Omega-3 Fatty Acids Found To Have Antidepressant Properties

A meta-analysis of research found that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can have antidepressant benefits. Two acids in particular—eicosapentenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—are critical to brain function and have antidepressant properties, but EPA is especially important: subjects taking omega-3 high in EPA or a combination of EPA and DHA realized the antidepressant benefits, while those taking only DHA did not. In a separate study, the research team discovered that women consuming high levels of omega-3 were less susceptible to depression during and after pregnancy than those whose omega-3 intake was low.