Depression: antidepressants or omega-3?

Depression is a very common disease that must be treated immediately. The treatment most classic and most effective based on the use of antidepressants. Now, supplementation with omega-3 could be considered under certain conditions.

1. Omega-3 and depression

Long, omega-3 are thought to represent an alternative to antidepressants. But in the absence of direct evidence, supplementation with omega-3 was more reserved than the real depression depressions.

Data changes with this new clinical study focused on 430 patients who were diagnosed with depression (68% women, mean age 46 years).

Divided into two groups, one received a placebo while the others take 3 capsules of fish oil daily for 8 weeks.

2. Fish oil: EPA + DHA

Namely: 3 capsules represented a contribution of 1,050 mg of EPA and 150 mg DHA. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are derived from omega-3 primary, ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Fish oils are direct sources of EPA and DHA. Indeed, the fish themselves have consumed directly or indirectly from phytoplankton, rich in ALA, which they converted into EPA and DHA.

3. Omega-3: effective antidepressants

Treatment with fish oil capsules had no effect in patients with depression who also suffered from anxiety disorders. However, only in people with depression, omega-3 proved highly effective, with an action similar to antidepressant drugs.

In conclusion, supplementation with omega-3 represents an interesting alternative to antidepressant drugs. One course of fish oil capsules can be attempted as first-line over a period of two months or in case of reluctance to take antidepressant medication.

Caution, however, supplementation appears unnecessary in cases of anxiety associated with depression!
Talk to your doctor, only he can advise the best solution for you.