Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Post Partum Depression

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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 or treating postpartum depression (PPD). Scientific interest stems from observations that lower omega-3 status is associated with increased risk of mood disorders, including PPD. Epidemiological studies suggest that populations with higher dietary intake of omega-3s (e.g., from fish) tend to have lower rates of postpartum depression. Mechanistically, omega-3s may influence neurotransmitter pathways, neuroinflammation, and brain function, all of which are pertinent to mood regulation.

However, clinical trial evidence is mixed. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses report modest benefits of omega-3 supplementation—especially EPA-rich formulations—in reducing depressive symptoms in postpartum women. Other studies find little to no effect, and differences in study design, dosages, and baseline omega-3 status may contribute to these inconsistent results. The overall quality of evidence is considered low to moderate, and most guidelines do not yet recommend omega-3s as a first-line treatment for PPD, although supplementation is considered generally safe and may have other health benefits for postpartum women.

In summary, there is scientific rationale and some supportive evidence for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in postpartum depression, but the strength of the evidence is limited (rated 2/5). Further large, well-designed trials are needed to establish definitive efficacy.

More about omega-3 fatty acids
More about Post Partum Depression

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
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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
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seborrhea
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Senility
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Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Spinal Disks
Strokes
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Thinking (cloudy)
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Triglycerides (high)
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Vaginal Dryness