EPA and DHA antidepressant effect: alone or together?

LAINO, CH; CODAGNONE, MG; PODESTA, MF, REINÉS, A

''Eicosapentaenoic Acid: Sources, Health Effects and Role in Disease Prevention

NOVA PUBLISHERS

Lugar: Hauppauge, NY; Año: 2012;

Even with the new generation of antidepressants, treatment of depression still shows multiple needs. Treatment issues usually relate to lack of efficacy, prolong onset of antidepressant action and a plethora of side effects (such as sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal events, weight gain). Several studies have shown that certain biological constituents, when ingested with food or administrated in pure forms, can function as antidepressant agents. Epidemiological findings derived in clinical and preclinical studies from which several compounds emerged as potentially new treatments for depression either as active agents or as adjunct therapy with advantages over conventional treatments in terms of side effects and drug interactions. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are key nutritional components that exert important physiological and biochemical effects on cardiovascular, immune and central nervous system (CNS) function. Indeed, diet supplementation with omega-3 PUFA has shown to be beneficial in the treatment of depression. However, not all types of omega-3 PUFA are equally efficacious. While there is more information on docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), little is known about eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)’s antidepressant effects and the mechanism of action of these fatty acids. This review explores clinical and preclinical evidences related to the antidepressant effects of DHA, EPA and fish oil (DHA plus EPA). An overview of DHA and EPA effects on CNS function and ultimately the hypothesis of the central role of omega-3 PUFA on depression are also provided. Undoubtedly, further studies are needed to shed light on the mechanisms involved in the potential clinical benefit of omega-3 supplementation for the treatment of depression.