Evidence supporting the use of: Unsaturated fatty acid
For the health condition: Depression

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Synopsis

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

Unsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been investigated for their role in supporting or treating depression. Multiple observational studies have found that populations with higher dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids tend to have lower rates of depression. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses suggest that supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs, especially those high in EPA, may have a modest antidepressant effect, particularly in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) or as an adjunct to standard antidepressant therapy.

The proposed mechanisms include modulation of neurotransmitter function, reduction of inflammation, and effects on cell membrane fluidity and signal transduction in the brain. However, the strength of the evidence is moderate rather than conclusive. Some RCTs have shown significant benefits, while others report no effect. Meta-analyses generally conclude there is a small but statistically significant effect, with EPA-predominant formulations being more beneficial than DHA alone.

Major guidelines, such as those from the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research, recognize omega-3 PUFAs as a potential adjunctive therapy for depression, though not as a substitute for standard treatments. Overall, while there is scientific evidence to support the use of unsaturated fatty acids—specifically omega-3s—in the management of depression, the effect size is modest and further research is warranted.

More about Unsaturated fatty acid
More about Depression

Other ingredients used for Depression

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
acetyl l-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium longum
black tea
Indian frankincense
bасора
caffeine
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
Chinese salvia root
choline
citicoline
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
folate
gardenia
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
green tea
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
inositol
jujube
krill oil
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnosine
l-glycine
l-methionine
l-phenylalanine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
maca
mackerel
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
moringa
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
phenolic acids
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
protein
butyric acid
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhodiola
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
sceletium
selenium
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
tongkat ali
almond fruit
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
whey protein
zinc
suma
gastrodia
mugwort
alpinia galangal
commiphora
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingzhi
lemongrass
kanna
cistanche
dodder
morinda
royal jelly
polyphenols
trace minerals
St. John's Wort
yerba mate
hypothalamus
cocoa
thyroid substance
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Arginine Creatine
Ardisia
Angelica
Apigenin
Albizia
Agmatine
Agarwood
Alpha lactalbumin
Asteracea
Algal protein
Aniracetam
Amor seco
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Broussonetia
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Biopterin
Butea monosperma
Beef liver
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
Bee products
bacoside
Baicalin
Black Hellebore
Biogenic amine
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Caryophyllene
Common Monkey Flower
Crocin
Clary sage
Catalpol
Codonopsis
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Curcumen
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Chocolate
Creatine
Curcuma
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
cola nut
Canscora
Cannabichromene
Docosahexaenoic Acid
D-phenylalanine
DHEA
Devil's Club
Dopamine
Egg
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Estrogen
Folinic Acid
Folic Acid
Flavonoids
Fragrant Rosewood
Fish
Fatty acids
Frankincense
Guanidinoacetic acid
Ginsenosides
Griffonia simplicifolia
Glutamate
Glycine
Gastrodin
jasmine
Little ironweed
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Rose
Spikenard
Shellfish
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
yohimbine
Zucchini

Products containing Unsaturated fatty acid

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.