Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in the diet and in red blood cell membranes of depressed patients.
BACKGROUND
There is a hypothesis that lack of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is of aetiological importance in depression. Docosahexaenoic acid, a member of the n-3 PUFA family, is a crucial component of synaptic cell membranes. The aim of this study was to measure RBC membrane fatty acids in a group of depressed patients relative to a well matched healthy control group.


METHODS
Red blood cell (RBC) membrane levels, and dietary PUFA intake were measured in 10 depressed patients and 14 matched healthy control subjects.


RESULTS
There was a significant depletion of RBC membrane n-3 PUFAs in the depressed subjects which was not due to reduced calorie intake. Severity of depression correlated negatively with RBC membrane levels and with dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs.


CONCLUSIONS
Lower RBC membrane n-3 PUFAs are associated with the severity of depression.


CONCLUSIONS
Although patient numbers were small, confounding factors were well controlled for and the results were highly significant. Results of the dietary data would tend to be weakened due to the limitations associated with dietary assessment.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings raise the possibility that depressive symptoms may be alleviated by n-3 PUFA supplementation.
Edwards
R
R
University Department of Psychiatry, University of Sheffield, UK.
Peet
M
M
Shay
J
J
Horrobin
D
D
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood*; D004032:Diet; D002149:Energy Intake; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000737:chemistry*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000737:chemistry; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid