title: ω-3 and major depression: a review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The World Health Organization estimates that major depression affects about 350 million people all over the world and reports this disorder as the major contributor to the global burden of diseases. Despite the well-defined symptomatology, major depression is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder whose pathophysiology is not clearly established. Although several treatments are available, most depressed patients do not achieve the complete remission of symptoms. Factors linked to the persistence of the disorder have been investigated, particularly those related to the way of life. Moreover, it has been suggested that nutritional aspects may influence its development. Among them, a diet rich in ω-3 has been associated with a reduced risk of major depression, although its deficiency is associated with depressive disorders.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review provides a general view about evidences of the use of ω-3 in major depression cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of ω-3 in the prevention and treatment of major depression. However, not all the results have shown significant statistical benefits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  More studies are necessary to clarify detailed mechanisms of the antidepressant effects of ω-3 and may explain the source of contradictions in results published until the moment.
authors.affiliation: 1 Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil.
authors.forename: Aline H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Mello
authors.affiliation: 1 Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil.
authors.forename: Aline
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gassenferth
authors.affiliation: 1 Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luana R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Souza
authors.affiliation: 2 Laboratory of Neuroscience, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil.
authors.forename: Jucélia J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Fortunato
authors.affiliation: 1 Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gislaine T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Rezin
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3