Citation

Bourre JM. Correspondances en MHND 2016; 20(5-6): 132-136.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Omega-3 fatty acids involved in depression are almost exclusively EPA and DHA. Their main dietary source is fish, mainly when fatty. Dietary complements and drugs are formed either with triglycerides, or with ethyl-esters. Under the naming "depression", omega-3 fatty acids have largely been interested. Unfortunately, the actual targets (humor, stress, sadness, major depression) were not precisely defined, explaining the large diversity of the results. It is important not to confuse prevention and treatment, for either symptoms or disease itself. On the other hand, omega-3 could increase therapeutic efficiency (antidepressants, even antipsychotics), allowing to reduce doses, for example. Some clinical specific forms have to be distinguished: postpartum depression, child depression, depression for aged people, infarct during depression, suicide attempt. For many studies, negative results are very probably due to very low doses, below the habitual dietary intake recommendations (500 mg for EPA+DHA, ie 250mg each). Interestingly, in cardiovascular domain, it is known that doses exerting a pharmacological effect are largely greater than dietary recommendations.

Language: fr

Keywords

Depression; Suicide; Postpartum; Ageing; Cardiovascular; DHA; EPA; Omega-3