Do omega-3 fatty acids help in depression?
Relevant BNF section: 2.12
There is an increasing number of studies assessing whether omega-3 fatty acids play a role in behavioural and mood disorders, particularly depression. Findings of this research have been highlighted in the media, and in recent reports by the Mental Health Foundation1 and the food charity Sustain.2 As a result of such raising of awareness, patients might ask their GPs and mental health professionals about taking omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for depression. Here we assess whether omega-3 fatty acids have a role in the management of such individuals.