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Studies in Depression and Omega-3 fatty acids
Adequate omega-3 fatty acids may be an important factor, the epidemiological studies clearly suggest, in treating depression. While there may be a correlation, which may or may not necessarily indicate causation. Adding to the strength of the studies, scientists have examined the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood cells and stored fat cells of those suffering with major depression.
Four studies have shown that those with depression have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. One study showed that the lower the level of EPA, the more severe the clinical depression, additionally, a recent study has shown that the patients with depression have 35% less DHA in fat storage cells as opposed to the healthy controls.
Neuroscientists have been examining the consequences of omega-3 deficiencies in the central nervous system for the past decade. Serotonin and dopamine levels, as well as the functioning of these two important neurotransmitters are altered in an omega-3 deficiency. Omega-3 deficiencies are known to compromise the blood-brain barrier, which normally protects the brain from unwanted matter gaining access, in addition to changing serotonin and dopamine levels and functioning. An interesting finding, an omega-3 deficiency can also decrease normal blood flow to the brain, and studies show that patients with depression have compromised blood flow several brain areas.
High levels of DHA are found in the cells of the central nervous system where it acts as scaffolding for structural support. Inadequate omega-3 intake causes the nerve cell to become stiff as cholesterol and omega-6 fatty acids are used in place of omega-3. Proper neurotransmission from cell to cell and within cells will be compromised when a nerve cell becomes rigid and less productive. It is suggested that normalizing communications within nerve is an important factor in alleviating depressive symptoms. EPA may be more important in the signaling within nerve cells while DHA provides structure which helps to ensure more normal neurotransmission
Flaxseed oil may be helpful in cases of bipolar depression and the anxiety disorder agoraphobia, some published case reports suggest. In 1999, the first controlled clinical trial indicating that omega-3 fatty acids may be of benefit in the treatment of depression was published. In this case, 9:6 g of Omega-3 versus a placebo resulted in longer periods of remission and improvement in depressive symptoms.
Some studies indicate that high doses of EPA/DHA might not be necessary and that low levels of pure EPA may be of greater benefit. The American Journal of Psychiatry published a study that showed just 2g of pure EPA could improve the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. There were significant improvements in depressive symptoms, sleep, anxiety, lassitude, libido and thoughts of suicide.
There is also evidence that omega-3 oils may be of benefit in treating depressive symptoms outside of major depressive disorder. Canadian researchers showed that premenstrual syndrome could be improved with Antarctic krill oil (400mg EPA, 240mg DHA) and Harvard researchers have shown that just 1g of pure EPA is beneficial in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. This difficult to treat personality disorder is characterized by both depressive and aggressive symptoms. Two-month placebo-controlled study results showed that EPA has a mood-regulating effect, improving both depression and aggression versus placebo. All studies conducted to date on omega-3 fatty acids and mood has had a positive outcome; with one exception. The singular negative study examined pure DHA in patients with depression. The results in the case showed that DHA alone was no better than placebo in alleviating depressive symptoms. Patients with depression or depressive symptoms should discuss omega-3 fatty acids with their health care providers. The long-term studies of fish oil supplements have shown that they are safe and well tolerated.
Omega 3 fish oils Pure EPA is available exclusively from mind 1st.
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