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Given the reasonable known drug interactions and side effects, there is no question that
use of omega-3s as adjunctive treatment under physician supervision is justified by
the available evidence, except for persons using sertraline, who should consult their
prescribing physician about the impact of the 2009 study on that decision. Although no
adverse drug interactions were noted in the 2009 study, the benefit of such adjunctive
treatment may also be small.
- DISSENT
The Natural Standard, Berkeley Wellness Reports and Consumer Reports all dissent.
Thus, three of the ten sources consulted, while acknowledging “promising” evidence for
the efficacy of omega-3 essential fatty acids in depression and bipolar disorder, did not
recommend use of omega-3s for any mental health condition.
The Natural Standard acknowledges “promising” evidence for the efficacy of omega- 3
essential fatty acids in depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but rates all three
as “C,” “unclear scientific evidence for this use.” The Natural Standard particularly
acknowledges the “positive” results of recent studies in postpartum depression and
childhood depression, but continues to call for more studies before endorsing its use to
address mood disorders. The Natural Standard rates omega-3s as “A” (“strong scientific
evidence”) for secondary cardiovascular disease prevention and “B” (“good scientific
evidence”) for primary cardiovascular disease prevention and for use in rheumatoid
arthritis.^24
While touting the effectiveness of omega-3 essential fatty acids in the prevention and
treatment of heart disease, the treatment of high triglycerides, and the treatment of
inflammatory effects of autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and psoriatic and
rheumatoid arthritis, Berkeley Wellness avoids taking a position on the effectiveness of
omega-3s in depression and other mood disorders, stating only: “A 2007 review by the
American Psychiatric Association suggested that people who have mood or depressive
disorders consume at least 1 g of EPA/DHA per day from fatty fish or supplements.
However, a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association in October 2009
