Originally published September 27 2005
Consumption of fish oil may lower risk of depression
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Since evidence shows people who eat more seafood tend to have lower rates of depression and other mood disorders and that people who suffer from depression are often deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, researchers are looking at whether fish oil supplements can act as effective treatments for depression.
Sydney's Black Dog Institute has started recruiting people with mild to moderate depression aged 21 to 65 to assess the benefits of fish oil supplements, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
In the first, six week phase of the study, half the participants will receive daily doses of fish oil, while the remainder will be given an inactive placebo, so researchers can assess any differences.
The next eight-week phase will ensure all those in the trial will receive the active treatment.
Black Dog Institute executive director Gordon Parker said scientists believed Omega-3s were important for the permeability of cell membranes, allowing the free flow of chemicals in and out of neurons in the brain.
But we don't include as much food rich in Omega-3s -- such as salmon, tuna, sardine and mackerel -- in our diets as in the past, which may be contributing to mood disorders.
"The suspicion is that dietary changes, if they are playing a part in mood disorders, may have been creeping up on us over the last three or four decades as we've been eating more processed foods," Professor Parker said.
Psychiatrists at the Black Dog Institute have recently conducted a similar study to gauge the effect of using fish oil supplements as a treatment for women with post-natal depression.
Anti-depressant drugs are still considered the gold standard treatment for depression, but because they cannot be tolerated in some people, scientists believe it is important to investigate alternatives.
Professor Parker said fish oil was relatively free of side effects, although those on anticoagulant medication, such as warfarin, may be at risk of a slight increase in bleeding.
"In comparison to the average drug, it is very, very safe," he said.
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