vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids are nutrients of great value for health of people. Normally, most oily fish are rich in both nutritious foods, so it is advisable to consume them in moderation.
Thus, for some time, experts have recommended the intake of omega 3 supplements to reduce the recurrence of depression in some high-risk patients.
However, there seems to be no clear guideline regarding the use of this type of supplement to prevent the risk of depression in the general population. In addition, studies regarding this show certain contradictions.
The largest clinical trial to date has been prepared by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, in the United States. Thus, the results do not support the use of supplements of fish oil, a source of omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D , to reduce the risk of depression.
Are vitamin D and omega 3 supplements beneficial?
The ‘Vital-DEP’ trial started with the objective of verifying the potential of daily supplements of vitamin D and / or omega 3 fatty acids to prevent the development of depression.
Fish oil supplements Thus, a total of 18 participated in this research work. 553 adults of 50 years or more without depression at the time of initiation of the study. Subsequently, all of them were randomly selected to receive supplements of vitamin D and / or omega 3 fatty acids, or equivalent placebos. This process was carried out for an average of 5.3 years.
In this regard, Dr. Olivia I. Okereke, explains that «this study is an important step. It takes many thousands of people to carry out this type of adult depression prevention study, and the participants were taking the randomized study pills for an average of 5 to 7 years. ”
He then clarifies that “therefore, it is rare to see such a long-term randomized trial.” However, this group of researchers did not observe any benefit with respect to the consumption of this type of supplements with vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids to prevent depression or improve mood.
The results are clear
Dr. Okereke asserts that “there was no beneficial or detrimental effect of omega-3 on the general course of mood during the approximately 5 to 7 years of follow-up.”
However, the researchers clarify that there are still health reasons for some people under medical prescription to take fish oil supplements rich in omega 3 and vitamin D.
In this sense, the lead author of the study, JoAnn E. Manson, points out that “for example, these supplements have been found to be increasingly beneficial for the prevention of heart disease and the treatment of inflammatory conditions , in addition to being used for the treatment of existing depressive disorders in some high-risk patients “.
As a conclusion, regarding their research work, those responsible state that «there is no reason for adults without depression in the general population to take fish oil supplements with the sole purpose of preventing depression or to maintain a positive state of mind ».
