Fish oil supplements have been said to be good for depression – but there is a lack of evidence to support these claims, according to an analysis published today.
Studies found a small benefit from the use of omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish oils – but not enough to be meaningful to patients, the analysis for the Cochrane Library reports.
Researchers found a total of 26 randomised trials involving some 1,458 patients.
Most trials compared omega-3 fatty acids with placebos – but one, involving 40 patients, compared it with an anti-depressant.
The researchers said the evidence was of very low quality.
Researcher Katherine Appleton, from Bournemouth University, UK, said: “We found a small-to-modest positive effect of Omega 3 fatty acids compared to placebo, but the size of this effect is unlikely to be meaningful to people with depression, and we considered the evidence to be of low or very low quality.
"All studies contributing to our analyses were of direct relevance to our research question, but most of these studies are small and of low quality.
“At present, we just don’t have enough high quality evidence to determine the effects of Omega 3 fatty acids as a treatment for major depressive disorder.
"It’s important that people who suffer from depression are aware of this, so that they can make more informed choices about treatment.”
Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 5 November 2015; doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004692 [abstract]
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