Prozac 'marries' fish oil in fight against depression
Depression: the Winning Combo Prozac and Omega-3
Adding fish oil to Prozac therapy significantly improves its effectiveness in cases of major depression, a clinical study found. Among the various causes of depression, researchers have hypothesized a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, abundant in fish oil. The research revealed that subjects suffering from major depression tend to have serum omega-3 levels (especially EPA) below normal. Epidemiological analyses are consistent with this finding: in populations where fish consumption, rich in omega-3, is very high, the rate of depression is below average, while those groups that typically show lower than normal omega-3 levels (for example alcoholics and women after pregnancy) have a higher probability of suffering from depression. Clinical studies also show that omega-3 supplementation can alleviate symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
A clinical study analyzed the effect of EPA (one of the two long-chain omega-3s) and fluoxetine (the molecule contained in antidepressants like Prozac) alone or combined on sixty patients with severe depression. Response rates (i.e., reduction of depressive symptoms) were 50%, 56%, and 81% respectively in the groups treated with fluoxetine, EPA, and both together. In conclusion, the researchers state that EPA and fluoxetine have comparable effects, while a combination of the two treatments achieves a decidedly better effect.
Source:
Jazayeri et al. Comparison of therapeutic effects of omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid and fluoxetine, separately and in combination, in major depressive disorder. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2008 Mar;42(3):192-8.
