A new study has found that supplementing with omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA may be able to support mental health and improve mood.
Mental health and heart health are associated, so this finding has the potential to bring on a multitude of health benefits. Poor mood is associated with heart disease in several ways, which can feed into each other in a harmful manner.
The new study looked at omega 3’s impact on inflammation. Previous work has indicated that people with poor mood health have elevated levels of inflammation. However, there are no proven medical remedies that focus on inflammation and mood support.
This small study focused on 22 people. Participants were given one of two omega-3 supplements once per day for 12 weeks. They got either 3 grams of EPA or 1.4 grams of DHA.
Receiving both omega-3s was associated with less inflammation and significant improvements in low mood symptoms. The EPA group reported a 64 percent drop in symptoms and the DHA group reported 71 percent fewer symptoms.
The results, however, do not prove cause and effect.
Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines. The amount used in the study, however, could only be reached by taking high-concentration supplements. Eating fish alone won’t have the same effect.
Taking care of your mental health can have big benefits for physical health, and vice versa. Although the study does not prove cause and effect, the theory of managing inflammation is associated with a host of health benefits.
Diets high in omega-3 are associated with a host of health benefits, as indicated by numerous studies highlighting Mediterranean-style diets.
It’s hard to say if fish oil can help with your mood, but it might. Making healthy lifestyle choices each day may also contribute to a better-quality life and elevated mood.