Omega 3 against depression
There are some studies that suggest a positive effect of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of depression. The exact mechanism of action is still unclear. However, it has been shown that cells of patients with depression contain less omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies have also shown that patients with a low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids are more likely to suffer from depression. There are, however, no studies that have investigated the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in comparison with antidepressants, so clear statements in this area are not yet possible. There are also indications that not all omega-3 fatty acids do not have the same antidepressant effect.
First studies showed a positive effect for the fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), but not for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oils such as canola oil and fish oil. But not only oils contain the healthy components; fish, for example, is also rich in EPA and DHA. The fish with the highest content of omega-3 fatty acids are sardine, herring, salmon, mackerel, tuna, trout, cod and haddock. There are also numerous capsule preparations containing different variants of omega-3 fatty acids that are available without a prescription, for example in drugstores.
Vitamin D against depression
In some studies it has been shown that people suffering from depression have lower levels of vitamin D in their blood than non-depressed people. Some studies have also provided evidence that supplementation (replacement therapy) with vitamin D improves symptoms in depressed patients. Due to the study design of the studies available to date, however, it has not been possible to draw any reliable conclusions, so there is no scientific recommendation to date on the use of vitamin D in depression.
As with omega-3 fatty acids, there are no studies comparing the effects of vitamin D and antidepressants. One point that supports the hypothesis that a vitamin D deficiency can have a depressive effect is that vitamin D is mainly formed in the body through exposure to sunlight. A lack of sunlight therefore leads to a deficiency of vitamin D. As a counterpart to this, there are so-called seasonal depressions that occur mainly during a lack of daylight in the dark winter months.
Fact is that there are so far no clear recommendations for vitamin D therapy for depressive persons. However, there seems to be a trend towards a positive effect. In this respect it may be justified to advise a depressive patient to take vitamin D preparations.
According to the current study situation, however, taking vitamin D alone is not sufficient for the treatment of depression. It requires additionally a medicamentous antidepressive and/or psychotherapeutic therapy.
