Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been investigated for their potential role in supporting and treating anxiety disorders. The scientific interest stems from the known involvement of omega-3s in brain structure and function, as well as their anti-inflammatory properties. Several observational studies have found that individuals with lower omega-3 intake or blood levels often exhibit higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders. A handful of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have explored omega-3 supplementation for anxiety. Meta-analyses, such as the one by Su et al. (2018, JAMA Network Open), suggest a modest but statistically significant reduction in anxiety symptoms among those taking omega-3 supplements compared to placebo. Benefits appear to be greater for formulations containing higher proportions of EPA relative to DHA. However, the clinical effect size is small, and not all studies report significant results. Methodological limitations, heterogeneous populations, and varied doses complicate interpretation. Guidelines do not currently recommend omega-3 fatty acids as a first-line therapy for anxiety disorders, and most experts view them as a potential adjunct rather than a replacement for established treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication. Overall, the scientific evidence is promising but not robust; omega-3s may offer benefit to some individuals with anxiety, but further large, well-designed trials are needed to clarify their role.

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Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Anger (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS Type D
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Polyps
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Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seborrhea
Seizures
Senility
Sickle Cell Anemia
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Spinal Disks
Strokes
Surgery (healing from)
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Thinking (cloudy)
Thrombosis
Triglycerides (high)
Triglycerides (low)
Vaginal Dryness