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 Mar 14 2007, 12:13 AM
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QUOTE Little Convincing Evidence That Omega-3 Combats Depression
19 Feb 2007
British Medical Journal
There is no convincing evidence that taking omega-3 fatty acids on their own can alleviate depression, says Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB).
And there is only limited evidence that they can relieve depression when used in combination with antidepressant drugs, it adds.
Evidence from circumstantial research has suggested links between omega-3 levels and behaviour and mood disorders, such as depression. And the findings have attracted widespread attention.
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids, or PUFAs, which include ALA, EPA, and DHA. They are involved in chemical messaging in the brain, and help regulate blood vessel activity and aspects of the immune system that affect the central nervous system.
The main dietary sources of EPA and DHA come from oily fish, while ALA is found mainly in nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables.
Omega-3 supplements are available over the counter in the form of fish oil.
The DTB review looked at published research on the clinical effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids, on their own and in combination, as well as overall analyses of these studies (meta-analyses).
It concluded there was little convincing evidence for using the fatty acids alone as a treatment for depression. And it found only limited evidence to back their use as a supplement to antidepressants.
The review found that fish oil supplements are generally well tolerated by people who take them.
But there is evidence that they contain environmental toxins, which may be particularly concentrated in supplements made from fish livers. So it is important not to exceed the maximum recommended doses, says the DTB.
Furthermore, as fish oil supplements contain vitamin A, pregnant women should take only low doses of them, because of the potentially harmful effects of high levels of vitamin A on the developing fetus.
British Medical Journal
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Mar 26 2007, 06:23 PM
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Advanced Member
 Squish Champion!
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I don't find this surprising at all -- in my early 20's before I ever tried AD's, I took omega-3 fatty acids in pretty high doses to try and regulate my cholesterol. That was one of the most depressing times in my life so I definitely know the omega-3 fatty acids did nothing for my depression. QUOTE(kstours @ Mar 13 2007, 10:13 PM)  QUOTE Little Convincing Evidence That Omega-3 Combats Depression
19 Feb 2007
British Medical Journal
There is no convincing evidence that taking omega-3 fatty acids on their own can alleviate depression, says Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB).
And there is only limited evidence that they can relieve depression when used in combination with antidepressant drugs, it adds.
Evidence from circumstantial research has suggested links between omega-3 levels and behaviour and mood disorders, such as depression. And the findings have attracted widespread attention.
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids, or PUFAs, which include ALA, EPA, and DHA. They are involved in chemical messaging in the brain, and help regulate blood vessel activity and aspects of the immune system that affect the central nervous system.
The main dietary sources of EPA and DHA come from oily fish, while ALA is found mainly in nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables.
Omega-3 supplements are available over the counter in the form of fish oil.
The DTB review looked at published research on the clinical effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids, on their own and in combination, as well as overall analyses of these studies (meta-analyses).
It concluded there was little convincing evidence for using the fatty acids alone as a treatment for depression. And it found only limited evidence to back their use as a supplement to antidepressants.
The review found that fish oil supplements are generally well tolerated by people who take them.
But there is evidence that they contain environmental toxins, which may be particularly concentrated in supplements made from fish livers. So it is important not to exceed the maximum recommended doses, says the DTB.
Furthermore, as fish oil supplements contain vitamin A, pregnant women should take only low doses of them, because of the potentially harmful effects of high levels of vitamin A on the developing fetus.
British Medical Journal |
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May 1 2007, 12:22 PM
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Yeah, I tried taking Omega-3 supplements along with my meds, and didn't see any change. I've also heard that St. John's Wort was a miracle cure, but likewise it did nothing for me. Maybe it helps some, but I saw no changes myself.
I have noticed, however, that if I eat out a lot my depression seems to get a little worse, and if I try to eat a little healthier it does seem to be a little better. Eating more fruits and green leafy vegetables seem to help me.
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If life is a joke, then I don't get it. - Dewayne   |
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Dec 4 2007, 04:53 PM
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Whether or not omega-3 help your depression probably depends on what your levels were before the "test." If you're low on this nutrient just as if you're low on any other it can negatively affect lots of things. These fatty acids are necessary for the production of neurotransmitters so if you're low on them then it's natural that you would be depressed. I don't eat any meat so maybe I was low in omega-3's, who knows.
That study didn't say how much of the omega-3 were tried in the tests. My doctor recommends 4000-5000 mg/day.
I've personally found them to be very helpful for my moods. I tried them after reading some of Dr Amen's books and noticed a difference. I've found that they helped several times quite by accident. A couple of times I ran out of pills and was not conscious of the fact that I wasn't taking them (thanks ADD!). Then a few days later I would start to get down, try to figure out what had changed, and then realized that I was out of omega-3. I think this has happened 3 times to me over the last several months and I'm quite sure that I'm getting a positive effect.
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May 3 2008, 02:29 PM
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I think the quoted research is a bit biassed on the negative side.
