Omega-3 EPA linked to less depression

Increased blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may reduce the severity of symptoms of depression. A study of 1390 subjects from Bordeaux in France reports that EPA levels in people with depressive symptoms were on average 0.16 per cent lower than in normal people, according to data published in this month's issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Symptoms of depressions were evaluated using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, while blood samples were taken in order to measure fatty acid levels in the blood.

The Bordeaux study adds to a small but growing body of studies reporting benefits of the polyunsaturated fatty acids on mental health. Last year, researchers from Norway reported that regular and long-term intake of omega-3 fatty acid-rich cod liver oil may protect people from symptoms of depression.

The study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, followed 21,835 subjects aged between 40 and 49 and 70 and 74 years, and found that the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 29 per cent lower in regular cod liver oil users than the rest of the population.

Moreover, a joint Anglo-Iranian study reported that depression ratings were cut by 50 per cent following daily one gram supplements of EPA, an effect similar to that obtained by the antidepressant drug fluoxetine, according to findings published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.

Steve - with the multitude of benefits that EPA/DHA provides, if it is not a staple in your dietary and nutrient regimen, it should be.