Researchers at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, in New York City, reviewed the evidence for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to treat major depressive episodes.

First, the details.

• Data from 15 study involving 916 participants were used for the meta-analysis.

And, the results.

• Supplements with at least 60% EPA showed significant benefit on standardized depression scores compared to supplements with less than 60% EPA.
• Treatment duration or age didn’t affect the results.
• Improvement was associated with EPA doses in excess of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), within the range of 200 to 2,200 mg/d of EPA.
• Supplements with less than 60% EPA were ineffective.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded, “Supplements containing EPA at least 60% of total EPA + DHA, in a dose range of 200 to 2,200 mg/day of EPA in excess of DHA, were effective against primary depression.”

9/28/11 22:07 JR