Fish consumption, omega-3, and the risk of depression
The evidence is conflicting.
So, researchers from the National Institute for Health and Welfare, in Kuopio, Finland surveyed their countrymen.
First, the details.
- Researchers used data from 6757 people in the nationwide Health 2000 Survey and the Fishermen Study on Finnish professional fishermen and their family members.
- Data were based on questionnaires, interviews, health examinations, and blood samples.
- Depressive episodes were assessed with the M-CIDI (the Munich version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview) and a self-report of 2 CIDI probe questions, respectively.
- Fish consumption was measured by a food frequency questionnaire.
- Dietary intake (g/day) and blood levels (% from fatty acids) of omega-3 fatty acids were determined.
And, the results.
- Fish consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive episodes in men but not in women.
- Depressive episodes decreased significantly from 9% to 5% from greatest to least fish consumption (g/day) in men of the Health 2000 Survey.
- And significantly from 7% to 3% across the quartiles of fish consumption (times/month) among men in the Fishermen Study.
- Alcohol, occasional or former smokers, or intermediate physical activity further lowered the prevalence of depression.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “In men, fish consumption appears as a surrogate for underlying but unidentified lifestyle factors that protect against depression.”
5/19/10 19:16 JR