David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Fish oil best bet in depression fight
15th November 2006
by CATHY O?LEARY, The Western Australian
Omega-3 rich fish oil has come up trumps as a natural way to beat depression, showing more promise than other remedies such as St John?s wort and B vitamins.
Researchers from Sydney University?s department of psychology have found that popping fish oil supplements or having three serves a week of oily-type fish such as salmon, sardines or tuna can ease the symptoms of depression.
Writing in the Dietitians Association of Australia?s journal Nutrition and Dietetics, they argued that omega-3s could have a role alongside antidepressants in helping some of the estimated one million Australians who have depression.
Fish oil is already seen as something of a wonder potion to reduce the risk of heart disease by making blood less likely to clot and protecting against irregular heartbeats which can cause sudden death.
Lead author and dietitian Dianne Volker said a review of all existing literature on the subject had concluded that good nutrition played a key role in managing depression.
?We have found evidence of the potential therapeutic benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet which may contribute to an eventual recovery in the long term,? she said.
?This is definitely a valuable add-on to the psychosocial and pharmacological treatment therapy that depression sufferers undergo.?
The study also found that vitamins B6 and B12, folate, the chemical S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAMe), the amino acid tryptophan and the herbal remedy St John?s wort showed promise in relieving depressive symptoms.
But the researchers said it was too early to say how much of each compound or vitamin was needed to have a noticeable effect on depression.
They said the safest and most sensible approach to take when considering omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation was to follow the recommendations for reducing the risk of heart disease.
15th November 2006
by CATHY O?LEARY, The Western Australian
Omega-3 rich fish oil has come up trumps as a natural way to beat depression, showing more promise than other remedies such as St John?s wort and B vitamins.
Researchers from Sydney University?s department of psychology have found that popping fish oil supplements or having three serves a week of oily-type fish such as salmon, sardines or tuna can ease the symptoms of depression.
Writing in the Dietitians Association of Australia?s journal Nutrition and Dietetics, they argued that omega-3s could have a role alongside antidepressants in helping some of the estimated one million Australians who have depression.
Fish oil is already seen as something of a wonder potion to reduce the risk of heart disease by making blood less likely to clot and protecting against irregular heartbeats which can cause sudden death.
Lead author and dietitian Dianne Volker said a review of all existing literature on the subject had concluded that good nutrition played a key role in managing depression.
?We have found evidence of the potential therapeutic benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet which may contribute to an eventual recovery in the long term,? she said.
?This is definitely a valuable add-on to the psychosocial and pharmacological treatment therapy that depression sufferers undergo.?
The study also found that vitamins B6 and B12, folate, the chemical S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAMe), the amino acid tryptophan and the herbal remedy St John?s wort showed promise in relieving depressive symptoms.
But the researchers said it was too early to say how much of each compound or vitamin was needed to have a noticeable effect on depression.
They said the safest and most sensible approach to take when considering omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation was to follow the recommendations for reducing the risk of heart disease.
, I've never seen it that inexpensive however. It could be due to country of residence though, I'm from Canada and I don't recall you being from Canada - though I could be wrong. I will definitely give Wal-mart another look though.
