Are omega-3 fatty acids efficacious in the treatment of depression? A review

The hypothesis that omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in preventing and treating depression is based on correlative associations between fish consumption, acid intake the prevalence of major depressive disorder. Reduced erythrocyte levels have been found individuals with disorders. These observational findings are unable to establish causal relationship depression. results randomized controlled trials for disorders inconclusive also fail prove causation. therapeutic efficacy appears be moderate at best but more likely minimal or non-existent. Potential long-term adverse effects supplementation should considered. Large-scale, well-controlled clinical required potential anti-depressive acids. Such studies need consider baseline values symptom severity, dosage types used, duration concomitant use medication. Conclusive evidence currently lacking. recommendation potentially ineffective therapies considerable opportunity costs, other possibly useful treatments remaining unutilized.