N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and effects on depression: what is suggested by the current literature?

Abstract

Depression has become a current issue which is tried to be understood and where many researches are made on the causes of and treatment methods. According to the studies, it is important to examine the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet as depression is becoming an important public health problem both in individual and social dimensions. The role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of depression is being studied at an increasing rate due to the diagnosis of depression which has become widespread in the last decade. It has been reported in many studies that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may be effective in the treatment of depression by presenting anti-inflammatory effects, increasing membrane fluidity, altering neurotransmitter passage, affecting the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, increasing levels of neurotrophic factors. Further research is being conducted as there is no identified side effect associated with the use of n-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids in appropriate amounts. Although the efficacy of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has been proven by many studies, the issues of efficacy of their use individually or in combination and usability as an alternative therapy in the treatment of depression remain controversial.