ARS | Publication request: Do you need a supplement of docosahexaenoic acid or an n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid?

Submitted to: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: March 1, 2010
Publication Date: March 1, 2010
Citation: Heird, W.C. 2010. Do you need a supplement of docosahexaenoic acid or an n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid? American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 91:827-828.

Technical Abstract: Two studies concerning supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or an n-3 (omega-3) fatty acid in health and disease appear in this issue of the Journal, and 2 studies on this topic appeared in the March issue of the Journal. All address long-standing questions concerning the need for n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) supplementation in different groups of subjects. One of these studies is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of n-3 LC-PUFAs on depressed mood. This review adds to the evidence of a beneficial effect suggested by a previous systematic review and meta-analysis. Despite this, however, heterogeneity remains considerable. Nonetheless, the evidence now available provides some support for the use of n-3 LC-PUFAs in individuals with diagnosed depressive illness but no support of any benefit in individuals without a diagnosis of depressive illness.