Fish oil ‘could relieve depression’

Daily fish oil supplements and at least three meals a week including oily fish such as salmon, sardines or tuna, could help to alleviate depression, according to a new study.

The study, published in the December 2006 issue of Nutrition & Dietetics, reviewed all the literature available on the manipulation of diets to uncover how this might help those suffering from depression.

Recently the World Health Organisation said that depression is the second leading cause of morbidity worldwide.

Lead author and practicing dietician Dr Dianne Volker said: “We have found evidence of the potential therapeutic benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid incorporation in the diet which may contribute to an eventual recovery in the long term.

“This is definitely a valuable add-on to the psychosocial and pharmacological treatment therapy depression sufferers undergo.”

Omega-3 is classed as an essential because it cannot be synthesised in the body and must be obtained from food.