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More Omega-3 Studies Find Links to Depression

/Tuesday, Nov 09, 2004 03:38 PM/

http://www.mercola.com/blog/2004/nov/9/more_omega3_studies_find_links_to_depress\

ion_

 

With all the bad news mounting on antidepressants -- particularly with

recent black box warnings imposed by the FDA based on the higher

potential risk for suicides among kids -- it's good to see conventional

medicine is taking a more thorough look at more natural treatments, like

retooling one's diet to contain omega-3 fatty acids.

 

In fact, a number of studies have found links between the nation's low

omega-3 consumption and its alarmingly high depression rates, according

to one researcher.

 

In one study, researchers theorized the human brain is adapted to

Paleolithic diets of our ancient ancestors, whose diet comprised equal

proportions of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fats (found in corn and

soy seed oils). In the past century, however, western diets have lowered

the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 to about 1:25. At the same time, the

prevalence of major depression increased.

 

Another study released last year found seniors who suffered from

depression had significantly lower percentages of omega-3

polyunsaturated fatty acids. Also, ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 fats

were significantly higher in subjects with depressive disorders than in

control subjects.

 

For more information about omega-3 fats and their link to depression,

you'll want to read Dr. Alan Logan's wonderful feature posted earlier

this year: http://www.mercola.com/2004/feb/14/omega_3_depression.htm

 

================================================================

Science Daily November 8, 2004

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Good For The Heart, And (maybe) Good For The Brain

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/11/041108024221.htm

 

New York, NY (November 1, 2004) -- There is mounting evidence that a

diet containing omega-3 fatty acids, already known to help prevent

cardiovascular disease, may also prevent depression. In light of the

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s recent ruling that antidepressants

will be labeled with a " black box " warning about the drugs' higher

potential suicide risk in children, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill

Cornell Medical Center nutrition experts call for further study of the

mental health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

 

" Given recent findings of serious risks linked with antidepressants, we

should prioritize the study of natural antidepressants contained in

dietary sources -- specifically, omega-3 fatty acids, found most

abundantly in fish and seafood, " says Dr. Barbara Levine, associate

professor of nutrition in clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical

College and director of the DHA Information Center at

NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. Dr. Levine has been studying DHA

(docosahexaenoic acid -- a component of omega-3s) and its effects on

lowering triglycerides and raising HDL (high-density lipoproteins) in

overweight and obese patients with metabolic syndrome.

 

" Omega-3 consumption in the U.S. is lower than in any other country; the

U.S. also has one of the highest depression rates in the world, " says

Dr. Jeffrey Borer, chief of the division of cardiovascular

pathophysiology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and Gladys &

Roland Harriman Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Weill Cornell

Medical College. " New research has linked omega-3 consumption inversely

with incidence of neurological and immune disorders. However, further

research among all age groups and populations is necessary in order to

confirm these findings and to further educate the public. "

 

The relation of omega-3s -- principally DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic

acid) -- and depression has been revealed in several studies worldwide.

In a large Finnish study of fish consumption and depressive symptoms,

published in Psychiatric Services in April 2001, Tanskanen, et al.

demonstrated that the likelihood of having depressive symptoms was

significantly higher among infrequent fish consumers than among frequent

fish consumers. They theorized that the human brain is adapted to

Paleolithic diets of our ancient ancestors, whose diet comprised equal

proportions of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fats (found in corn and

soy seed oils). In the past 100 years, Western diets have lowered the

ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 to about 1:25; simultaneously, the

prevalence of major depression has increased.

 

In the 2003 Rotterdam Study, published in the American Journal of

Clinical Nutrition, Tiemeir, et al. found that elderly persons with

depression had a fatty acid composition different from that of

non-depressed persons. Percentages of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty

acids (PUFAs) were significantly lower, and the ratios of omega-6 to

omega-3 PUFAs were significantly higher in subjects with depressive

disorders than in control subjects.

