title: Effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on depressive symptoms and on health-related quality of life in the treatment of elderly women with depression: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In elderly individuals, depression is one of the most frequently missed diagnoses with negative effects on quality of life. The authors investigated whether a supplement containing long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) improves depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in depressed elderly patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nursing home in Pavia, Italy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-six depressed women, aged 66-95 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two depressed women were included in the intervention group (n-3 group, which received 2.5 g/d of n-3 LCPUFA, with 1.67 g of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and 0.83 g of docosahesaenoic acid [DHA]), and 24 patients were included in the placebo group. The primary endpoint was the improvement of depressive symptoms, as evaluated by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Secondary endpoints were the evaluation of HRQoL, by using the Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36), and modifications of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids fatty acid profile. All variables were assessed before and after the treatment period of 8 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean GDS at 8 weeks was significantly lower compared with the n-3 group. The SF-36 physical and mental components were significantly increased in the intervention group. Compliance was good, as confirmed by erythrocyte membrane phospholipid FA concentrations, with a significant increase of EPA and DHA in the intervention group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Supplementation with n-3 LCPUFA is efficacious in the amelioration of depressive symptoms and quality of life in the treatment of depressed elderly female patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Health Sciences, Section of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. serv.nutrizione@asppavia.it or mariangela.rondanelli@unipv.it
authors.forename: Mariangela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rondanelli
authors.forename: Attilio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giacosa
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Opizzi
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pelucchi
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: La Vecchia
authors.forename: Gigliola
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Montorfano
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Negroni
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Berra
authors.forename: Pierluigi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Politi
authors.forename: Angela Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Rizzo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D003863:Depression / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D011788:Quality of Life
chemical_list: D010743:Phospholipids; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid