Depression linked to lower omega-3 fatty acid levels: among acute coronary syndrome patients.(Clinical Rounds)

ORLANDO, FLA. -- Fish oil may benefit the soul as well as the heart, Nancy Frasure-Smith, Ph.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Psychosomatic Society.

In a case control study, serum levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and omega-6 (arachidonic) fatty acids were measured approximately 2 months after acute coronary syndrome in 108 patients. Of those, 54 had major depression and 54 were nondepressed controls matched for age and sex.

The depressed patients had significantly lower levels of DHA, total EPA plus DHA, and ratios of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.

Levels of EPA alone did not differ significantly …