 

Dr. Joseph R. Hibbeln of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and

Alcoholism, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), discovered

that omega-3 may influence serotonin functionality in the brain. In a

letter published in The Lancet in April 1998, he reported that among

healthy volunteers, low plasma concentrations of DHA predict low

concentrations of a marker of brain serotonin turnover. Low

concentrations of serotonin are strongly associated with depression and

suicide.

 

DHA is a primary building block in the gray matter of the human brain

and in the retina of the eye, and is present in every cell in the body.

It is essential at every stage of human life, beginning in utero. DHA,

like EPA, must be derived from foods because the body cannot produce its

own supply. It is available in fish and as a pure pharmaceutical-grade

nutritional supplement, with an ideal ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s (10:1).

 

At the Food and Drug Administration's Psychopharmacologic Drugs and

Pediatric Advisory Committees meeting on Sept. 13 and 14, committee

members and relatives of children with depression heard testimony based

on an analysis by an international panel of pediatric suicide experts of

data from 15 clinical studies on the use of SSRI (Selective Serotonin

Reuptake Inhibitor) antidepressants in children and teens with major

depressive disorder (MDD). They also heard from industry representatives

of the companies who manufacture the medications. Dr. Tarek Hammad, a

Senior Medical Reviewer in the Department of Neuropharmacological Drug

Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug

Administration, reported that there was a consistent link between

antidepressants and suicidal thoughts and behavior (suicidality) among 2

to 3 percent of the subjects in the studies.

 

As a result of the hearings and recommendations by the joint committees,

on Friday, Oct. 15, the FDA announced that it will direct manufacturers

to add a " black box " warning to the health professional labeling of all

SSRI antidepressant medications to describe this risk and emphasize the

need for close monitoring of patients started on these medications. The

FDA will also develop a Patient Medication Guide (MedGuide), which will

be given to patients receiving the drugs to advise them of the risk and

precautions that should be taken.

 

================================================================

Original news release:

http://www.news.cornell.edu/releases/Nov04/omega-3.html

 

Contact: Jonathan Weil

(212) 821-0560

jweil

John Rodgers

jdr2001--

 

Omega-3 fatty acids: good for the heart, and (maybe) good for the brain

New York, NY (November 1, 2004) -- There is mounting evidence that a

diet containing omega-3 fatty acids, already known to help prevent

cardiovascular disease, may also prevent depression. In light of the

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s recent ruling that antidepressants

will be labeled with a " black box " warning about the drugs' higher

potential suicide risk in children, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill

Cornell Medical Center nutrition experts call for further study of the

mental health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

 

" Given recent findings of serious risks linked with antidepressants, we

should prioritize the study of natural antidepressants contained in

dietary sources -- specifically, omega-3 fatty acids, found most

abundantly in fish and seafood, " says Dr. Barbara Levine, associate

professor of nutrition in clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical

College and director of the DHA Information Center at

NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. Dr. Levine has been studying DHA

(docosahexaenoic acid -- a component of omega-3s) and its effects on

lowering triglycerides and raising HDL (high-density lipoproteins) in

overweight and obese patients with metabolic syndrome.

 

" Omega-3 consumption in the U.S. is lower than in any other country; the

U.S. also has one of the highest depression rates in the world, " says

Dr. Jeffrey Borer, chief of the division of cardiovascular

pathophysiology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and Gladys &

Roland Harriman Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at Weill Cornell

Medical College. " New research has linked omega-3 consumption inversely

with incidence of neurological and immune disorders. However, further

research among all age groups and populations is necessary in order to

confirm these findings and to further educate the public. "

 

The relation of omega-3s -- principally DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic

acid) -- and depression has been revealed in several studies worldwide.

In a large Finnish study of fish consumption and depressive symptoms,

published in Psychiatric Services in April 2001, Tanskanen, et al.

demonstrated that the likelihood of having depressive symptoms was

significantly higher among infrequent fish consumers than among frequent

fish consumers. They theorized that the human brain is adapted to

Paleolithic diets of our ancient ancestors, whose diet comprised equal

proportions of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fats (found in corn and

soy seed oils). In the past 100 years, Western diets have lowered the

ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 to about 1:25; simultaneously, the

prevalence of major depression has increased.

