September 19, 2008 – Can fish oil supplements improve psychological well-being in non-depressed older people, or even help prevent the depression that is common in this age group?
This is what Dutch researchers wanted to know. They conducted a clinical trial with 302 healthy subjects, an average of 70 years old.1.
For 26 weeks, participants took marine omega-3 capsules at a rate of 1,800 mg per day or 400 mg per day of EPA / DHA essential acids or an identical placebo. Before, during and after the trial, the depressive state of each of the subjects was assessed using questionnaires designed to diagnose depression.
The results indicate no difference between the results of the three groups of participants: no one was depressed at baseline and no diagnosis of depression was made during the trial. Overall, the test results were similar among the three groups.
We cannot therefore conclude either on the effectiveness or the ineffectiveness of omega-3s in preventing depression in seniors in good psychological health. As to whether fish oil could improve the mood of healthy subjects, the authors admit that their results are inconclusive. The tests used were only intended to measure depressive states and not general psychological well-being.
Recall that the results of several previous studies indicate that patients with depression often have low levels of polyunsaturated essential acids. Because marine-sourced omega-3 acids (EPA / DHA) are important components of the membrane of neurons, it is possible that they can influence depressed moods or other mood disorders. But for the moment, the clinical utility of omega-3 against depression is not unanimous and the current data does not allow to draw a clear conclusion as to their use to treat or prevent this condition.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
1. van de Rest O, Geleijnse et al. Effect of fish-oil supplementation on mental well-being in older subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Sep; 88 (3): 706-13.