Reviewing the antidepressant effects of omega-3 fatty acids

Researchers from Chang Gung University College of Medicine in Taiwan reassessed the results (meta-analysis) from 10 double blind, placebo-controlled studies in more than 300 patients with mood disorders treated with omega-3 PUFAs for at least 4 weeks.

Here’s what they found.

• Taking omega-3 fatty acids significantly improved depression in patients with clearly defined depression or with bipolar disorder.
• The dosage of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) did not change the antidepressant efficacy.

The bottom line?
They also found “significant heterogeneity among these studies and publication bias.” In other words, there were enough irregularities in the design and reporting of the results that more research is required to define the patients most likely to respond to omega 3, the proper dose, and the best composition of omega 3 fatty acids to use.

8/10/07 18:05 JR