06.21.10
New research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests potential benefits of omega 3 supplementation among those suffering from major depressive episodes (MDE).
This inclusive, double-blind, randomized, controlled, 8-week, parallel-group trial was conducted October 17, 2005 through January 30, 2009 in 8 Canadian academic and psychiatric clinics. Adult outpatients (N = 432) with MDE lasting at least 4 weeks, including 40.3% taking antidepressants at baseline, were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of 1050 mg/d of EPA and 150 mg/d of DHA or matched sunflower oil placebo (2% fish oil).
The primary outcome was the self-report Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS-SR30); the secondary outcome was the clinician-rated Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).
The adjusted mean difference between treatment and placebo was 1.32 points on the IDS-SR30 and 0.97 points on the MADRS. Planned subgroup analyses revealed a significant interaction of comorbid anxiety disorders and study group. For patients without comorbid anxiety disorders (n = 204), omega 3 supplementation was superior to placebo, with an adjusted mean difference of 3.17 points on the IDS-SR30 and 1.93 points on the MADRS.
Researchers concluded there was only a trend toward superiority of omega 3 supplementation over placebo in reducing depressive symptoms. However, there was a clear benefit of omega 3 supplementation among patients with MDE without comorbid anxiety disorders.