The Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aims: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading global health concern, significantly impacting quality of life. Conventional treatments like antidepressants are effective but not universally successful, prompting interest in adjunctive therapies. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic...

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Main Authors: Oluwatobi Idowu, Nicholas Aderinto, Gbolahan Olatunji, Emmanuel Kokori
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2025-06-01
Series:BJPsych Open
Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2056472425101476/type/journal_article
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author Oluwatobi Idowu
Nicholas Aderinto
Gbolahan Olatunji
Emmanuel Kokori
author_facet Oluwatobi Idowu
Nicholas Aderinto
Gbolahan Olatunji
Emmanuel Kokori
author_sort Oluwatobi Idowu
collection DOAJ
description Aims: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading global health concern, significantly impacting quality of life. Conventional treatments like antidepressants are effective but not universally successful, prompting interest in adjunctive therapies. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are thought to offer neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits that may help manage MDD. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation in reducing depressive symptoms, improving remission rates, and enhancing overall treatment outcomes in adults with MDD.
format Article
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institution Kabale University
issn 2056-4724
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publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher Cambridge University Press
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series BJPsych Open
spelling doaj-art-b692e09314194ea4bf5d8ed03509e6922025-08-20T03:32:54ZengCambridge University PressBJPsych Open2056-47242025-06-0111S43S4410.1192/bjo.2025.10147The Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisOluwatobi Idowu0Nicholas Aderinto1Gbolahan Olatunji2Emmanuel Kokori3Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Chester, United KingdomDepartment of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, NigeriaDepartment of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, NigeriaDepartment of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, NigeriaAims: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading global health concern, significantly impacting quality of life. Conventional treatments like antidepressants are effective but not universally successful, prompting interest in adjunctive therapies. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are thought to offer neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits that may help manage MDD. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation in reducing depressive symptoms, improving remission rates, and enhancing overall treatment outcomes in adults with MDD.https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2056472425101476/type/journal_article
spellingShingle Oluwatobi Idowu
Nicholas Aderinto
Gbolahan Olatunji
Emmanuel Kokori
The Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
BJPsych Open
title The Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
title_full The Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
title_fullStr The Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
title_full_unstemmed The Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
title_short The Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Major Depressive Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
title_sort efficacy of omega 3 fatty acid supplementation for major depressive disorder in adults a systematic review and meta analysis
url https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2056472425101476/type/journal_article
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