 

In the 2003 Rotterdam Study, published in the American Journal of

Clinical Nutrition, Tiemeir, et al. found that elderly persons with

depression had a fatty acid composition different from that of

non-depressed persons. Percentages of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty

acids (PUFAs) were significantly lower, and the ratios of omega-6 to

omega-3 PUFAs were significantly higher in subjects with depressive

disorders than in control subjects.

 

Dr. Joseph R. Hibbeln of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and

Alcoholism, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), discovered

that omega-3 may influence serotonin functionality in the brain. In a

letter published in The Lancet in April 1998, he reported that among

healthy volunteers, low plasma concentrations of DHA predict low

concentrations of a marker of brain serotonin turnover. Low

concentrations of serotonin are strongly associated with depression and

suicide.

 

DHA is a primary building block in the gray matter of the human brain

and in the retina of the eye, and is present in every cell in the body.

It is essential at every stage of human life, beginning in utero. DHA,

like EPA, must be derived from foods because the body cannot produce its

own supply. It is available in fish and as a pure pharmaceutical-grade

nutritional supplement, with an ideal ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s (10:1).

 

At the Food and Drug Administration's Psychopharmacologic Drugs and

Pediatric Advisory Committees meeting on Sept. 13 and 14, committee

members and relatives of children with depression heard testimony based

on an analysis by an international panel of pediatric suicide experts of

data from 15 clinical studies on the use of SSRI (Selective Serotonin

Reuptake Inhibitor) antidepressants in children and teens with major

depressive disorder (MDD). They also heard from industry representatives

of the companies who manufacture the medications. Dr. Tarek Hammad, a

Senior Medical Reviewer in the Department of Neuropharmacological Drug

Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug

Administration, reported that there was a consistent link between

antidepressants and suicidal thoughts and behavior (suicidality) among 2

to 3 percent of the subjects in the studies.

 

As a result of the hearings and recommendations by the joint committees,

on Friday, Oct. 15, the FDA announced that it will direct manufacturers

to add a " black box " warning to the health professional labeling of all

SSRI antidepressant medications to describe this risk and emphasize the

need for close monitoring of patients started on these medications. The

FDA will also develop a Patient Medication Guide (MedGuide), which will

be given to patients receiving the drugs to advise them of the risk and

precautions that should be taken.

 

# # #

 

Office of Public Affairs NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell 525

East 68th Street, Box 144 New York, NY 10021

 

-30-

================================================================

New Findings About Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Depression

http://www.mercola.com/2004/feb/14/omega_3_depression.htm

 

By Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH

 

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are considered

essential because they cannot be synthesized by the human body. Dietary

sources of omega-3 fatty acids include plants (particularly flax,

canola, walnuts and hemp) and fish (particularly ocean fish such as

sardines, anchovies, salmon and mackerel). Plants contain the parent

omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can be converted into

eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA).1

 

Dietary fish and fish oil supplements are a direct source of EPA and

DHA. The influence of ALA, EPA and DHA in human health has been the

subject of intense research over the last three decades. Although best

known for cardiovascular benefits, new findings indicate that the

influence of omega-3 fatty acids in mental health, particularly EPA, may

currently be underestimated. Epidemiological, experimental and new

clinical studies have all shown a strong connection between omega-3

fatty acids, or a lack thereof, and major depression.

 

These exciting new findings are not entirely surprising when one

considers that the brain itself is 60 percent fat and that one-third of

all fatty acids are of the polyunsaturated variety.2,3 As discussed

below, the current research highlights the critical role of these fatty

acids in the central nervous system (CNS).

