Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention of affective disorders. Selected epidemiological data concering the use of omega-3 in the prevention of affective disorders

Abstract

This article is an overview of epidemiological studies suggesting that deficit in dietary-based omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may make an etiological contribution to mood disorders (major depression, bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder). Anthropological and epidemiological data indicate that humans evolved on a shore-based diet with abundant seafood and few calories from seed oils. In contrast, typical Western diets are now nearly devoid of adequate seafood and have excessive linoleic acid. Thus, high dietary intakes of omega-6 fatty acids may cause a shift toward the proinflammatory thereby promoting the pathogenesis of many illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases and depression. Safety profile of EPA/DHA have been shown. Risks of exposure to environmental toxins (mercury, dioxins) from large fish consumption are substantially reduced through purification processes used to concentrate fish oil supplements. In the end, authors suggest further research needs to be done to determine the best recommended doses of supplements of omega-3. Limited clinical data with rapidly growing support of laboratory and epidemiological studies, indicate omega-3 fatty acids as may play a role in the prevention and management of depression.