Omega-3 May Offset Depression

In that the link between omega-3 fatty acids and mood is complicated and study findings to-date mixed, University of Pavia (Italy) researchers add data suggesting that the nutrients may ameliorate the symptoms of depression.  Mariangela Rondanelli and colleagues recruited 46 depressed senior women at a nursing home in Pavia and randomly assigned each to receive omega-3 supplements, or a placebo, for two months.  The depressed women who received daily supplements containing 2.5 grams of omega-3 experienced significant reductions in their symptoms.  Further, omega-3 supplements providing a daily EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) dose of 1.67 grams and a daily DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) dose of 0.83 grams significantly improved self-reported quality of life.  No adverse effects were reported. The researchers conclude that: “Supplementation of [omega-3 fatty acids] in elderly female patients reduces the occurrence of depressive symptoms, improves phospholipids fatty acids profile and health-related quality of life.”