Omega 3 DHA supplements: an effective aid against depression and dementia

TakingOmega 3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may be a better choice in dementia prevention than usingEPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). While, in fact, several studies have already shown the benefits of EPA for mental health, research published in the British Journal of Nutrition now reveals that fish oil supplements containing more DHA than EPA are more effective in reducing both symptoms of depression and the risk of dementia.

The effectiveness of different combinations of omega-3s

Many studies have previously highlighted the benefits of Omega-3s for mood, behavior and brain function. The new research, by researchers at the University of South Australia in Adelaide and the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, focused on depression and the increased risk of this psychological disorder accelerating the worsening of mild cognitive impairment into true forms of dementia. The study lasted 6 months and involved 50 individuals over the age of 65 with mild cognitive impairment. Participants took daily fish oil supplements, rich in Omega-3, or, as a control, 2.2 grams of linoleic acid (LA), an Omega-6 fatty acid. 

Specifically, an initial group of individuals received a daily Omega-3 dose of 1.67 grams of EPA and 0.16 grams of DHA, while other subjects took a mixture richer in DHA (1.55 grams) than in EPA (0.40 grams). The benefits of the different treatments were assessed based on verbal fluency and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), a questionnaire used to detect symptoms of depression in elderly patients.

The major effects of DHA

Comparison of data collected at the beginning and end of the trial showed that both combinations of Omega-3s improved symptoms of depression. However, the best results were obtained with the higher doses of DHA. In addition, those who had taken the higher amounts of DHA also showed improved reading fluency and reported feeling better physically as well.

Which Omega-3 to choose?

According to the researchers, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of fish oil rich in DHA or EPA against symptoms of depression. Omega-3s would exert varying effects on both cognitive abilities and the patient's physical state. But, the research authors continue, these new findings also suggest that the pure EPA-based supplements used in previous studies may not be the most suitable choice in the case of mild cognitively impaired patients suffering from depression. DHA, in fact, may be a better alternative.    

Source 

1. Sinn N, Milte CM, Street SJ, Buckley JD, Coates AM, Petkov J, Howe PR, "Effects of n-3 fatty acids, EPA v. DHA, on depressive symptoms, quality of life, memory and executive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a 6-month randomized controlled trial," Br J Nutr. 2011 Sep 20:1-12. [Epub ahead of print].