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all. Both of these factors may have contributed to the no benefit result.^13 As analyzed
by Stoll, the studies as a whole suggest that a high EPA to DHA formula of omega- 3
essential fatty acids is potentially beneficial as an adjunctive therapy, when used with
other medications. No studies have yet tested the effect of an appropriate dose of
omega-3s without other medication in bipolar illness.
In his comprehensive book, The Omega-3 Connection,^14 Stoll asserted: “We are learning
that restoring the body’s natural balance of omega-3 oils may improve a multitude of
medical disorders, including coronary artery disease, major depression, and bipolar
disorder.” Stoll added that: Furthermore, it is possible that omega-3 fatty acids may
actually prevent these disorders from developing as well.^15
Weil puts omega-3s at the top of his recommended supplement list, finding the
literature on omega-3s “the strongest evidence we have for non-drug treatment of
depression.”^16 Weil recommends two – four g per day of omega-3s as the basic building
block of his “Program for Optimal Emotional Well-being.”^17
Lake and Spiegel confirm the efficacy of omega-3s in the treatment of depressed
mood and bipolar disorder.^18 However, they caution against use of omega-3s as
monotherapy for depression unless antidepressants have proven ineffective or are
poorly tolerated.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has sponsored
studies investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acids/fish oil on major depression in
adults, adolescent depression, and depression in people with multiple sclerosis. It
concludes that more research is needed to determine whether omega-3 fatty acids help
symptoms of depression.^19
However, NCCAM cites with approval the 2010 meta-analysis of Appleton et al. that
concluded that: “the evidence provides some support of a benefit of n-3 PUFAs in
individuals with diagnosed depressive illness but no evidence of any benefit in
individuals without a diagnosis of depressive illness.”^20
- ADJUNCTIVE USE FOR DEPRESSION
