A meta-analysis of 35 small, randomized trials found that fish oil can slightly improve depression when compared to control. However, this improvement may be too small to be noticeable. Also, adding fish oil to antidepressant medication seems to be more beneficial than antidepressant treatment alone.[1] Fish oil incorporates into the cell membrane phospholipid layer, increasing its fluidity and permeability, which in turn might reduce inflammation and attenuate depressive symptoms. Another meta-analysis suggested that doses of 1-2 grams daily containing ≥60% proportion of total EPA + DHA seem to be especially beneficial.[2]
Does fish oil really help depression?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Fish oil may slightly improve depression compared to a control intervention, and it has added benefits when it is combined with antidepressant medication. Doses of 1 to 2 grams daily with a high proportion of EPA and DHA are suggested as particularly effective.