October 7, 2004 – Omega-3 fatty acids could have an impact on mood. Three Quebec researchers found that depressed patients had lower omega-3 levels than patients without symptoms of depression.
Psychiatrist at the Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal (CHUM), the Dr François Lespérance, with two other colleagues, explored the relationship between the psychological state of patients suffering from coronary heart disease and the level of fatty acids in their blood.
Case study1 they conducted found that severely depressed patients had lower levels of omega-3 – specifically docohexanoic acid (DHA) – than in other patients. According to the Dr The expectation, the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s would facilitate the transmission of information between neurons, which would help the brain to better manage its hormonal modulation and, therefore, to act in a positive way on mood. It would therefore not be surprising to find a very low level of omega-3 in depressed patients. It remains to be seen whether it is the low intake of omega-3s that causes depression or the reverse, because an individual in a depressed state may find it more difficult to eat in a balanced way.
The Dr Lespérance recognizes that these are hypotheses. Further clinical trials in patients with minor to severe depression are needed to elucidate this relationship. However, the Montreal researcher believes that omega-3s could become an interesting complement to conventional pharmacological treatments such as antidepressants.
While waiting for the results of such studies, the adoption of a diet rich and varied in omega-3 has so few contraindications that the authors of the study do not hesitate to encourage the consumption of omega-3 d ‘marine or vegetable origin. Salmon, sardines, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are some foods that could be good for morale!
Marie france Coutu – PasseportSanté.net
1. Frasure-Smith N, Lesperance F, Julien P, Depression is associated with lower omega-3 fatty acid levels in patients with recent acute coronary syndromes, Biol Psychiatry, May 2004, Vol. 55, No. 9, 891-6.