Fish Oil Effective for Depression - Without Causing Sexual Dysfunction!

In a recent study, fish oil was shown to be as effective as medications for depression not accompanied by severe anxiety. Because the study included more very severely depressed patients who had even failed many other prescription treatments, this suggests that fish oil may be even more effective than antidepressants. Antidepressants often trigger sexual dysfunction such as inability to orgasm. Not a problem with fish oil!

The study was done in conjunction with researchers from centers affiliated with the UdM's Réseau universitaire intégré de santé (RUIS), from McGill University, Université Laval in Quebec City and Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.

The 8 week study included 432 male and female participants with major depression in a randomized, double-blind study (neither patients nor researchers knew which capsules patients received).

The study assessed use of Omega-3 for eight weeks, at doses of 1,050 mg of EPA and 150 mg of DHA each day.

For those with severe anxiety associated with the depression (sometimes called "atypical depression"), the fish oil was not as effective. Fortunately, other research has shown that the mineral chromium (500-600 mcg a day — available in most health food stores) has been shown to be effective for atypical depression. Other natural therapies, such as L-Theanine (from green tea), magnolia, B vitamins and magnesium can also help anxiety!

Also see Tuna vs. Prozac for Depression.

Journal Reference:

François Lespérance, Nancy Frasure-Smith, Elise St-André, Gustavo Turecki, Paul Lespérance, Stephen R. Wisniewski. The Efficacy of Omega-3 Supplementation for Major Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2010; DOI: 10.4088/JCP.10m05966blu

Love and Blessings,

Jacob Teitelbaum