Study Omega-3 fatty acids barely effective in depression

Effect of omega-3 fatty acid against depression questionable
In general, omega-3 fatty acids are said to be good for our health. Also against depression, the fatty acids should have a positive effect. However, new studies have shown that possibly depressive disorders can not be treated effectively with omega-3 fatty acid. Many foods contain the omega-3 fatty acids that are so important to us. For example, they are found in fish, seafood and some nuts and seeds. Fatty acid supplements are now available worldwide for their beneficial effects on human health. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can be purchased almost anywhere as a prescription-free supplement. Such supplements have gained tremendous popularity over the last decade.

Several previous studies suggested that omega-3 fatty acid supplements could also be used to treat depressive patients. However, the current study by scientists at Bournemouth University comes to a different conclusion. Accordingly, the effect of the fatty acids is so low that the use in patients with depression does not make much sense. Their results published in the medical journal "Cochrane Library".

Omega-3 fatty acid preparations have little effect on depressive disorders. (Image: blackzheep / fotolia.com)

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids in depression very low
The researchers from the University of Bournemouth in the UK evaluated the results of 26 independent studies with a total of 1,458 participants. The studies evaluated compared the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in capsule form with a placebo. The results showed that people who had previously received omega-3s had fewer symptoms of depression than those who took a placebo. In one of the studies, 40 participants tested the effects of omega-3 fatty acid preparations compared to treatment with an antidepressant. The results of the studies also showed that the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in depressive disorders was very low.

Omega-3 fatty acid does not make sense in depression
The Bournemouth University doctor found that only a very modest effect of omega-3 fatty acids was observed compared to placebo. The effects are so small that an application of the drugs in depression would probably make little sense, the researchers said in a statement. The results are of low or very low quality, the lead author of the study said. Katherine Appleton from Bournemouth University. Although all investigations are an important contribution with direct relevance to the analysis of the issue, but most of these studies are too small and of low quality, added the physician. At the present time, there would not be enough relevant high-quality evidence to determine how useful the use of omega-3 fatty acids and their effects on depression is. Importantly, patients suffering from depression are fully aware of their condition. Only then is it possible that better decisions are made in terms of treatment, said the doctor. (As)