omega-3 fatty acids (The Ohio State University)

Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids investigated for their therapeutic potential in psychiatric disorders. In the OATS (Omega-3 and Therapy Studies) trial led by L. Eugene Arnold at Ohio State University, a high-EPA omega-3 supplement was evaluated as a treatment for unipolar depression in children and adolescents. The intervention involved a daily dose of 1.87g of omega-3 (high in EPA). The mechanism of action involves the incorporation of these fatty acids into the phospholipid bilayers of neuronal membranes, which enhances membrane fluidity and modulates the activity of membrane-bound proteins, such as serotonin and dopamine transporters and receptors. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids exert potent anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines, thereby addressing the neuroinflammatory component of depression.

Other names

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acidsn3 polyunsaturated fatty acidsn 3 polyunsaturated fatty acidsn-3 PUFAn3 PUFAn 3 PUFAfish oileicosapentaenoic acidEPAdocosahexaenoic acidDHA