Omega-3 – The Foremost Nutrient for Mental Health and Wellness
October 10, 2019
In the largest review of its kind, researchers showed that omega-3 was the most effective supplement for benefiting mental health in people with mental disorders. Published in World Psychiatry, the meta-synthesis analyzed 33 meta-analyses and other data from nearly 11,000 people treated for mental illnesses including depression, stress and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Their goal was to develop an understanding of what treatments were effective while ensuring recommended dosages were followed and no adverse effects occurred.
The results showed strong support for omega-3 as an additional treatment for certain mental disorders with the strongest support for high dose EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, as an add-on treatment with antidepressants for improving depression-related symptoms.
While the amino acid N-acetylcysteine saw promise in mood disorders and special types of folate had some effect on major depression and schizophrenia, the evidence was strongest for omega-3 improving mental health.
This makes sense for several reasons. Growing clinical research has found that numerous mental illnesses are tied to increased levels of markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. By making lifestyle and pharmacological changes to address these stressors such as adding omega-3 to the diet would indicate a beneficial treatment option. Data also shows that mental disorders are associated with lowered serum levels of essential nutrients, so by increasing nutrients the symptoms of the disorders may be improved.
The review adds to the growing body of evidence showing how nutrient intake can impact more than just physical health. Recently, a vitamin D study reported how the critical nutrient played a role in depression as well with a 75% increased risk for those with a deficiency in the sunshine nutrient. More research on brain-health related probiotics, called psychobiotics, influencing the gut flora and its connection to mental health is also being published. Indeed, the future is bright for alternative ways to better support our mental and emotional health.
In Good Health,
James O'Keefe, MD
References:
Firth, J. , Teasdale, S. B., Allott, K. , Siskind, D. , Marx, W. , Cotter, J. , Veronese, N. , Schuch, F. , Smith, L. , Solmi, M. , Carvalho, A. F., Vancampfort, D. , Berk, M. , Stubbs, B. and Sarris, J. (2019), The efficacy and safety of nutrient supplements in the treatment of mental disorders: a meta‐review of meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials. World Psychiatry, 18: 308-324. doi:10.1002/wps.20672
