Omega-3 fatty acids and Depression

Around 10 million Germans have suffered from depression before their 65th birthday. Around one in eight people in Germany are affected at some stage, with women twice as likely to be depressed than men.

Patients suffer from feelings of sadness and reduced levels of activity. They feel no joy, cannot concentrate, may become tired very easily, yet often cannot sleep. Depression can range from lighter symptoms to heavy depressions where there is a risk of suicide.

Depression has generally been treated with strong medication that influences the balance of hormones in the brain, but the latest studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can be a healthy alternative. Results indicate that regular doses of omega-3 fatty acids can improve the condition of patients suffering from frequent depression. The effect probably comes from improvements in the composition of the cell-membrane lipids. Indeed the question arises whether lack of omega-3 fatty acids may cause depression. It is a reasonable assumption when one takes into consideration that a few decades ago the proportion of omega-3 fatty acids in the average diet compared to omega-6 fatty acids was 1:1. Now the proportion is only 1:25. During the same period, depression has become 100 times more common. 

Although some more research is required, one thing you can do for your health at no risk is to take high-quality natural flaxseed oil every day: One tablespoon (15 ml) for the normal daily allowance, two tablespoons for those groups who need to take more omega-3 fatty acids.

Click here for more on the current state of research plus further information on omega-3 and depression.