Fish oil for depression

The omega 3 fats found in certain fish and fish oil, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are vital for proper brain function. The brain, after all, consists of 60% fat. Over time there appears more and more evidence that deficiency in these essential fats can lead to mental illness such as depression.

There have not been enough studies completed at this point. Drug companies can't patent the fats we are discussing. Therefore, with the lack of potential profits, funding for this research has to come largely from government agencies. There are more studies underway right now.

Effects of Ethyl-Eicosapentaenoate in Patients With Ongoing Depression Despite Apparently Adequate Treatment With Standard Drugs

Source of information:
American Medical Association -- Archives of General Psychiatry. 2002;59:913-919.
Read the full article for exact wording & more detailed data.

In depressed patients, low blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid are seen. They tested the antidepressive effect of ethyl-eicosapentaenoate in these patients.

The study was conducted on seventy patients with persistant depression despite ongoing treatment with a normal dose of a standard antidepressant. Patients were given ethyl-eicosapentaenoate at various dosages for 12 weeks in addition to unchanged background medication. Patients were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory, the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale.

Here's the results: The vast majority completed the 12-week study with no serious adverse events. Most studies for antidepression drugs have a higher dropout rate even if the study is half as long. The 1 gram per day group showed a significantly better outcome than the placebo group on all scales. In one group, 5 (29%) of 17 patients receiving placebo and 9 (53%) of 17 patients receiving 1 gram per day of ethyl-eicosapentaenoate achieved a 50% score reduction on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. All 3 rating scales scores improved with the 1 gram dosage of ethyl-eicosapentaenoate vs placebo, with strong beneficial effects on items rating depression, anxiety, sleep, lassitude, libido, and suicidality. Other dosages produced mixed results. Some had lesser effect. Some showed no measurable benefit.

Their conclusion: Treatment with ethyl-eicosapentaenoate at a dosage of 1 gram per day was effective in treating depression in patients who remained depressed despite adequate standard therapy.

Omega-3 with medication

Source of information:
American Psychiatric Association -- The American Journal of Psychiatry 159:477-479, March 2002 - Read the full article for exact wording & more detailed data.

Summary: The doctors studied a specific omega-3 fatty acid, the ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA), as an adjunct to treatment for depression who were receiving maintenance antidepressant therapy.

Twenty patients participated in a 4-week study comprised of seventeen women and three men.

Their results: Highly significant benefits of the addition of the omega-3 fatty acid compared with a placebo were found by week 3 of treatment.

Their conclusions: It is impossible to distinguish whether E-EPA assists the antidepressant action of the existing medication or whether it provides independent antidepressant effects on its own.

Will fish oil work for depression?

It worked for my depression. Here is my story with depression and anxiety. Will it work for everyone? Of course not. It is apparent that more studies need to be done. This study involved adding just one of the two primary acids that are found in fish oil. The substance used in these studies was a pure ethyl ester derivative of eicosapentaenoic acid called ethyl-eicosapentaenoate. Do not mistake it for over the counter supplements labeled as Ethyl-EPA. Read the labels carefully. Ethyl-EPA sold to the public can contain a combination of both acids. Some companies are combining different ingredients with the active ingredients in order to be able to patent the unique product. The doctors concluded that it was most effective at the one gram per day dosage of ethyl-eicosapentaenoate. Keep in mind that in order to get one gram of eicosapentaenoic acid, it may require taking several one gram fish oil capsules. The amount of each acid in the pill varies by manufacturer.