 

Omega-3 Intake Declines, Depression Rates Climb

 

There has been a significant drop-off in omega-3 fatty acid intake

within Western countries over the last century. The opposite can be said

of omega-6 intake. Although essential, omega-6-rich oils are found in

abundance in the North American food supply. Currently these omega-6

oils (corn, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed, sesame) are outnumbering

omega-3 fatty acids by a ratio of up to 20:1.4,5

 

This ratio is a long way off the close to 1:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio

as recommended by the international panel of essential fatty acid

experts in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.6 The

average daily intake of EPA/DHA combined is 130mg in North America,

520mg short of published recommendations and 870mg short of the 1000mg

recommended by the American Heart Association in cases of heart disease.1

 

In direct contrast to the depletion of omega-3 fatty acids from the

Western food supply, the rates of depression have dramatically increased

in Western countries. In addition, depression is now occurring more

commonly in younger persons. The average age of onset of depression has

continued to dip over the last 100 years. Scientists investigating the

change in rates of depression have made it clear that these findings

cannot be explained away by changes in attitudes of health professionals

or society, diagnostic criteria, reporting bias, institutional or other

artifacts.7,8 Perhaps the inadequate omega-3 intake, the major

deviations in fatty acids ratios and the quarter-century-old message

that all fat is unhealthy has had an untold influence on rates of

depression.

 

Fish Consumption and Depression

 

There have been a number of studies that have examined national and

international fish consumption data and compared them to rates of

depression. Dr. Joseph Hibbeln of the National Institutes of Health is a

pioneer in this area. He, and his group, have shown that higher national

consumption of fish for a nation equals lower rates of depression versus

countries consuming the least amount of fish.9 He has also shown that

higher fish consumption is correlated with lower risk of postpartum

depression10 and seasonal affective disorder.11

 

Other researchers have shown that even within a nation, fish consumption

is associated with lower risk of depression and higher mental health

status.12,13 Finally, researches are now observing increasing rates of

depression in regions of the world that are moving away from traditional

omega-3-rich diets to typical Western foods.14

 

Laboratory Tests in Depression

 

The epidemiological studies clearly suggest that adequate omega-3 fatty

acids may be an important protective factor in depression. Correlation,

however, does not prove causation. To add to the strength of the

epidemiological studies, scientists have examined the levels of omega-3

fatty acids in the blood cells and fat storage cells of those with major

depression.

 

Four studies have shown that those with depression do indeed have lower

levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood.15-18 One of the studies

showed that the lower the level of EPA, the more severe the clinical

depression.15 In addition, a recent study showed that the patients with

depression have 35 percent less DHA in fat storage cells versus healthy

controls.19

 

Experimental Studies

 

Over the last decade, neuroscientists have been examining the

consequences of omega-3 deficiencies in the central nervous system.

Alterations in serotonin and dopamine levels, as well as the functioning

of these two important neurotransmitters is evident in an omega-3

deficiency. The changes observed in omega-3 deficiency in animals is

strikingly similar to that found in autopsy studies of human depression.20

 

In addition to changing serotonin and dopamine levels and functioning,

omega-3 deficiencies are known to compromise the blood-brain barrier,

which normally protects the brain from unwanted matter gaining access.21

Omega-3 deficiency can also decrease normal blood flow to the

brain,22,23 an interesting finding given the studies which show that

patients with depression have compromised blood flow to a number of

brain regions.24,25 Finally, omega-3 deficiency also causes a 35 percent

reduction in brain phosphatidylserine (PS) levels.26 This is also of

relevance when considering that PS has documented antidepressant

activity in humans.27,28

 

Mechanisms of EPA/DHA Regulation of Mood

 

DHA is found in high levels in the cells of the central nervous system

(neurons); here it acts as a form of scaffolding for structural

support.29 When omega-3 intake is inadequate, the nerve cell becomes

stiff as cholesterol and omega-6 fatty acids are substituted for

omega-3.30 When a nerve cell becomes rigid, proper neurotransmission

from cell to cell and within cells will be compromised.31

 

While DHA provides structure and helps to ensure normal

neurotransmission, EPA may be more important in the signaling within

nerve cells.32 Normalizing communications within nerve cells has been

suggested to be an important factor in alleviating depressive

symptoms.33 In addition, EPA can lower the levels of two important

immune chemicals, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) and interleukin 1

beta (IL-1ß), as well as prostaglandin E2.34

 

All three of these chemicals are elevated in depression.35-38 In fact,

higher levels of TNFa and IL-1ß are associated with severity of

depression.39 Finally, EPA has been hypothesized to increase

brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), which is known to be lower in

depressed patients.20 BDNF is neuroprotective, enhances

neurotransmission, has antidepressant activity and supports normal brain

structure. BDNF may prevent the death of nerve cells in depression.

