Friday, February 1, 2008

Omega- 3 Fatty Acids and Depression

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression1Scientific evidence has shown an association between depression and low dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In countries where consumption of omega-3 fatty acids was high, there appeared to be fewer people with depression. To pursue this further, a recent analysis of the scientific literature was undertaken to investigate the potential antidepressant effect of omega-3 fatty acids on depression. There was hope that omega-3s might also be particularly good for treatment-resistant depression, childhood depression, and postpartum depression. The trials that were investigated lasted a minimum of 4 weeks and used two different types of omega-3 to treat depression or bipolar disorder. In these trials, omega-3 appeared to have a significant antidepressant effect. In addition, the researchers theorized that omega-3 would be beneficial for conditions that are often associated with depression such as heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy.Although the effectiveness for omega-3s on depression showed promise, the individual study results, when pooled, were too inconsistent to draw definite conclusions on the suitable dosage and the best composition of omega-3 supplements. In addition, more study is needed on people who might best benefit from such treatment.1. Lin P-T, Su K-P. A Meta-Analytic Review of Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressant Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. J Clin Psychiatry 2007; 68:1056-1061.For a comprehensive source of information on nutrition, click here for John Berardi's Precision Nutrition 2.0 on the CPTN website.Lisa say's: for those of you who are my clients you know I am a big advocate of Omega 3's from fish sources. I attached this brief article for you - please enjoy!
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