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]
References
- ^Katherine M Appleton, Philip D Voyias, Hannah M Sallis, Sarah Dawson, Andrew R Ness, Rachel Churchill, Rachel PerryOmega-3 fatty acids for depression in adultsCochrane Database Syst Rev.(2021 Nov 24)
- ^Christos F Kelaiditis, E Leigh Gibson, Simon C DyallEffects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on reducing anxiety and/or depression in adults; A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trialsProstaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids.(2023 May)