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ω-3 and major depression: a review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 October 2013

Aline H. Mello ,
Aline Gassenferth ,
Luana R. Souza ,
Jucélia J. Fortunato  and
Gislaine T. Rezin
Aline H. Mello
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil
Aline Gassenferth
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil
Luana R. Souza
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil
Jucélia J. Fortunato
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Neuroscience, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil
Gislaine T. Rezin*
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathophysiology, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Tubarão, SC, Brazil
*
Dr. Gislaine Tezza Rezin, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Av. José Acácio Moreira, 787, Tubarão, 88704-900, SC, Brazil. Tel: +55 48 3621-3363; Fax: +55 48 3621 3365; E-mail: gitezza@hotmail.com
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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.

Keywords

major depressionω-3polyunsaturated fatty acidspsychiatric disorder
Type
Original Articles
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 26 , Issue 3 , June 2014 , pp. 178 - 185
Copyright
Copyright © Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology 2013 

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