Depression symptoms: omega-3 EPA is more effective than DHA
Omega 3 EPA reduces symptoms of depression
Depression symptoms can be treated with the help ofOmega 3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). That is the conclusion reached by Julian Martins of the Academy of Nutritional Medicine in Cambridge, U.S.A., at the end of an analysis of various trials in which EPA and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) have been used as a treatment for depression. The results of his study were published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
Omega-3 and depression
Increased dietary intake of omega-3s in depression may alleviate the state of malaise that characterizes this condition. However, few studies have shed light on which among these fatty acids is truly responsible for the benefits of their consumption. The analysis carried out by Martins sought to shed light on this very issue, focusing on the effectiveness of the 2 main food-derived Omega-3s: EPA and DHA.
Treating depression with omega-3s: the study
The study author searched all publications in the scientific literature in which EPA, DHA or a combination 2 two fatty acids have been used to treat depression. Only studies in which the effect of Omega-3 administration was compared with that of taking a placebo and in which participants were randomly selected to receive treatment or placebo were included in the analysis. In addition, Martins considered only those researches for which the amount of Omega-3 administered and accurate and reliable data on depression symptoms were available. In this way, 28 researches were selected. If Omega-3s are used to treat very severe depression, the most effective supplements are those characterized by a low ratio of DHA to EPA. This is revealed by statistical analysis of the data. However, the effectiveness of treatment depends on the pathology being considered. Specifically: omega-3s are more useful for treating bipolar disorder and severe forms of depression, rather than mild forms of depression, moderate depression or chronic fatigue. Not only that: these nutrients are more effective in treating depression rather than preventing it. Their effect is greater if they are used in combination with another therapy. Finally, the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the composition of the supplement used. In fact, symptoms of depression were not significantly reduced in the 3 trials in which patients took only DHA. The same negative result was obtained in 4 other trials in which the supplement consisted of more than 50% of this Omega-3. In contrast, signs of illness were significantly reduced in 13 trials in which a supplement consisting of more than 50% EPA was used and in 8 trials based on the administration of EPA alone.
EPA, the best choice against depression
According to Martins, this analysis reveals that EPA is more effective than DHA in treating depression. However, the author points out that the methodology of each trial, as well as the number of patients involved and the duration of the study, significantly affects the results obtained by administering Omega-3 to sufferers of this condition.
