Does Fish Oil Improve Mood? A Review of Evidence from Human Clinical Trials
Fish oil, known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, is often touted for a variety of health benefits, including potential improvements in mood and mental health. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), play crucial roles in brain function and are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that might impact mood regulation. However, the scientific evidence regarding the effects of fish oil on mood is mixed and, in many cases, suggests limited or no significant impact. Below is a summary of the current research findings on fish oil’s effects on mood across various populations.
Limited Impact on Mood in Healthy Individuals
A study conducted by Giles et al., 2015. explored the effects of fish oil supplementation on mood and cognitive functions in a group of 72 young adults. The study examined how these participants responded to stressful and non-stressful situations after taking fish oil supplements. The results indicated that fish oil did not significantly affect mood or cognitive functions in these scenarios. This suggests that, at least in healthy, young populations, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil do not have a substantial influence on mood. These findings challenge the popular belief that fish oil can boost mental well-being in otherwise healthy individuals.
No Improvement in Older Adults
Research has also examined the effects of fish oil on mood in older adults, a demographic often targeted by supplement marketing due to concerns about mental decline with aging. In a trial involving 302 older adults, (van de Rest et al., 2008). investigated whether fish oil supplementation could improve mental well-being, focusing on measures such as depression and anxiety scales. After 26 weeks of supplementation, the results showed no significant improvement in these mental well-being measures compared to a placebo group. This indicates that fish oil does not substantially affect mood in older adults, a finding that suggests its mood-related benefits may not extend to all age groups.
Mixed Results in Specific Populations
The impact of fish oil on mood has also been studied in specific populations, such as adolescents with a family history of mood disorders. McNamara et al., 2020 conducted a study involving adolescents at risk of developing bipolar disorder to see if fish oil could help reduce depressive symptoms. The study found that fish oil supplementation did not significantly reduce depressive symptoms compared to a placebo. However, there was some evidence of improvement in clinician ratings of global symptoms, which includes a broader range of psychiatric evaluations. While this suggests that fish oil may have some positive effects on overall symptoms in this specific group, the results were not robust enough to conclude a significant benefit for mood improvement alone.
Minimal Effect in Post-Stroke Patients
Post-stroke patients often experience mood disturbances, such as depression, due to the physical and emotional toll of a stroke. Poppitt et al., 2009 explored whether fish oil could aid in mood improvement for post-stroke individuals. The study administered moderate doses of fish oil over a 12-week period and assessed changes in mood and health-related quality of life. The results indicated that fish oil did not lead to improvements in mood or overall quality of life, suggesting limited benefits for this population. This aligns with the broader trend observed in other studies, where fish oil shows minimal impact on mood enhancement.
Conclusion
Overall, current evidence from human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in reputable journals suggests that fish oil supplementation does not significantly improve mood in healthy individuals, older adults, or other specific populations such as adolescents at risk of mood disorders and post-stroke patients. While omega-3 fatty acids are essential for overall health, their role in mood enhancement appears to be minimal at best based on the available research. Therefore, while fish oil may offer other health benefits, those specifically seeking to improve mood or mental well-being through supplementation may need to look beyond fish oil and consider other dietary or therapeutic interventions.
Also Read:
