COLUMBUS, Ohio—A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may help reduce the risk of inflammation and depression in healthy individuals, according to a new study published in the journal Brain.
Researchers at Ohio State University Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) investigated whether EPA and DHA might play a role in reducing the level of cytokines in the body, compounds that promote inflammation, and perhaps even reduce depression. For the study, they recruited 68 first- and second-year medical student volunteers. Half received omega-3 supplements, while the other half were given placebos. The students were randomly divided into six groups, all of which were interviewed six times during the study. At each visit, blood samples were drawn from the students who also completed a battery of psychological surveys intended to gauge their levels of stress, anxiety or depression. The students also completed questionnaires about their diets during the previous weeks.
Those receiving the omega-3 showed a 20% reduction in anxiety compared to the placebo group. An analysis of the of the blood samples showed those receiving omega-3 had a 14% reduction in the amounts of the cytokine, interleukin-6 (IL-6L).
“It may be too early to recommend a broad use of omega-3 supplements, especially considering the cost and the limited supplies of fish needed to supply the oil," the researchers said. “People should just consider increasing their omega-3 through their diet."
