Is fish oil really helpful in depression mind coindition?

[ReginaThomas]

I want to purchase fish oil for my long term disease. I have heard that it is cured with the use of fish oil.

[Snafu03]

many things help but the only cure to depression is you.

[rowanwitch]

no scientific evidence.... only seems to have benefits with minor joint conditions so if aches and pains make your depression worse it might be useful anyway but I wouldn't waste any money on it...suffered with depression all my life the only things that seem to help is a healthy diet and exercise preferably in daylight rather than a gym

[LoftyLottie]

'exercise in daylight rather than a gym'. Exactly rowanwitch. My daily walks with the dog for an hour really do lift me (but I still take the tablets!!)

I believe fish oil can help to some degree. Just eat oily fish as part of the healthy diet that rowanwitch talks about.

[Buenchico]

Your post seems to be referring to tryptophan, which is present within many foods, particularly eggs and fish. Some studies suggest that it can help people cope with depression (rather than actually cure it) but the evidence remains inconclusive.

For a list of foods containing tryptophan, see here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tryptophan

For dietary advice for depression sufferers, from the NHS website, see here:
http://www.nhs.uk/Liv...ionhealthyeating.aspx
Following that advice will probably be far more effective than taking fish oil supplements. Anyway, actually eating fish (rather than taking supplements) is far more likely to improve your mood (because of the high protein content). Dieticians recommend that everyone should eat fish at least three times a week. It needn't be expensive because things canned sardines, mackerel and pilchards all count.

Chris

[rowanwitch]

Are you two connected in some way.... there is no scientific evidence from large scale properly convened studies only a few 'trials' sponsored by manufacturers, if there were any benefits any commonly available fish oil would work I think this is simply a ploy to post an ad.....

[rowanwitch]

Its the protein powder gang again.....

[Dris]

Cant be that great Rowan if they have to advertise on Q and A forums ;)

[Sqad]

Fish oils for depression?..........forget it.

Fish oils (omega 3) for cholesterol and heart attack prevention?.............a winner.

[Hermit]

I did a quick google and this report looks reliable as a starting point
http://www.mental-hea...&view=article&id=1034

My guess would be that it might work for some people, probably if they are not eating enough fish oil in their diet to start with. Why not just try it? So long as you research the doses and its safe with anything else you are taking, you haven't much to lose.

In my experience, just trying anything is helpful as it makes you feel that you are doing something positive.

What doesn't help is people dismissing things out of hand or posting inane sound bites as it can seem disparaging or patronising and when you are in the midst of depression that is really damaging.