Fish oil supplements: A possible treatment for depression?

Is there any benefit to taking fish oil supplements for depression?

- No name / No state given

Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Daniel Hall-Flavin, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Possibly. A number of studies suggest that fish oil supplements may be an effective add-on (adjuvant) therapy for depression. However, these studies have been small and more research is needed to confirm these results.

Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Some research suggests that people with depression have low blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a fatty acid found in fish oil.

One study of 20 people with persistent depression reported that taking 1 gram of EPA twice a day improved response to standard antidepressant medication. The study, published in 2002, used standardized depression scores to assess participants before and throughout the four-week trial.

At this time, it's probably premature to make a strong recommendation for or against fish oil supplements as a treatment for depression. Consult your doctor before starting any new dietary or herbal supplement to treat depression. Another way to get more omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, is to simply eat more fish.