Association of fish and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intakes with the occurrence of depressive episodes in middle-aged French men and women

Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2008 Mar;78(3):171-82. doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2008.01.003. Epub 2008 Mar 7.

Abstract

This study aimed to seek whether habitual fish and seafood or n-3 long-chain PUFA intake could influence the occurrence of depressive episodes. In a subsample from the French SU.VI.MAX cohort, dietary habits have been assessed during the first 2 years of the follow-up (six 24-h records) and declarations of antidepressant prescription, taken as markers of depressive episodes, have been recorded during the 8-year follow-up. Subjects consuming fatty fish or with an intake of long-chain n-3 PUFA higher than 0.10% of energy intake had a significantly lesser risk of any depressive episode and of recurrent depressive episodes, but not of single depressive episode. These associations were stronger in men and in non-smokers. In contrast, smokers eating fatty fish had an increased risk of recurrent depression. These results suggest that a usual intake of fatty fish or long-chain n-3 PUFA may decrease the risk of recurrent depression in non-smokers.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage*
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Fish Oils / administration & dosage
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • France
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Seafood*

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fish Oils