Intake Of Omega-3, Omega-6 Fatty Acids Do Not Reduce Depression Risk In Older Women

U.S. researchers who analyzed data from a health study involving 54,632 women ages 50–77 years old found that intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids did not reduce the risk of clinical depression. The researchers documented 2,823 cases of depression over ten years (1996-2006) among the study group. Study findings did support the hypothesis that higher intakes of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), an omega-3 found in plants, and lower intakes of linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) reduce depression risk, but the researchers said further study was needed.