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Clinical impacts of n-3 fatty acids supplementation on depression symptoms: an umbrella review of meta-analyses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 October 2023

Yi Lu Open the ORCID record for Yi Lu [Opens in a new window] ,
Dongdong Qiao  and
Guolin Mi
Yi Lu*
Affiliation:
Department of Physical Therapy, Shandong Mental Health Center, Shandong University, Jina, Shandong 250014, People’s Republic of China
Dongdong Qiao
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Shandong Mental Health Center, Shandong University, Jina, Shandong 250014, People’s Republic of China
Guolin Mi
Affiliation:
Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Shandong Mental Health Center, Shandong University, Jina, Shandong 250014, People’s Republic of China
*
*Corresponding author: Yi Lu, email luyibabyflower@sina.com
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Abstract

Several meta-analyses investigating the efficacy of n-3 PUFA in alleviating depression symptoms have reported conflicting findings. In the present study, we aimed to perform an umbrella meta-analysis to provide a definite conclusion. A comprehensive systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Library was performed up to June 2021. Meta-analysis studies evaluating the effects of n-3 PUFA on depression symptoms were included. The quality of the included meta-analyses was assessed using AMSTAR questionnaire. Out of 101 studies, twenty-two studies with twenty-six effect sizes (ES) were eligible for inclusion. Sixteen ES showed significant improving effect of n-3 supplementation on depression symptoms among which eleven ES had small ES. The other studies observed no significant effect. Available evidence suggests that n-3 PUFA (EPA, DHA) supplementation could be considered as an effective add-on therapeutic approach in relieving depression symptoms.

Keywords

n-3PUFADHAEPADepressionUmbrella meta-analysis
Type
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Information
British Journal of Nutrition , Volume 131 , Issue 5 , 14 March 2024 , pp. 841 - 850
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Nutrition Society

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