Lack of evidence for efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in depression.

Lange, Klaus W

A role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in mental health is becoming increasingly evident.1 Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, have been suggested to be of value in depressive disorders. Sensationalist media headlines extolling the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids have captured public attention, and practice guidelines for omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in the treatment of major depressive disorder have been issued. However, closer inspection of published research shows that the available evidence for beneficial clinical effects is less clear-cut than some would have us believe.