According to findings published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, depressed women who received daily supplements containing 2.5 grams of omega-3 experienced significant reductions in their symptoms.
In addition, researchers from the University of Pavia also report that omega-3 supplements providing a daily EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) dose of 1.67 grams and a daily DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) dose of 0.83 grams reported improvements in the ‘quality of life’.
“This [quality of life] observation has never been achieved before and it appears of great value from the clinical point of view, due to the importance of these aspects in the elderly population,” wrote the researchers.
“The concept of quality of life is defined as a perceived global satisfaction and satisfaction within a number of key domains, with special emphasis on well-being.
“Therefore, the amelioration of quality of life in depressed elderly patients after supplementation with omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids is an important finding,” they added.
In this study, it is of importance that the patients took 2.5 grams of omega 3s. Many store brought supplement brands only contain approximately half of this dosage. Therefore, one must take double the amount, which often becomes cost prohibitive for many people. There is a very great tasting omega-3 supplement called OmegaAvail Orange Cream Smoothie. Patients love it and it contains the 2.5 grams of omega 3 fatty acids necessary to combat depression.
Source: Omega-3 may reduce depression symptoms in the elderly
