Suicide: Lower Risks Thanks to Omega-3 DHA Supplements

A deficiency of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increases the risk of suicide. This is demonstrated by a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, through which researchers from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) in Bethesda (USA) managed to add a new piece to the already complex puzzle of information concerning the mental health benefits derived from the consumption of DHA and other Omega-3 fatty acids. This finding adds to previous studies: according to research conducted by the same authors, low blood concentrations of DHA are associated with brain hyperactivity showing characteristics similar to those found in cases of depression and individuals at risk of suicide. And that’s not all: some clinical studies have revealed that DHA intake can reduce anxiety, depression, and risk of psychosis.

Data from the U.S. Military

The authors of the study published in the Journal of Psychiatry have now established a new connection between Omega-3 and mental well-being by analyzing data regarding 800 suicide cases recorded among U.S. military personnel between 2002 and 2008. At the end of the analysis, the researchers declared themselves surprised by the study’s conclusions. Indeed, Omega-3 fatty acid levels were unexpectedly low across the entire sample considered, made up of subjects with an average age of 27.3 years. In particular, the comparison with data from another 800 control individuals revealed that a one percentage point decrease in DHA levels corresponds to a 14% increase in suicide risk. The situation was particularly significant for men, where the lowest DHA levels recorded were associated with a 62% increased suicide risk.

A Concurrence of Factors

Naturally, the researchers emphasized that the decision to end one’s life is linked to a series of causes that include not only DHA levels but also social, psychological, and environmental factors. The data obtained in this study confirm this correlation. In fact, suicide risk was found to be 52% higher among active-duty personnel who reported witnessing death or injury.

Hopes for the Future

The researchers now intend to deepen the results obtained by planning an appropriate clinical study to evaluate the effect of Omega-3 administration to patients. However, the authors themselves explain that this study already suggests the potential of a nutritional intervention based on the intake of these fatty acids. If the treatment proves effective, it would add a new indication for the administration of Omega-3 in the treatment of mental disorders.

Source 

1. Lewis MD, Hibbeln JR, Johnson JE, Hong Lin Y, Hyun DY, Loewke JD, “Suicide Deaths of Active-Duty US Military and Omega-3 Fatty-Acid Status: A Case-Control Comparison”, J Clin Psychiatry, August 23, 2011 [Online ahead of print]