JAMA clinical trials show that omega-3 fish oil supplements do not help prevent depression

The results of the largest clinical trials of this kind do not support the use of fish oil supplements (a source of omega-3 fatty acids) to help prevent depression

Experts recommend taking omega-3 supplements to reduce the recurrence of depression in some high-risk patients, but there are currently no guidelines on using these supplements to prevent depression in the general population

To illustrate this point, the Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial for Depression Endpoint Prevention (VITAL-DEP) was designed to test the potential of taking vitamin D and/or Omega-3 supplements daily to prevent depression

"This research is an important step

Okerke and her colleagues observed that during the course of the study, omega-3 supplements had no net benefit in preventing depression or improving mood

"For some people, taking omega-3 fish oil supplements under the guidance of their healthcare providers is still for health reasons