Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have been investigated for their potential effects on mood and depressive disorders. Scientific interest in omega-3s for depression emerged from epidemiological studies showing lower rates of depression in populations with high fish consumption. Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have since explored the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation, including salmon oil, for depression.

Results are mixed but generally suggest a modest benefit, particularly in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and when supplements contain higher concentrations of EPA relative to DHA. For example, a 2016 meta-analysis in the Translational Psychiatry journal concluded that omega-3 supplementation had a small but significant effect in reducing depressive symptoms, especially in patients already diagnosed with depression. However, benefits are less clear in otherwise healthy individuals or those with mild depressive symptoms.

While not universally recommended as a standalone treatment, some professional guidelines acknowledge omega-3 fatty acids as a possible adjunct to conventional antidepressants. The mechanism is thought to involve anti-inflammatory effects and modulation of neurotransmitter function. Overall, scientific evidence supports a modest but real effect of salmon oil (as a source of omega-3s) in supporting the treatment of depression, but it should not be considered a primary therapy.

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