How Omega-3 Fights Depression – LEF

Life Extension Foundation

"WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW"

  • Many older adults suffer from depressive symptoms and major depression.

  • It is now recognized that chronic inflammation is an important contributor to depression risk.

  • Omega-3 fats are well-known for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

  • A new study demonstrates close links between low omega-3 blood levels and risk for depressive symptoms, helping to further strengthen the inflammation-depression link.

  • Earlier studies have already shown that the administration of omega-3 in conjunction with antidepressant treatment is superior to antidepressant treatment alone.

  • Omega-3 supplementation should be a major part of any serious age-decelerating regimen, because of the widespread benefits of its anti-inflammatory properties.

References

Horikawa C, Otsuka R, Kato Y, et al. Cross-sectional association between serum concentrations of n-3 long-chain PUFA and depressive symptoms: results in Japanese community dwellers. Br J Nutr. 2016;115(4):672-80.

Su KP, Lai HC, Yang HT, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of interferon-alpha-induced depression: results from a randomized, controlled trial. Biol Psychiatry. 2014;76(7):559-66.

Grosso G, Pajak A, Marventano S, et al. Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of depressive disorders: A comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. PLoS ONE. 2014;9(5):e96905.

Grosso G, Galvano F, Marventano S, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids and depression: scientific evidence and biological mechanisms. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014;2014:313570.

Zulyniak MA, Roke K, Gerling C, et al. Fish oil regulates blood fatty acid composition and oxylipin levels in healthy humans: A comparison of young and older men. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2016;60(3):631-41.

Gertsik L, Poland RE, Bresee C, et al. Omega-3 fatty acid augmentation of citalopram treatment for patients with major depressive disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2012;32(1):61-4.

Kimmel PL, Peterson RA. Depression in patients with end-stage renal disease treated with dialysis: has the time to treat arrived? Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2006 May;1(3):349-52.

Gharekhani A, Khatami MR, Dashti-Khavidaki S, et al. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on depressive symptoms and inflammatory markers in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;70(6):655-65.

Dashti-Khavidaki S, Gharekhani A, Khatami MR, et al. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on depression and quality of life in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Am J Ther. 2014;21(4):275-87.