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Child Psychiatrist /Adult Psychiatrist

Writer's pictureVilash Reddy, MD

Nutrition Omega 3 - Fatty Acids - Depression

Updated: Sep 9, 2023

Data suggests that substitution of Omega-6- Fatty Acids (O6FA) for Omega-3-Fatty Acids (O3FA) is associated with unipolar and bipolar depression. This due to loss of membrane fluidity and lack of flexibility. In one study, Omega-3FA deficiencies have been associated with increase risk of suicide. Post-morteum studies found that less O3FA content in the orbitofrontal cortex from patients with Major Depressive Disorder and age-matched normal controls. DHA, is the only fatty acid found to be different from controls, was 32% lower in the OFC of female patients with MDD and 16% lower in males with depression. Overall, there is sufficient evidence of the efficacy to support O3FA as adjunct for depression and bipolar disorders.



a close up of food


Omega 3 fatty - EPA/DHA- reduction of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and release of pro inflammatory cytokines; our diets tend to have more saturated fat from domestic animals and more omega 6 FA. Also Omega 6 from cultivated vegetables (corn, sunflower, and soy bean) - used common as cooking oil. Fish used to be a prime source of OM-3 until farmer started feeding then vegetable oils from 6-FA. Once a rich source of Omega-3FA, now most farm-bred fish contain higher levels of O6FA versus O3FA. Also, fish such as fatty fish such a

salmon (wild) still contain an important source of O3FA. Farm raised salmon now a day contain excess amounts of PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) or mercury that contain the fish oil in liquid or capsule form.

Omega - 3 Fish Oil

Quality brands contains no PCBs or fishy aftertaste. - reduction of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and release of pro inflammatory cytokines; our diets tend to have more saturated fat from domestic animals and more omega 6 FA.


Also Omega 6 from cultivated vegetables (corn, sunflower, and soy bean) - used common as cooking oil. Fish used to be a prime source of OM-3 until farmer feed with then vegetable oils from 6-FA. Once a rich source of Omega-3FA, now most farm-bred fish contain higher levels of O6FA versus O3FA. This is a great product that I have researched: Omega-3-Fatty Oil gel capsule that eliminates all of this toxins.


Flax seeds contain Alpha-Linolenic Acid(ALA) but they must be ground to enable the ALA to be absorbed. ALA will be converted into Omega-3, EPA and DHA, but the conversion is inefficient and varies amongst individuals. Additional sources of ALA are nuts, seeds, however avoid canola or sunflower seeds (as they have high Omega 6 FA)


Source: How to Use Herbs, Nutrients, & Yoga in Mental Health


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