Fighting Depression and Improving Cognition with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Antidepressant drugs continue to raise concerns about their side effects, which include suicide, clinical worsening of depression, and unusual changes in behavior in adolescents and children. Recently, the FDA instructed all drug manufacturers to add black box warnings (the most serious warning label for a prescription medicine) to their antidepressant drugs. In light of these findings, doctors and patients are seeking safer alternative therapies. New research reveals that omega-3 fatty acids may effectively alleviate depression without dangerous side effects. In this article, we unveil the growing evidence base for omega-3s in improving mood and restoring structural integrity to brain cells that are critical in performing cognitive functions. Already well known for their ability to protect against heart disease, cancer, and diabetes,1 the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may be highly effective in preventing and managing depression and cognitive decline, according to a growing body of evidence.2-4 The American Psychiatric Association’s treatment recommendations for the use of omega-3 fatty acids bears testament to this strategy. Joseph R. Hibbeln, MD, from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) tells Life Extension magazine, “The strongest evidence was found for managing major depressive symptoms, with the effect of omega-3s being at least as great, if not greater than, antidepressant medications. ” Regarding these powerful fatty acids, Dr. Hibbeln further notes