I like what Dr. Phelps M.D. says on his website:
Conclusions (reviewed as of 3/2006; still seem to hold):
* the evidence is piling up that omega-3 fatty acids do something, at least in some people;
* the dose to use is not at all clear, as some studies suggest you can go too high and lose benefits (Nevets, Sagduyu), whereas many of the individual glowing results come with the higher doses;
* even at higher doses, the risks seem minimal, and there may actually be additional benefits (on cholesterol, perhaps arthritis);
* however, it's a large number of pills, though a minimal-moderate expense;
* fish burps can be managed easily
* it's not clear how long you have to wait to see benefits, but especially with the smaller doses they may take 1-2 months to show up, so if you take them, prepare yourself for a period of taking a lot of pills with no benefits.
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May 29 2008, 04:35 PM
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So far so good. I'm feeling great, no side effects, and sleeping better than I have in months! Wouldn't it be great if I could reduce or eliminate my AD meds? But for now the goal is to feel good, and I haven't had the 'Sunday Blues' since starting this high-dose fish oil regimen. The omega-3 supplements you can buy at Walgreens or GNC or the grocery store aren't gonna work for high-dosing. You'll get too many PCBs and too much mercury. Instead, ya gotta pay the big bucks and use the pharmaceutical-grade molecularly-distilled fish oil. I've been using Zone Labs, Kirkland (Costco brand) and Dr. Weil omega-3, and they are all good....no gastrointestinal trouble or fish burps. Kirkland One-A-Day Formula is cheapest by far (I'm taking twelve per day  ), the only drawback is the Kirkland label doesn't break down the EPA vs. DHA omega-3, and apparently it matters. Still, it's got a Five Star Rating from IFOS, as do the others......maybe I can contact the manufacturer and get that info.
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How dare you open a Space Ranger's helmet on an uncharted planet? My eyeballs could have been sucked out of their sockets!
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May 29 2008, 09:01 PM
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That's great, Deet!
Anything that helps is truly a blessing, as I'm sure you well know. Of course, here comes the disclaimer - make sure your doc knows what you're doing!
I really couldn't tell any difference on fish oil, but then again, I was taking a small dose of the cheapest stuff Wal-Mart had.... So that could be the reason.
Keep us updated on how you're doing, and let us know what your doc says too, LOL!
Take care,
Dewayne
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If life is a joke, then I don't get it. - Dewayne |
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Jun 8 2008, 10:47 PM
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Good for you! Glad to hear you're doing well.
Take care,
Dewayne
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If life is a joke, then I don't get it. - Dewayne |
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Jul 22 2008, 09:13 AM
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Ten weeks of high-dose fish oil. I'm using ten capsules per day of Costco's Kirkland Signature One-Per-Day Formula, which is a clean product and gives me the most EPA and DHA for the money. No ill effects whatsoever. I feel great and I've been sleeping like a baby.
The downside, of course, is the expense. It's a dollar a day (some other brands can run $3 or more per day), on top of the Zoloft and Wb scripts, but to be symptom-free is priceless. Wouldn't it be nifty if the Omega-3 was all our brains needed and we could quit taking meds? Dr. Sears (author of the Omega Rx Zone) thinks this is possible. I've gone off meds once before, to my great misfortune, and I'm not gonna do it again unless I'm VERY confident in the therapeutic benefits of the Omega-3's.
Saw my pdoc yesterday and discussed my progress. He knows I would dearly love to get off ADs and lose these extra 30 lbs they give me.....so he gave me the go-ahead to continue the fish oil and reduce my zoloft from 150mg to 100mg per day.
This will be interesting. Wish me luck.
This post has been edited by Deet: Jul 22 2008, 09:15 AM
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How dare you open a Space Ranger's helmet on an uncharted planet? My eyeballs could have been sucked out of their sockets!
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Jul 22 2008, 07:30 PM
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Moderator
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I remember a quote that said "Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity." Sounds like you've prepared yourself well by researching this and talking with your doc. I'm glad you're not doing this on your own! And I do hope it works for you. PLEASE keep us posted!
Take care,
Dewayne
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If life is a joke, then I don't get it. - Dewayne |
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Aug 19 2008, 09:18 AM
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QUOTE (Deet @ Jul 22 2008, 03:13 PM) Ten weeks of high-dose fish oil. I'm using ten capsules per day of Costco's Kirkland Signature One-Per-Day Formula, which is a clean product and gives me the most EPA and DHA for the money. No ill effects whatsoever. I feel great and I've been sleeping like a baby.
The downside, of course, is the expense. It's a dollar a day (some other brands can run $3 or more per day), on top of the Zoloft and Wb scripts, but to be symptom-free is priceless. Wouldn't it be nifty if the Omega-3 was all our brains needed and we could quit taking meds? Dr. Sears (author of the Omega Rx Zone) thinks this is possible. I've gone off meds once before, to my great misfortune, and I'm not gonna do it again unless I'm VERY confident in the therapeutic benefits of the Omega-3's.
Saw my pdoc yesterday and discussed my progress. He knows I would dearly love to get off ADs and lose these extra 30 lbs they give me.....so he gave me the go-ahead to continue the fish oil and reduce my zoloft from 150mg to 100mg per day.
This will be interesting. Wish me luck. Deet, Just wondered how your fish oil treatment is going?
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"Every day when I wake up I thank the Lord I'm Welsh" - Catatonia
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Aug 19 2008, 02:07 PM
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Gold Member
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