New research has suggested that the addition of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) from the omega-3 family helps to penetrate the brain and improves antidepressants’ efficiency. Researchers’ assessment: the substance reduces inflammation, one of the causes of depression.
New research published in a clinical psychiatry journal found that the fatty acid EPA, one of the omega-3 derivatives, has a positive effect on situations of major depression, when it is combined with antidepressants.
Antidepressants revolutionized treatment in people suffering from depression, and largely succeeded in returning their quality of life.
However, a significant number of patients become resistant to the medication, which then becomes ineffective. Over the years, speculation has arisen about omega-3 fatty acids, which have influence over the brain’s functions. Therefore, some doctors have added them to depression treatment regimes.
A new review of research published in between 1960-2010 evaluated the effects of augmenting medical antidepressant treatment with the fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, commonly found in the brain) and EPA (which passes the blood marrow barrier, which prevents toxins from penetrating the brain). A total of 15 research studies were examined, incorporating data for 916 subjects.
The review concluded that the addition of EPA to antidepressant treatment may somewhat improve outcomes in patients with severe clinical depression. Although the fatty acid most common in the brain is DHA, compounds containing at least 60% EPA were more effective in treating depression, while compounds with more DHA or a 1:1 ratio between the two fatty acids did not significantly improve the depression symptoms compared to placebo.
From research conducted so far, it seems that in cases where depression was diagnosed by a psychiatrist, EPA had a beneficial effect on the depression’s symptoms. This effect was measurable both when omega 3 was provided as a single drug and as an additive to antidepressants. However, it should be kept in mind that not any kind of omega-3 compound leads to the same results, and the EPA-to-DHA ratio is meaningful.
The preferable explanation as of today is the fact that high levels of EPA have been able to reduce the production of various inflammatory factors. Since depression is a condition in which there is increased inflammatory activity, and it is also known that an increased production of certain inflammatory factors leads to symptoms of depression, then there is significance for EPA as an inhibitor of inflammatory processes.
Today, many psychiatrists tend to recommend appropriate compounds of omega-3 in cases of depression. However the research on the subject is still insufficient, without substantial guidelines. Researchers explained that more studies are needed to understand the mechanisms behind the omega-3 treatment for depression or other disorders.
Omega-3: It starts with food
Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA are considered long-chain. They are produced in the body from a shorter change essential omega-3 fatty acid called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) that isn’t produced by the body, and can only be obtained through food. The ability to produce long-chain omega-3 fatty acids declines with age and with too much consumption of omega-6 fatty acids, highest in processed foods and corn-fed animal products.
Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids have been suggested to assist in decreasing the level of cholesterol in the blood. Fatty acids in general help in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. These vitamins decrease the risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, allergies, depression, fatigue and infections. Rich sources of long-chain omega-3 are fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna or special omega-3 fortified eggs, and sources of ALA are seeds such as flax and oils such as canola and flaxseed.
Health organizations from around the world have determined that you should incorporate two servings/week (4 oz or 100 gm each) of fatty fish containing omega-3 into the diet on a permanent basis, but no more than 4 servings per week for an adult and no more than 2 servings per week for children or pregnant or lactating women, because the fish can contain high quantities of mercury and dioxin. Newer sources such as omega-3 fortified eggs have lower risk associated with them. Omega-3 supplements can be a good source, but always be sure to buy from a reputable source so as to avoid poor processing and spoilage, as omega fatty acids are quite vulnerable.