Abstract

ObjectiveOmega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) are implicated in numerous illnesses including depression. The literature is mixed regarding the relationship between n-3 PUFA levels and depression, and studies based on self-reported dietary n-3 PUFA intake may not accurately reflect in vivo levels. MethodThe current cross-sectional analysis examined the relationship between erythrocyte levels (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale; CESD), adjusting for health-related factors and omega-3 supplement use in 16,398 adults assessed at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas for preventative medical examinations between April 6, 2009, and September 1, 2020. A three-stage hierarchical linear regression was conducted to examine the EPA and DHA levels on CES-D before and after inclusion of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the model. ResultsDHA level, but not EPA level, was significantly associated with CES-D scores. Taking omega-3 supplements was associated with lower CES-D scores even when adjusting for CRF, while hs-CRP was non-significantly associated with CES-D scores. These findings suggest that DHA levels are related to depressive symptom severity. Omega-3 PUFA supplement use was associated with lower CES-D scores when controlling for EPA and DHA levels. ConclusionThe findings from this cross-sectional study suggest that lifestyle and/or other contextual factors unrelated to EPA and DHA levels may also be associated with depressive symptom severity. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the role of health-related mediators among these relationships.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.