For example, women who followed a "Western" diet high in refined grains, sugary products, and processed foods were found to be significantly more likely to have an anxiety disorder compared to those with a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and whole grains [27,28]. Additionally, higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids [29], nuts [30], fiber [31,32], and lower intakes of salt [33] are associated with lower likelihood of an anxiety disorder.…”

Higher dietary fat quality is associated with lower anxiety score in women: a cross-sectional study

“…For instance, in an experimental study, consumption of 3 g/day of EPA and DHA in patients with current obsessive-compulsive disorder reduced anxiety disorder [29]. Another experimental study reported that consumption of at least 2000 mg/day n-3 PUFAs in adults reduced anxiety disorder [30]. However, a meta-analysis did not show beneficial effects of omega-3 supplementation on the prevention of anxiety symptoms [31].…”

Psychiatry is Broadening the Biological Paradigm at Last – A Commentary on Hoffmann et al. “Dietary Supplements in Psychiatric Treatment – A Narrative Review”

“…If this is so, then we should anticipate that a long-term exposure to such a dysbalance in essential PUFAs might trigger a critical state, and then only long term-reversal with high dosages would be able to act therapeutically. This has been actually shown in recent meta-analyses of therapeutic trials, which are surely only the beginning [18][19][20][21]. They do, however, point the way: in some patients, and perhaps we have to figure out first which ones they are, such nutritional interventions may actually be causal.…”