NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Despite some evidence linking depression with low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, there is currently no convincing evidence that omega-3 fatty acids alone can relieve depression, according to a report published this week.
And there is limited evidence that omega-3 fatty acids given in combination with antidepressant drugs can relieve depression -- but this needs to be confirmed before the routine use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements can be recommended for depression, the report states. ...more
And there is limited evidence that omega-3 fatty acids given in combination with antidepressant drugs can relieve depression -- but this needs to be confirmed before the routine use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements can be recommended for depression, the report states. ...more
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Here we go again another headline by what looks like a pro-pharmaceutical group (Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin journal?) rubbishing claims for natural therapies!
Let’s not forget that omega 3 is a natural food product, it has no known side-effects and is not an addictive medication! I don’t know what planet the articles authors are on, but what is their motive to criticise something that if not conclusively shown to help depression, certainly does not harm and has been shown to be helpful for many patients with stubborn depression. In addition to possible benefits for the brain, it’s general health benefits cannot be ignored. So why attack it?
I get quite angry when I read these types of articles purporting to be written by experts “Evidence not enough for fish oil benefits” seems designed almost to encourage people to avoid taking fish oil altogether as if it’s some kind of poison. Let’s take a closer look…
“Omega 3 – What sort are we talking about here?”
The article isn’t specific about what sort of Omega 3 we’re actually discussing here. This is an important point as there are 3 main forms of omega 3 and those researching the subject would all agree that the form is important to mention in terms of research findings (whether EPA, DHA, ALA) and the quality of the oil and dosage is also very important. Even people in favour of omega 3 supplementation would agree that all forms are not as effective and that dosage is critical.
“Efficacy cannot be guaranteed for lack of conclusive evidence”
This is the usual reason given for not opting for a natural alternative. But let’s not forget that unlike the drug/pharmaceutical industry the CAM sector does not have billions of dollars available to study and promote the use of natural food supplements. It never will, as these natural foods can’t be patented and so billion dollar investments would never be recouped.
“high doses resulted in “nausea, fishy belching and loose stools”.”
What do they mean by “high doses” and what sort of omega 3 are we talking about here? There is a huge range of omega 3 and there are many variations in quality. Taking high doses of some of the basic food grade fish oils can cause these kinds of side effects, pharmaceutical grades (see below) are far less likely to cause these kinds of problems.
“Pregnant women are advised caution and to take fish oil only in low doses as it contains vitamin A”
This statement is incorrect. Not all fish oil contains Vitamin A, in most cases only fish LIVER oils contain vitamin A. I certainly wouldn’t advise anyone taking a fish liver oil for depression or during pregnancy as it’s likely to cause the side-effects mentioned above in addition to the fact that they contain vitamin A. Fish liver oil is also high in saturated fat and can’t be guaranteed as free from heavy metals.
“Sources for omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, seeds and leafy green vegetables”
Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid. That means the human body can’t function without it and it has to be taken in from the diet. There are 2 main sources of Omega 3 EPA & DHA whose richest source is from oily fish such as makeral, sardines and ALA which is found in plant sources such as nuts, seeds and leafy green vegetables. Omega-3 fats EPA and DHA are more biologically potent than ALA. The ALA has to be converted into EPA by the bodies digestive processes in order to be of benefit, some studies have shown conversion rates from ALA to EPA as low as 1%. Therefore, for those
Omega 3 is a healthy option to support brain health
I think that people with depression may find the use of the right form of omega 3 at the right dosage in combination with their prescribed medication to be highly beneficial. If it doesn’t help the brain directly, it may certainly help their general health and that’s taking a more holistic approach to the problem.
I have suffered with depression since my early 20s. It has spoilt my life. I only realised in my early 40s that many people suffering from depression have low levels of omega 3 in their blood. I started taking a pharmaceutical grade omega 3 (that doesn't contain vitamin A and is certified free of heavy metals, pcbs and dioxins) and found myself feeling better than i'd ever felt within a matter of a few short months. I've been taking 2,000mg of Omega 3 ever since and I've been so much better.
Unlike medication, pharmaceutical grade omega 3 doesn't have side effects associated with prescription medication and certainly won't cause the side effects mentioned in this article such as burping, loose stools.
Fish Oil Grades
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) is a type of Omega 3 essential fatty acid which is found in fish. Research suggests that taking 1g - 2g of EPA Omega 3 daily may help combat depression.
Some fish oils can contain contaminants and can also cause gastric intolerance, however, few people are aware of the availability of a new breed of oils which have been refined in order to:
>> Increase EPA content and minimize DHA content*
>> Minimize and/or eliminate contamination by heavy metals, PCBs & Dioxins
>> Minimize and/or eliminate gastric intolerance by purification of the oil
>> Contain much lower levels of saturated fats compared to standard oils. Eg. 2% compared to 30%.
Examples of available brands include Nutrasea HP by Ascenta Health, Omax3 by Cenestra Health and MorEPA by Minami Nutrition.
References:
1. Maes M, Smith R, Christophe A, et al. Fatty acid composition in major depression: decreased omega 3 fractions in cholesteryl esters and increased C20: 4 omega 6/C20:5 omega 3 ratio in cholesteryl esters and phospholipids. J Affect Disord 1996;38:35–46.
2. Edwards R, Peet M, Shay J, Horrobin D. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in the diet and in red blood cell membranes of depressed patients. J Affect Disord 1998;48:149–55.
3. Peet M, Murphy B, Shay J, Horrobin D. Depletion of omega-3 fatty acid levels in red blood cell membranes of depressive patients. Biol Psychiatry 1998;43:315–9.
4. Maes M, Christophe A, Delanghe J, et al. Lowered omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids and cholesteryl esters of depressed patients. Psychiatry Res 1999;85:275–91
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