Studies have shown that taking fish oil for depression is beneficial.
Here's a look at what the researchers have concluded, along with some suggestions for comparing the supplements on the market.
There are dozens to choose from.
It would be easy to choose the wrong one.
The Role of Homocysteine A high level of homocysteine in the bloodstream is known to be a powerful risk factor for heart disease.
But, a recent study indicates that 45-55% of depressed patients also have high homocysteine levels.
An increase in homocysteine causes a decrease in SAM-e.
That causes impaired methylation.
Methylation is necessary for the production of serotonin, a "feel good" brain chemical.
Impaired methylation causes an increase in homocysteine.
So, as you can see, the whole process is something of a vicious cycle, each thing feeding upon the other.
Over the years, a variety of different supplements have been suggested to break a link in this vicious cycle.
Many of the recent studies have focused on the fish oil depression reduction capability.
Researchers have found that supplementation is beneficial.
It apparently breaks some link in that homocysteine cycle.
Other supplements that are beneficial include SAM-e, betaine, B6, B12 and folic acid.
The Importance of DHA Low levels of DHA in the bloodstream are known to be associated with depressive disorders.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is an omega3 fatty acid found only in oily fish and some types of marine algae.
Fish it marine algae, but the only human dietary source is fish.
DHA is plentiful in breast milk, as long as the mother is well nourished.
It is known that DHA is necessary for the healthy development of the human brain.
The first studies that suggested taking fish oil for depression were initiated because of the low blood level of DHA.
The brain is composed primarily of fat.
DHA accounts for 40% of the fatty acids in the brain.
Basically, depressive disorders, not caused by life events, may simply be symptoms of DHA deficiency in the diet.
The Importance of EPA The importance of EPA, another omega3 fatty acid found in oily fish is not well understood, because it is not naturally present in the brain.
But research has shown that low levels of this fatty acid are associated with depressive disorders, particularly among suicide victims.
Studies have shown that the fish oil depression reduction ability is highest, when both EPA and DHA are present in relatively large amounts.
What the Best Supplements Contain The best supplements contain both EPA and DHA.
At least 280mg of DHA and 120mg of EPA is present in each capsule.
Many supplement manufacturers do not list these numbers on their labels.
Your best bet is to buy one that does.
There is a great variance in the purity and freshness of the supplements on the market.
If you do just a little research, you can find out what steps the manufacturer takes to insure purity and freshness.
Studies have shown that taking fish oil for depression is beneficial.
Here's a look at what the researchers have concluded, along with some suggestions for comparing the supplements on the market.
There are dozens to choose from.
It would be easy to choose the wrong one.
The Role of Homocysteine A high level of homocysteine in the bloodstream is known to be a powerful risk factor for heart disease.
But, a recent study indicates that 45-55% of depressed patients also have high homocysteine levels.
An increase in homocysteine causes a decrease in SAM-e.
That causes impaired methylation.
Methylation is necessary for the production of serotonin, a "feel good" brain chemical.
Impaired methylation causes an increase in homocysteine.
So, as you can see, the whole process is something of a vicious cycle, each thing feeding upon the other.
Over the years, a variety of different supplements have been suggested to break a link in this vicious cycle.
Many of the recent studies have focused on the fish oil depression reduction capability.
Researchers have found that supplementation is beneficial.
It apparently breaks some link in that homocysteine cycle.
Other supplements that are beneficial include SAM-e, betaine, B6, B12 and folic acid.
The Importance of DHA Low levels of DHA in the bloodstream are known to be associated with depressive disorders.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is an omega3 fatty acid found only in oily fish and some types of marine algae.
Fish it marine algae, but the only human dietary source is fish.
DHA is plentiful in breast milk, as long as the mother is well nourished.
It is known that DHA is necessary for the healthy development of the human brain.
The first studies that suggested taking fish oil for depression were initiated because of the low blood level of DHA.
The brain is composed primarily of fat.
DHA accounts for 40% of the fatty acids in the brain.
Basically, depressive disorders, not caused by life events, may simply be symptoms of DHA deficiency in the diet.
The Importance of EPA The importance of EPA, another omega3 fatty acid found in oily fish is not well understood, because it is not naturally present in the brain.
But research has shown that low levels of this fatty acid are associated with depressive disorders, particularly among suicide victims.
Studies have shown that the fish oil depression reduction ability is highest, when both EPA and DHA are present in relatively large amounts.
What the Best Supplements Contain The best supplements contain both EPA and DHA.
At least 280mg of DHA and 120mg of EPA is present in each capsule.
Many supplement manufacturers do not list these numbers on their labels.
Your best bet is to buy one that does.
There is a great variance in the purity and freshness of the supplements on the market.
If you do just a little research, you can find out what steps the manufacturer takes to insure purity and freshness.