Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Be Effective in the Treatment of Depression

Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids as a Treatment for Depression in the Perinatal Period

“…As omega-6 fatty acids become more prevalent in the diet, membrane levels of the omega-3 fatty acids are reduced and production of long-chain PUFAs, such as DHA and EPA (from short-chain PUFAs such as alpha-linolenic acid), decrease, due to competition for the same metabolic enzymes. In general, it is suggested that benefits from omega-3 fatty acids are based on an appropriate balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids [5].…”

Functional and Nutraceutical Lipids

“…The extraction of the oil is carried out through a grinding process. For mental health, it is thought that EPA with its anti-inflammatory effect benefits patients with schizophrenia, depression and alike through its conversion to eicosanoids (Horrobin 1992;Keller 2002). The material is passed through a rotating grinder where the oil is freed and pressed out.…”

Role of omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for depression in the perinatal period

“…Since omega‐6 dietary intake is high and omega‐3 intake low, the ratio of omega‐6 to omega‐3 in Western diets is currently very high compared to the past. Man has evolved on a diet with an omega‐6 : 3 ratio of 1 : 1 whereas today this ratio is greater than 10 : 1 [2,5,6]. As omega‐6 fatty acids become more prevalent in the diet, membrane levels of the omega‐3 fatty acids are reduced and production of long‐chain PUFAs, such as DHA and EPA (from short‐chain PUFAs such as alpha‐linolenic acid), decrease, due to competition for the same metabolic enzymes.…”