Omega 3 Depression Benefits

Are there any significant omega 3 depression benefits?

Generally speaking, excessively high levels of omega 6 fatty acids and lack of omega 3 fatty acids have been linked to many dangerous illnesses, and those include depression.

It is unclear how exactly omega 3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA, which are richly found in fish oil, affect moods and depressive states. It is known, however, that these essential fatty acids play an important role in mood regulation as well as brain and mental health.

Indeed, they are believed to be important in the proper functioning of brain cells, neurons and neurotransmitters (chemicals responsible for inter-cell communication); they are also important for membrane health, enzyme regulation and nerve function. In fact, omega 3 fatty acids are said to make up a significant proportion of the brain, and DHA is the omega 3 fatty acid which is most significantly found in this very important organ.

Part of the puzzle could be explained by the role of prostaglandins - omega 3 fatty acids make these compounds, which are critical for proper brain function and health, including one's moods.

Another possible explanation for omega 3 depression benefits is the role of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which helps to regulate moods. As omega 3 fatty acids help the brain re-uptake of this compound, they thus offer beneficial effects for moods as well as to persons suffering from depression.

Indeed, there are many omega 3 depression studies which reveal the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids on various mental disorders, including bipolar disorder, personality disorder, schizophrenia and behavioral problems in children. With specific regard to depression, there are many types of studies which show a link between omega 3 and depression, too.

For example, some studies have looked at persons with depression and found that they have lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their blood, as compared to persons not suffering from the condition. Increasing severity of depression has been linked to lower levels of EPA, too. In addition, it has been suggested that persons who eat a lot of fish, which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, have only about 10% the rate of suffering depression, as compared to those who do not.

Omega 3 depression benefits also extend to those who have already been hit by the condition. Indeed, the consumption of high doses of these essential fatty acids helped to stabilize and improve the moods of depressed persons.

For example, one particular 4-week long double-blind and placebo-controlled study showed the benefits of consuming fish oil, which is rich in DHA and EPA, in alleviating depression. In addition, a University of Sheffield study found that omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) helped to alleviate depressive symptoms (bipolar disorder).

In another double-blind study, persons suffering from manic depression who took omega 3 (fish oil) supplements for 4 months experienced significant relief, as compared to those in the placebo group. Their depressive symptom measurements fell by as much as almost half.

As you can see, the omega 3 depression benefits are well-proven and well-documented, and these essential fatty acids act as a potent and effective natural antidepressant. As for the positive link between fish oil and depression, this can be explained by the fact that fish oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acids.