Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health challenges, affecting millions of people worldwide. While there are many approaches to managing these conditions, one natural option gaining attention is omega-3 fish oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important for the health benefits within the body. It’s been studied thoroughly for its effects on heart health, inflammation, and even mental health.
Rich in essential fatty acids like EPA and DHA, omega-3 fish oil has been shown to support brain health and may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
By influencing neurotransmitters and reducing inflammation, omega-3s offer a promising supplement for those seeking to improve their mental well-being naturally.
For over 10 years, researchers have been studying the effects omega-3 may have on depression, as well as other mental and behavioral conditions. Although the research is fairly recent, and more needs to be done before final conclusions can be made, it’s been promising. Most studies are showing that omega-3s may be helpful in treating some forms of depression.
What the research says about Omega-3 and depression
Your brain needs the type of fatty acids that are in omega-3 for proper functioning. Research shows that those who experience depression don’t have enough EPA and DHA. This is the premise that researchers are using as they study the possible benefits of using omega-3 and fish oil to treat depression.
In 2009 Trusted Source, researchers reviewed data from three studies that used EPA in the treatment of three different types of depression: recurrent major depression in adults, major depression in children, and bipolar depression. The large majority of subjects taking EPA in all types showed significant improvement and benefited from the EPA as compared to those with a placebo.
An overview of research from 2004 Trusted Source on omega-3s and depression showed that DHA may also play an important role along with EPA in the treatment of various types of depression. Those with minor depression, postpartum depression, and suicidal ideation had lower levels of EPA and DHA. These studies showed that a combination of EPA and DHA found in fish oil seemed to improve the depression symptoms of most participants who were tested.
As a whole, the research done up to this point seems positive for the use of fish oil and omega-3s to maintain and gradual decrease of depression. However, most studies acknowledge the need for larger studies and continued research on the subject.
Omega-3 forms and doses
Omega-3s can be added to your diet in a variety of ways. Some of these are:
- Adding more fish to your diet, especially salmon, trout, tuna, and shellfish
- Fish oil supplements
- Flaxseed oil
- Algae oil
- Canola oil
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you eat 2-3 servings of fish each week, including a variety of types. A serving for an adult is 4 ounces. A serving for a child is 2 ounces.
The dosage for treating various health conditions with supplements varies on the condition and the severity of it. You should be sure to talk to your doctor about what dose would be right for you and before adding any supplement to your health regimen.
Risks and complications
You shouldn’t take more omega-3 than your doctor recommends as it can be harmful to your health. Too much of the fatty acids in omega-3s may have a negative effect on your health. These negative effects include:
- increased LDL cholesterol
- difficulty controlling blood sugar levels
- higher risk of bleeding
Children and pregnant women may be at risk from mercury in some fish and shouldn’t take fish oil or eat certain types of fish without first talking to their doctor. When consuming certain fish, there’s a higher risk of mercury poisoning. These types of fish include:
- albacore tuna
- mackerel
- swordfish
- tilefish
If you’re allergic to shellfish, you should talk to your doctor before taking fish oil supplements. There hasn’t yet been enough research done to determine if they’ll affect your allergy or not.
Fish oil and omega-3 supplements may also interact with some medications – including some that are over-the-counter. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements or vitamins.
Summary
In all, the research that’s been done up to this point has shown the benefit of using omega-3 and fish oil to maintain a variety of depressive disorders, in combination with other treatments.
Source: Healthline