Fish oil alone unlikely to relieve depression
Study shows limited evidence that it works in tandem with antidepressants
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 NEW YORK - Despite some evidence linking depression with low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, there is currently no convincing evidence that the acids alone can relieve depression, according to a report published this week. And there is limited evidence that omega-3 fatty acids - abundant in oily fish, nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables - can relieve depression in combination with antidepressant drugs. But this needs to be confirmed before the routine use of fish oil supplements can be recommended for depression, the report states. Circumstantial evidence has suggested a link between omega-3 levels and behavior and mood disorders, such as depression, findings that have attracted widespread attention. Omega-3 fatty acids "are involved in chemical messaging in the brain, and help regulate blood vessel activity and aspects of the immune system that affect the central nervous system," according to the report in Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, a publication of the British Medical Journal Group. Many people take omega-3 supplements, which are available over-the-counter. Investigators pooled the results of published studies that evaluated the effect on depression of omega-3 fatty acid supplements alone or in combination with established antidepressant drugs. As mentioned, there was little convincing evidence that omega-3 fatty acids alone can alleviate symptoms of depression and only limited evidence to back their use as a supplement to established antidepressant drugs. In about nine studies that were reviewed, fish oil supplements were generally well tolerated; the most common side effects, "particularly with higher doses, are nausea, fishy belching and loose stools," the report states. | CLICK FOR RELATED CONTENT |
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There have been concerns that fish oil supplements may contain environmental toxins such as dioxins, PCBs or mercury. Therefore, investigators believe it is important not to exceed the maximum recommended doses. "Surveys of fish supplements by the Food Standards Agency have found that the levels of mercury they contain do not pose a risk to consumer safety," the report notes. Moreover, because fish oil supplements contain vitamin A, pregnant women should take only low-dose omega-3 supplements because of the potentially harmful effects of high levels of vitamin A on the fetus. Copyright 2007 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters.
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