Omega-3 and depression
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Although results of a meta-analysis shows omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids demonstrate a significant antidepressant efficacy, the finding cannot be validated due to publication bias and heterogeneity, according to authors of the meta-analysis published in the July Journal of Clinical Psychology. The research was based on 10 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in patients with mood disorders receiving omega-3 PUFAs with the treatment period lasting four weeks or longer. "More large-scale, well-controlled studies are warranted to find out the favorable target subjects, the optimal composition and the dosage of EPA and DHA, and the long-term efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in treating depression," say Pao-Yen Lin, Department of Psychiatry, Change Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Taiwan, et al...