Facts About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression.

New research has shown that a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can effectively treat and prevent depression and other mental disorders.

Depression is curse on modern society and  Omega-3 essential fatty acids can play a vital role  in eradicating it.

The research, published in February issue of the "Biological Psychiatry" journal, has actually shown that Omega-3 fatty acids and foods where as good as (and often better) than anti-depressant drugs.

A high profile article, published by the Harvard University, put Omega-3 in the mental health limelight by offering solid proof that fish oil could significantly reduce the effects of mental disorders.

Doctors studied patients whether eating fish oil or Olive oil in conjunction with regular medication stabilised the patient's moods.

After 4 months, patients taking fish oil showed a significantly longer period of remission from the disorder than those eating olive oil.

In a related study, 30 schizophrenic patients were given fish oil as their sole treatment. After 12 weeks the fish oil decreased one third of their symptoms, enough that they postponed taking antipsychotic drugs.

Deficiencies in Omega-3 and other fatty acids have also been associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD).

Epidemiological, experimental and new clinical studies have all shown a strong connection between omega-3 fatty acids and depression, or a lack thereof, and major depression.

Omega-3 Intake Declines, Depression Rates Climb.

There has been a significant drop in the intake of Omega-3 fatty acids in the western world over the last 3-4 decades. The opposite can be said of Omega-6 intake.

Although essential, omega-6 oils are found in abundance in our modern world, (Corn, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed, sesame). The omega-6 oils are now outnumbering the omega-3 intake by 20:1.

The true recommended balance should be 1:1.

In direct contrast to the depletion of omega-3 fro the Western food supply, the rates of depression have dramatically increased. In addition depression is now occurring more commonly in younger persons.

Researchers such as Udo Erasmus cite the huge increase in the intake of highly refined saturated fats and a huge decrease in the consumption of essential fatty acids as the defining factor in the corresponding rise in the number of people diagnosed with mental illness.

Fish Consumption And Depression. 

Doctor Joseph Hibbeln of the National Institutes of Health is a major pioneer in this area. He has shown that higher national consumption of fish equals lower rates of depression.

Fish consumption is associated with lower risk of depression and higher mental health. Researches are now observing increasing rates of depression in regions of the world that are moving away from traditional omega-3 rich diets.

These findings are further strengthened by a 2003 research study, which was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, concerning the link of Omega-3 fatty acids and their role in treating and preventing depression and other mental disorders.

Further evidence can be seen in a Finnish study published in the "Journal Psychiatric Services" in 2001.

This comprehensive study revealed that there was a significantly reduced chance of developing depressive symptoms if we consume fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis.

A further study in 2003 which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated that elderly patients suffering depression had very low levels of omega 3 in their bodies.

Which Omega-3?  

Omega-3 essential fatty acids have long been recognised for their significant health benefits. Clinical studies have determined that the main benefits are derived from DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and to a lesser extent EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid).

Although you will receive various health benefits from Omega 3`s when taken from plant sources such as flax seed, you may miss out on the special benefits from DHA and EPA. This is because your body has to convert the Omega 3`s into DHA and EPA.

If your health is compromised in any way, or you are elderly this conversion process may not take place.  

• Only fish oils provide DHA and EPA in a natural form that your body can easily assimilate. No conversion is required by the body. However, natural fish oils have a number of drawbacks:

• High levels of contaminants in the form of PCB's, and heavy metals including mercury from contaminated waters.

• As most fish oil in capsules does not come from the same country where it is encapsulated it is subject to transport in tankers, additional handling and additives to prevent it from becoming rancid.

• Low levels of DHA which is the most beneficial component of fish oil.