Evidence supporting the use of: Marine lipid (unspecified)
For the health condition: Depression
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Marine lipids, particularly omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been studied for their potential role in supporting or treating depression. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest that supplementation with marine-derived omega-3s, especially those with higher EPA content, can have a modest beneficial effect on depressive symptoms, particularly in individuals with major depressive disorder or those not responding fully to standard antidepressant treatment. The proposed mechanisms include anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of neurotransmitter pathways, and neuroprotective actions.
However, the quality and consistency of evidence vary. Some large trials have found only minimal or no benefit, and heterogeneity in study design, dosage, and participant characteristics complicates interpretation. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (for example, Appleton et al., 2021; Mocking et al., 2016) generally conclude that there is a small but significant effect, especially for EPA-predominant preparations. Guidelines from some psychiatric associations cautiously recommend marine lipid supplementation as an adjunctive treatment for depression, recognizing the generally favorable safety profile.
In summary, while marine lipids are not a primary or stand-alone treatment for depression, there is moderate scientific evidence supporting their adjunctive use, particularly in specific populations or when EPA content is high.
Other ingredients used for Depression
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)Acetyl L-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium longum
black tea
Indian frankincense
bасора
caffeine
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
Chinese salvia root
choline
citicoline
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
folate
gardenia
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
green tea
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
inositol
jujube
krill oil
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
L-carnosine
L-glycine
L-methionine
L-phenylalanine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
maca
mackerel
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
moringa
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
phenolic compounds
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
protein
butyric acid
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhodiola
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
sceletium
selenium
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
tongkat ali
Almond fruit
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
whey protein
zinc
suma
gastrodia
mugwort
alpinia galangal
commiphora
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingzhi
lemongrass
kanna
cistanche
dodder
morinda
royal jelly
polyphenols
trace minerals
St. John's Wort
yerba mate
hypothalamus
cocoa
thyroid substance
star of Bethlehem
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Arginine Creatine
Ardisia
Angelica
Apigenin
Albizia
Agmatine
Agarwood
Alpha lactalbumin
Asteracea
Algal protein
Aniracetam
Amor seco
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Broussonetia
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Biopterin
Butea monosperma
Beef liver
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
Bee products
bacoside
Baicalin
Black Hellebore
Biogenic amine
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Caryophyllene
Monkey Flower
Crocin
Clary sage
Catalpol
Codonopsis
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Curcumen
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Chocolate
Creatine
Curcuma
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
cola nut
Canscora
Cannabichromene
Docosahexaenoic Acid
D-phenylalanine
DHEA
Devil's Club
Dopamine
Egg
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Estrogen
Folinic Acid
Folic Acid
Flavonoids
Fragrant Rosewood
Fish
Fatty acids
Fungus
Frankincense
Guanidinoacetic acid
Ginsenosides
Griffonia simplicifolia
Gypenoside
Growth factors
Glutamate
Glycine
Gastrodin
Honokiol
Hypericin
Hellebore
Hypericum
hyperforin
Helicteres isora
Hericium mushroom
Hemp
isoliquiritigenin
Long Pepper
icariin
Indian Fagonia
Inositol phosphate
jasmine
Jatamansi
Kokilaksha
lemon balm
Lebbek
Ligustilides
Limonene
Lavandin
Lycopodium
Large-Leaved Linden
Little ironweed
Lactalbumin
Lactoglobulin
Linalool
Lipids
Methylcobalamin
Marine Protein
Milk Protein
Methylxanthine
Mimosa
Meadow sage
Marine fat
Magnolol
Mulungu
Mesembrine
Nardostachys
Nigella Seed
Nymphaea caerulea
Nymphaea nouchali
Nutmeg
Oroxylum indicum
Onosma bracteatum
Oxindole alkaloids
Osthole
Phosphocreatine
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
Pulsatilla
Patchouli oil
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Polyunsaturated Fat
Piper nigrum
Polygonatum
Paeoniflorin
Physalis angulata
Poly-thyronine
Phytoestrogens
Polygala
Petiveria
Purple Monkeyflower
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Rue
Rosavins
Rosabin
Rosmarinic Acid
Rubiaceae
Rose
Sichuan Lovage
Schizochytrium Oil
Sete sangrias
Spikenard
Scleranthus annus
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Sulbutiamine
Shellfish
Salmon Oil
Salidroside
Safed musli
Shankhpushpi
Sandalwood
Stereospermum
Shilajit
Saffranal
Sarcosine
Sweet Orange alcohol
Terpenoids
Tea
Thymoquinone
Tumerone
Trichilia catigua
Tetrahydropalmatine
Uncaria
Uridine
Vetiver
Vervain
Withanolides
Wogonin
Wulinshen
walnut
Xanthophyll
Xylaria nigripes
Yuzu
Yerba buena
yohimbine
Ylang ylang
Zucchini
Zingiberene
Other health conditions supported by Marine lipid (unspecified)
Alzheimer's DiseaseArthritis
Asthma
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Congestive Heart Failure
Depression
Diabetes
Fatty Liver Disease
Hypertension
Inflammation
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Migraine
Multiple Sclerosis
Osteoporosis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Wounds and Sores