Omega-3 fatty acids and mood disorders.
OBJECTIVE
This article is an overview of epidemiological and treatment studies suggesting that deficits in dietary-based omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may make an etiological contribution to mood disorders and that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may provide a therapeutic strategy.


METHODS
Relevant published studies are detailed and considered.


RESULTS
Several epidemiological studies suggest covariation between seafood consumption and rates of mood disorders. Biological marker studies indicate deficits in omega-3 fatty acids in people with depressive disorders, while several treatment studies indicate therapeutic benefits from omega-3 supplementation. A similar contribution of omega-3 fatty acids to coronary artery disease may explain the well-described links between coronary artery disease and depression.


CONCLUSIONS
Deficits in omega-3 fatty acids have been identified as a contributing factor to mood disorders and offer a potential rational treatment approach. This review identifies a number of hypotheses and studies for consideration. In particular, the authors argue for studies clarifying the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation for unipolar and bipolar depressive disorders, both as individual and augmentation treatment strategies, and for studies pursuing which omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is likely to provide the greatest benefit.
Parker
Gordon
G
School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, and Black Dog Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia. g.parker@unsw.edu.au
Gibson
Neville A
NA
Brotchie
Heather
H
Heruc
Gabriella
G
Rees
Anne-Marie
AM
Hadzi-Pavlovic
Dusan
D
D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid