Fish consumption, depression, and suicidality in a general population

A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 30 patients with bipolar affective disorder demonstrated a significant benefit of 3 fatty acid supplements on reducing episodes of severe mania and depression.1 3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are now regarded as a promising but untested treatment as mood stabilizers.2 Consistent with these observations, several studies of patients with depression have reported depletions of 3 PUFAs in plasma or cell membranes.3 Previously, a cross-national comparison revealed a 50-fold lower annual prevalence of major depression, which was strongly predicted by higher fish consumption.4 Since fish is the major source of 3 fatty acids in the human diet, the frequent consumption of fish could lead to a high intake of 3 PUFAs, thus decreasing the risk of depression.

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