Depression Symptoms: Omega-3 EPA Is More Effective Than DHA
Omega 3 EPA reduces symptoms of depression
The symptoms of depression can be treated with the help of Omega 3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). This is the conclusion reached by Julian Martins of the Academy of Nutritional Medicine in Cambridge (USA), after analyzing various trials in which EPA and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) were used as a treatment for depression. The results of his study were published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
Omega-3 and depression
Increased intake of Omega-3 through diet in cases of depression can alleviate the discomfort characterizing this condition. However, few studies have clarified which of these fatty acids is truly responsible for the benefits resulting from their consumption. Martins’ analysis aimed to shed light on this aspect, focusing on the effectiveness of the two main dietary Omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA.
Treating depression with Omega-3: the study
The author searched all scientific literature publications where EPA, DHA, or a combination of the two fatty acids were used to treat depression. Only studies comparing the effect of Omega-3 administration to placebo and with participants randomly assigned to treatment or placebo were included. Additionally, Martins considered only studies with available data on the amount of Omega-3 administered and reliable, precise data on depression symptoms. This resulted in 28 selected studies. When Omega-3s are used for treating severe depression, the most effective supplements are those with a low DHA to EPA ratio, according to the statistical analysis of the data. Treatment effectiveness still depends on the condition considered. In particular: Omega-3s are more useful for treating bipolar disorder and forms of major depression rather than mild or moderate depression or chronic fatigue. Moreover, these nutrients are more effective in treating depression rather than preventing it. Their effect is greater when combined with another therapy. Finally, treatment effectiveness depends on the supplement composition. Depression symptoms were not significantly reduced in the 3 trials where patients took only DHA. The same negative result occurred in 4 other studies where the supplement was more than 50% DHA. Conversely, signs of the disorder were significantly reduced in 13 studies using a supplement with more than 50% EPA and in 8 studies using EPA alone.
EPA, the best choice against depression
According to Martins, this analysis reveals that EPA is more effective than DHA in treating depression. However, the author emphasizes that the methodology of each trial, the number of patients involved, and the study duration significantly influence the results obtained by administering Omega-3s to people suffering from this condition.
