Supplementation‐induced increase in circulating omega‐3 serum levels is not associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms: Results from the MooDFOOD depression prevention trial

Abstract

Background There is ambiguity on how omega‐3 (n‐3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are associated with depression, and what the temporality of the association might be. The present study aimed to examine whether (intervention‐induced changes in) n‐3 PUFA levels were associated with (changes in) depressive symptoms. Methods Baseline, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up data on 682 overweight and subclinically depressed persons from four European countries that participated in the MooDFOOD depression prevention randomized controlled trial were used. Participants were allocated to four intervention groups: (a) placebos, (b) placebos and food‐related behavioral activation therapy (F‐BA), (c) multinutrient supplements (fish oil and multivitamin), and (d) multinutrient supplements and F‐BA. Depressive symptoms were measured using the inventory of depressive symptomatology. PUFA levels (µmol/L) were measured using gas chromatography. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographics, lifestyle, and somatic health. Results Increases in n‐3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid levels over time were significantly larger in the supplement groups than in placebo groups. Change in PUFA levels was not significantly associated with the change in depressive symptoms (β = .002, SE = 0.003, p = .39; β = .003, SE = 0.005, p = .64; β = .005, SE = 0.005, p = .29; β = −.0002, SE = 0.0004, p = .69). Baseline PUFA levels did not modify the intervention effects on depressive symptoms. Conclusions In overweight and subclinical depressed persons, multinutrient supplements led to significant increases in n‐3 PUFA levels over time, which were not associated with changes in depressive symptoms. Multinutrient supplements do not seem to be an effective preventive strategy in lowering depressive symptoms over time in these at‐risk groups.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation Alleviate Anxiety Rather Than Depressive Symptoms Among First-Diagnosed, Drug-Naïve Major Depressive Disorder Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…An increasing number of dietary or nutrient-based interventions are investigated to be effective in preventing and managing psychiatric disorders ( 58 ). However, our research found that supplementation of n-3 PUFAs does not effectively improve depressive symptoms, which is consistent with previously reported studies ( 59 , 60 ). One possible explanation is that the antidepressant effect of venlafaxine was too strong.…”

Therapeutic Opportunities for Food Supplements in Neurodegenerative Disease and Depression

“…Nevertheless, some clinical trials failed to demonstrate the efficacy of LC-PUFA, either alone or associated with pharmacological or behavioral interventions, in patients with depression (90)(91)(92)(93).…”

Food supplements to complement brain functioning: the benefits of a combination of magnesium, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E

“…12 In contrast, supplementation with multi-nutrients in the randomized controlled trial MooDFOOD did not affect the persistence of major depression in subclinical and overweight depressed subjects. 13 A study performed on the data of adult subjects from the 9-year follow-up of the Depression and Anxiety Netherlands Study showed a dose-response association between the severity of chronic depression or anxiety disorders and a poorer diet quality in all study participants. 14 Overall, the recent findings from clinical trials seem to support the use of a complex of care measures including first line pharmacological and psychological treatments, as well as lifestyle interventions (e.g.…”