 

Clinical Studies

 

There have been some published case reports indicating that flaxseed oil

may be helpful in cases of bipolar depression and the anxiety disorder

agoraphobia.40 The first controlled clinical trial indicating that

omega-3 fatty acids may be of benefit in depression was published in

1999. In this case, 9:6 g of EPA/DHA versus placebo led to longer

periods of remission and improvement in depressive symptoms in those

with bipolar depression.41

 

Some researchers theorize that such high doses of EPA/DHA may not be

necessary and that low levels of pure EPA may be of benefit.32 In a

study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers

showed that just 2g of pure EPA could improve the symptoms of

treatment-resistant depression. The researchers found that the EPA

(versus placebo), when added to an ineffective antidepressant for one

month, significantly improved depressive symptoms.42

 

A larger study published in Archives of General Psychiatry replicated

these findings, however, this time various doses of EPA were examined.

Those on ineffective antidepressants were given 1g, 2g or 4g of pure EPA

or a placebo in addition to the medication. Interestingly, the 1g daily

dose of EPA led to the most significant improvements over the

three-month study; it appeared that less was more. There were

significant improvements in depressive symptoms, sleep, anxiety,

lassitude, libido and thoughts of suicide.43

 

Researchers from Taiwan Medical University published a recent study in

which they found that a 4.4g EPA and 2.2g DHA mix could alleviate

depression versus placebo in those with treatment-resistant depression.

This was a two-month study involving patients who were on

antidepressants that were not working. As with the other omega-3 studies

discussed, the fish oil was well tolerated and no adverse events were

reported.44

 

There is also evidence that omega-3 oils may be of benefit in treating

depressive symptoms outside of major depressive disorder. Canadian

researchers showed that Antarctic krill oil (400mg EPA, 240mg DHA) could

improve depressive symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.45

Harvard researchers have also shown that just 1g of pure EPA is

beneficial in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. This

personality disorder, which is particularly difficult to treat, is

characterized by both depressive and aggressive symptoms. This was a

two-month placebo-controlled study and the results showed that EPA has a

mood-regulating effect, improving both depression and aggression versus

placebo.46

 

To date, with one exception, all studies conducted on omega-3 fatty

acids and mood have had a positive outcome. The singular negative study

examined pure DHA in patients with depression. The results in the case

showed that DHA alone was no better than placebo in alleviating

depressive symptoms.47

 

Conclusion

 

Although an influence of EPA and DHA on brain physiology and structure

is apparent, the precise mechanisms whereby omega-3 fatty acids may

alleviate depression remain unknown. The results of the clinical trials

reinforce the epidemiological and experimental studies, underscoring the

importance of adequate omega-3 intake in those with depression.

 

The long-term studies of fish oil supplements in the area of

cardiovascular health, some spanning three-plus years, have shown that

they are safe and well tolerated.48,49 Patients with depression or

depressive symptoms should discuss omega-3 fatty acids with their health

care providers. While scientists continue to unravel the

neuropsychological influences of omega-3 fatty acids, it should be

recognized that they are not a substitute for appropriate mental health

evaluation and care.

 

Alan C. Logan is a naturopathic physician licensed in Connecticut.

Valedictorian of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, class of

2001, his recent medline-indexed article " Neurobehavioral Aspects of

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Possible Mechanisms and Therapeutic Value in Major

Depression " is available to medical professionals by writing to Dr.

Logan at aclnd.

 

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