Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Depressive Symptoms in HIV-Positive Individuals: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
The antidepressant effect of omega-3 fatty acids has been described in the non-HIV population. The effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the mood status of HIV-positive patients has not been evaluated yet.



In this study, the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on depressive symptoms was evaluated in HIV-positive individuals.



A total of 100 HIV-positive patients with Beck Depression Score ≥16, were assigned to receive either omega-3 fatty acids or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. Depressive symptoms of each participant were evaluated at baseline (month 0) and at the end of months 1 and 2 of the study. Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition, depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire were used for assessment of depressive symptoms.



Reduction in mean ± SD of all depression scores during the study period was statistically significant within the omega-3 group and when compared with the placebo group (for both comparisons, P < 0.001). Also, the mean differences of all depression scores were decreased significantly during the intervals: months 0, 1, and 2 (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Among the participants, 7 (7%) and 4 (4%) patients in the omega-3 and the placebo group, respectively, experienced mild gastrointestinal problems, but the incidence of adverse drug reactions related to the interventions was not statistically different between the groups (P = 0.09).



Omega-3 fatty acids improved depressive symptoms in HIV-positive individuals without any significant adverse reaction.
Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Saeedeh
S
Ravi
Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran khalilih@tums.ac.ir.
Hossein
H
Khalili
Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Ladan
L
Abbasian
Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad
M
Arbabi
Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Padideh
P
Ghaeli
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3
AIDS; HIV; depression; omega-3 fatty acids; treatment