Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) could combat depression

A study published in Neurobiology of Stress suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in young mice subjected to stress. The research aimed to explore alternative treatments for adolescent depression, a condition on the rise globally. The study involved exposing mice to stress-inducing conditions and providing them with diets containing omega-3 supplements or placebos. Mice treated with omega-3 showed improved behavior, displaying less anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to those on a regular diet. The omega-3 intake led to behavioral changes and a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines, indicating potential molecular mechanisms for the observed improvements. However, the study's translation to humans remains uncertain. While the findings are promising, the study acknowledges limitations in applying results from a mouse model directly to humans.