Omega-3 Research

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Omega-3 EPA ratios and Depression

Recently, there were some reports that major depression may be accompanied by alterations in serum total cholesterol, cholesterol ester and Omega-3 essential fatty acid levels and by an increased arachidonic acid/eicosapentaenoic (EPA) ratio. The present study aimed to examine fatty acid composition of serum cholesterol esters and phospholipids in 36 major depressed 14 minor depressed and 24 normal subjects. Major depressed subjects had significantly higher arachidonic Omega-6 to EPA Omega-3 ratio in both serum cholesterol esters and phospholipids and a significantly increased Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio in cholesterol ester fraction than healthy volunteers and minor depressed subjects. Major depressed subjects had significantly lower C18:3 Omega-3 in cholesterol esters than normal controls. Major depressed subjects showed significantly lower total Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in cholesterol esters and significantly lower C20:5 Omega-3 in serum cholesterol esters and phospholipids than minor depressed subjects and healthy controls. These findings suggest an abnormal intake or metabolism of essential fatty acids in conjunction with decreased formation of cholesterol esters in major depression.

Reference: Maes M, Smith R, Christophe A, Cosyns P, Desnyder R, Meltzer H; Fatty acid composition in major depression: decreased omega 3 fractions in cholesterol esters and increased C20: 4 omega 6/C20:5 omega 3 ratio in cholesterol esters and phospholipids., J Affect Disord o Volume 38 o Issue 1.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

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