Abstract
Based on an ecological study examining the relationship between multinational prevalence of depression and fish consumption, cohort studies to examine the effects of omega‐3 fatty acids on depression and clinical trials to examine the therapeutic effects of omega‐3 fatty acids on depression have been conducted. Meta‐analysis has confirmed that the fish intake and omega‐3 fatty acids is effective in preventing depression, that eicosapentaenoic acid is effective in treating people with major depression. Although no conclusion has been reached regarding the mechanism, the anti‐inflammatory effect of omega‐3 fatty acids has been suggested. A recently published meta‐analysis of clinical trials that examined the anxiolytic effects of omega‐3 fatty acids showed that omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation was associated with reduced anxiety symptoms. In this review, I introduce the authors’ research and describe the potential of omega‐3 fatty acids in the management of depression and anxiety.
