Mood Disorders & Proper Nutrition

By: Charles Fiske, Director of Food & Nutrition

Research suggests Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help mild to major depression and possibly even Schizophrenia. Long recognized for their heart-health benefits, omega-3 fatty acids are emerging as an effective therapy for mood disorders ranging from major depression and postpartum depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

 Research shows that the depression rates have risen as our Omega-3 intake have fallen over the past 50 years.  Experts believe that increasing the intake of Omega-3 will help depression as long as the individual doesn’t have a genetic predisposition for mood disorders.

The human body uses Omega-3s in many ways.  They seem to be especially important for well functioning central nervous systems, transmission of signals from the eyes and brain, for health heart, and even promote healthy brain development in babies during pregnancy and breast feeding.  While your body can synthesize other types of fats from dietary components like carbs and protein, it cant make its own Omega-3s.  We have to get then from food or other fish oil supplements.  Omega-3 contain Decosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA), and Alpha-linolenic acid(ALA). 

EPA plus DHA can improve primary depression.  Elizabeth Sublette, MD, PhD, of the New York Psychiatric Institute reviewed 15 trials involving 916 participants, they concluded that supplements with at least 60% EPA improved depression symptoms.  Having Low Omega-3 levels are also associated with suicide and self harm.  In response to increasing rates of suicide in the military, the National Institutes of health recently found that low blood levels of Omega-3 were wide spread and raised suicide risks by as much as 62%. 

Make sure to use Omega-3s safely and wisely.  Even though studies show Omega-3s help with depression and mood disorders, it should not be taken as a home remedy.  Omega-3s should never be taken in place of medication.  Always make sure to take a safe dose of Omega-3s and never stop taking antidepressants, lithium, or any other medications or treatments prescribed by a doctor.