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[cited above under Adjuctive Use] found that omega-3 supplements (2 g a day) worked
no better than a placebo in treating depression in people with heart disease. In early
2010 a research review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that
there is some evidence of a beneficial effect, but only in people with clinically diagnosed
depression."^25
Consumer Reports lists fish oil as one of eleven “supplements to consider,” but only
describes it as “effective” for triglyceride reduction and as “likely effective” for
prevention of heart disease and stroke. None of the potential effects of omega-3s on
mood disorders is mentioned.
- CONCLUSIONS: Given the undoubted need for a diet rich in fish or supplemented by other
sources of omega-3s in order to maintain a healthy heart and circulatory system, the
promising studies of depression and bipolar disorder cited in this outline, the strong
endorsements by four sources, and the minimal drug interactions and side effects,
consumers may reasonably conclude from the current evidence that omega-3s are worth a
try to help in coping with mental health conditions despite lack of compelling evidence of
effectiveness. Omega-3s are promising prevention and treatment strategies for
depression and bipolar disorder. See below for the areas of possible efficacy in addition to
depression and bipolar disorder.
- SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USES: PERINATAL AND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION:
Depletion of maternal omega-3 essential fatty acids has been noted during pregnancy.
The physiology of pregnancy involves the mobilization of essential fatty acids from
maternal stores to the fetus and especially the developing brain and nervous system.
Supplementation with omega-3 essential fatty acids may ensure adequate supplies for
the needs of the mother and the developing fetus and should be as common as folic
acid supplementation--now an almost universal health precaution to prevent birth
defects (e.g. Spina bifida). Stoll is an outspoken champion of such supplementation.
Without dietary supplementation, levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids may remain
low for some time postpartum, particularly in lactating women since considerable
