Depression in older age: help from fish oil

A new study reveals that omega-3 fatty acids relieve symptoms of depression, especially forms that often appear during older age. Confirmation comes from the University of Milan, where Angela Rizzo and colleagues demonstrated that taking 2.5 grams per day of omega-3 EPA and DHA reduces depressive symptoms in elderly people. The results were published in the Nutrition Journal.

Depression in older age, a frequently underestimated problem

Depression in older adults is not rare. About 13% of elderly living in the community suffer from it, as do 24% of elderly patients seen by doctors, 30% of those hospitalized, and 43% of those in nursing homes. Despite obvious negative effects on quality of life, depression is often undiagnosed in elderly people. Yet many cases could be treated with timely and appropriate intervention. Conversely, lack of adequate care may lead to social, physical, and cognitive problems. Untreated depression can even slow recovery from illness or surgery.

Depression and Omega-3, a close link

Data collected by the Milanese researchers clearly showed that those suffering from depression in older age have particularly low levels of EPA omega-3 in their red blood cell membranes. Previous studies had already led the scientific community to hypothesize that Omega-3s might help treat depression. This new study confirms this hypothesis, suggesting these fatty acids may provide a therapeutic option for older adults suffering from depression.

Omega-3s are an effective remedy against depression

Rizzo and colleagues discovered that supplementing the diet with Omega-3s for two months significantly reduces depression symptoms. They involved 46 depressed women aged 66 to 95, whose symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Twenty-two women took daily doses of 2.5 grams of EPA and DHA omega-3s (in a 2:1 ratio) for 8 weeks. The other 24 took a placebo for the same duration. At the end, GDS scores were significantly lower in the EPA and DHA group. Researchers also found that Omega-3 intake decreased the ratio of arachidonic acid (an Omega-6) to EPA in blood and red blood cell membranes. This demonstrated both a link between EPA level changes and depressive symptom improvement and that Omega-3 intake helps reduce the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, essential for maintaining good health. 

Source Rizzo AM, Corsetto PA, Montorfano G, Opizzi A, Faliva M, Giacosa A, Ricevuti G, Berra B, Rondanelli M, Pelucchi C, “Comparison between the AA/EPA ratio in depressed and non depressed elderly females: omega-3 fatty acid supplementation correlates with improved symptoms but does not change immunological parameters”, Nutr J. 2012 Oct 10;11(1):82