Evidence supporting the use of: Marine lipid
For the health condition: Depression

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Marine lipids, particularly those rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been extensively studied for their potential role in supporting and treating depression. Several meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have found that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, especially those with higher EPA content, may have a modest but statistically significant effect in reducing depressive symptoms, especially in individuals with diagnosed major depressive disorder (MDD). The proposed mechanisms include anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of neurotransmitter pathways (such as serotonin and dopamine), and influences on neuronal membrane fluidity and function.

Guidelines from some psychiatric associations now recognize omega-3 supplementation as an adjunctive treatment for depression. However, the strength of evidence is considered moderate (rated here as 3/5): results across studies are mixed, with some trials showing benefit and others finding no effect, possibly due to differences in dosage, EPA:DHA ratio, study populations, or baseline omega-3 status. Notably, the greatest benefit appears to be for EPA-predominant formulas and in people with more severe depression. Omega-3 supplementation is generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile.

In conclusion, marine lipids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, have scientific evidence supporting their use as a supplementary approach for depression, though they should not replace standard medical care. Further high-quality research is needed to clarify optimal dosing, formulations, and target populations.

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alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpinia galangal
amino acids
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anchovies
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anthocyanins
apigenin
Ardisia
arginine creatine
ashwagandha
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bacoside
baicalin
Baikal Skullcap
basil
bee products
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bergamot
beta caryophyllene
beta-hydroxybutyrate
betony
Bifidobacterium longum
biogenic amine
biopterin
Black Hellebore
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blackboard tree
brahmi
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butyric acid
bасора
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Camellia sinensis
cannabichromene
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catalpol
Centella asiatica
chamomile
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chocolate
choline
cistanche
citicoline
Citrus
Clary sage
clove
cocoa
coconut
Codonopsis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cola nut
commiphora
Convolvulus pluricaulis
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cordyceps
cowslip
creatine
creatine monohydrate
crocin
Curcuma
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curcumin
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D-phenylalanine
damiana
devil\'s club
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
docosahexaenoic Acid
dodder
dopamine
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
egg
eicosapentaenoic acid
Eicosatetraenoic acid
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
estrogen
fatty acids
fish
fish oil
fish protein
flavonoids
flavonols
folate
folic acid
folinic acid
fragrant rosewood
frankincense
fungus
gardenia
gastrodia
gastrodin
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
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Glutamate
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gotu kola
Greek mountain tea
green tea
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Gypenoside
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limonene
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lingzhi
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lithium orotate
little ironweed
long pepper
luteolin
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magnolia
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Pentacyclic triterpenoids
peony
Petiveria
phenolic compounds
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phosphatidylserine
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quercetin
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rosemary
rosmarinic acid
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vitamin D3
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