It's confirmed: omega-3s are effective at treating depression

The largest study to date has just been published by researchers from the CHUM comprising a great team led by Dr François Lesperance. Lucky enough, this large study was performed on Quebeckers.

A well made study driven by specialised physicians

During 4 years, 432 patients suffering from major depression participate in the study. Some patients started experiencing the benefits of omega-3 supplementation as early as the first week. After only 2 months, omega-3 softgels had made the difference on their depressive state.

The results also suggest that the omega-3 supplement would be as effective as prescription antidepressants, but with fewer adverse effects. The patients suffering from major depression but without anxiety were those who experienced the most improvement with omega-3s.

Many earlier studies had shown a link between high fish consumption, and therefore of omega-3 consumption, and a lower risk of depression. The present study confirms that omega-3 supplements can be used to treat major depression. Indeed, Health Canada already recognizes the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids to promote a healthy mood balance.

How can I benefit from omega-3s?

Of note, the omega-3 supplement consumed by the patients in the study was rich in en EPA, a well-known omega-3 fatty acid, but not in DHA, the other important omega-3 fatty acid.

In fact, it seems that in adults, EPA would have more impact on mental health than DHA, which is the important omega-3 fatty acid for children and their proper brain development.

In order for you to obtain the same results as patients in the study, you must make sure to take 1050 mg of EPA daily, that is, 3 softgels of our Adrien Gagnon Oméga Équilibrium . According to the study, the beneficial effects of EPA will have reached their maximum level after 8 weeks. Be constant in your supplementation to feel the benefits as fast as possible.

If you have depression, talk to your physician or pharmacist about omega-3 fatty acids.

By Audrey Couture

M.S c. Pharmacology

References

Lesperance, F, Frasure-Smith, N, St-Andre, E, Tuecki G et coll. The Efficacy of Omega-3 Supplementation for Major Depression : A Randomized Controlled Trial . J Clin Psychiatry , June 15th, 2010, 10.4088/JCP.10m05966blu.

Santé Canada, Direction des produits de santé naturels. Huile de poisson : monographie . 2009. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/applications/licen-prod/monograph/mono_fish_oil_huile_poisson-fra.php