Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are essential fats important for cell membranes and inflammation. Evidence is strong for lowering triglycerides and modest for depression as an adjunct (EPA-predominant), while large trials have generally not supported routine supplementation for preventing cardiovascular events or dementia in well-nourished people. Dietary intake from fish is broadly recommended and supplements are generally safe.
Too little may be associated with
Deficiency: low mood, poorer cognition and heart health.
Too much may be associated with
High doses: bleeding risk, GI upset.
Informational only — not medical advice.
Body systems
Neurotransmitters
Books (1)
Research (8)
- The relationship between endometriosis and diet Osmanlıoğlu et al. (2023)
- Characterization of the fatty acid profile in the ventral midbrain of mice exposed to dietary imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids during specific life stages Sakayori et al. (2022)
- Associations between Omega-3 Index, Dopaminergic Genetic Variants and Aggressive and Metacognitive Traits: A Study in Adult Male Prisoners Fernandez et al. (2022)
- Functional interactions between cannabinoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: Implications for mental health pharmacotherapies Jung et al. (2022)
- Role of diet in hyperuricemia and gout Danve et al. (2021)
- Potential depression and antidepressant-response biomarkers in human lymphoblast cell lines from treatment-responsive and treatment-resistant subjects: roles of SSRIs and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids Chukaew et al. (2021)
- Lipid metabolism and hyperlipidemia in dogs Xenoulis et al. (2010)
- n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency and dopamine metabolism in the rat frontal cortex Zimmer et al. (1999)
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