Is There Any Benefit To Taking Fish Oil Supplements For Depression?

Is There Any Benefit To Taking
Fish Oil Supplements
For Depression?

A number of studies suggest that fish oil supplements may be an effective add-on (adjuvant) therapy for depression.

A 2007 review of ten clinical trials studying the effects of omega-3s on depression found a significant anti-depressant effect, but concluded that more large-scale studies are needed.

Several teams of researchers are currently testing fish oil as a remedy for depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Until those results come in, the jury on fish oil is still out. Still, the research that has been done to date suggests that omega-3s may have important implications for both depression and our overall health.
Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids have been shown to play an important role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. Some research has suggested that people who have depression have low blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a fatty acid found in fish oil.

At this time, its probably premature to make a strong recommendation for or against fish oil supplements as a treatment for depression. Consult your doctor before starting any new dietary or herbal supplement to treat depression, especially if you take other medications.

Another way to get more omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, is to simply eat more fish. Try salmon, mackerel and tuna. Other dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, canola oil, soybeans, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.