Omega-3 PUFA supplementation fails to improve symptoms of Adolescent Depression: Study
Researchers have found that while omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation might just modestly be associated with smaller effects on self-reported depression symptoms in adolescents, the evidence is very uncertain. A recent study was conducted by Susan C. and colleagues published in Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews.
Adolescent depression has become an increasingly alarming public health issue, with a rise of more than 25% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The problem is compounded by the unavailability of accessible mental health services. Omega-3 PUFA, with its established anti-inflammatory effects and modulatory action on neurotransmission, has been advocated for adults experiencing depression; however, its efficacy and safety in younger populations to treat depression remain less explored and thus warranted this comprehensive synthesis of existing evidence.
This review enrolled five RCTs in patients aged 19 or younger diagnosed with depression and had 228 participants. Comparators utilized were placebo, wait-list controls, no treatment, or standard care. Trials ranged from 10–16 weeks, and the median was 12 weeks. Followed were self-reported depression symptoms, clinical remission of depression, attrition rates, adverse effects, and compliance. GRADE methodology was utilized to assess the degree of certainty in the evidence.
The key findings of the study were as follows:
Impact on Depression Symptoms:
Omega-3 PUFA supplementation may reduce self-reported symptoms, but the evidence is very uncertain (SMD: -0.34, 95% CI: -0.85 to 0.17; 185 participants).
Depression Remission:
No significant difference in remission rates was observed between omega-3 PUFA and placebo (50% vs. 48%, OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.45 to 2.75; 127 participants).
Attrition and Compliance:
Attrition rates were comparable in both arms (18% vs. 19%; OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.46 to 1.90; 228 participants).
Side Effects:
No side effects serious in nature were observed. Mild ones included muscle cramps (13/27 in omega-3 group and 6/29 in the placebo group), increased frequency of defecation (1/29 in the omega-3 group), and sporadic cases of rash in skin and abnormal behavior in the placebo arm.
This systematic review highlights the uncertain efficacy of omega-3 PUFA supplementation in reducing symptoms of depression or reaching remission among children and adolescents. Although the intervention seems safe, it confers no significant benefits compared with placebo. Future rigorous studies are needed to draw conclusive findings and give clinicians working with adolescent depression some concrete direction.
Reference:
Campisi SC, Zasowski C, Shah S, Bradley-Ridout G, Szatmari P, Korczak D. Omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation for depression in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Jun 7;2021(6):CD014803. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD014803. PMCID: PMC8183339.
