The role of unsaturated fatty acids in depression treatment - international clinical guidelines and recommendation of psychiatric associations

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional psychiatry examines how diet and specific nutrients affect mental health and well-being. The potential role of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) has gained significant interest in recent years. Objective: To review and present guidelines on the use of omega-3 PUFAs in the treatment of MDD and to highlight recommendations from psychiatric associations worldwide. Method: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using articles from Web of Science, Google Scholar, Medline/ PubMed. The analysis included guidelines and recommendations from psychiatric associations published between 2014 and 2024. Keywords such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFA, nutritional psychiatry, recommendations, guidelines, depressive disorders, and omega-3 were used in the search strategy. Articles in English and Polish were included. Results: Evidence suggests that omega-3 PUFAs, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (especially EPA), can serve as effective adjunctive treatments in combination with standard antidepressant medications, though they are not recommended as monotherapy. Several psychiatric associations, including the International Society of Nutritional Psychiatry Research (ISNPR), the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP), and the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatment (CANMAT), have published guidelines supporting the use of n-3 PUFAs in MDD treatment, particularly in specific populations like pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with raised inflammation, with obesity. Conclusions: The promising findings from multiple studies and the support from scientific psychiatric associations highlight the significant potential of omega-3 PUFAs as a beneficial addition to standard MDD treatments. The growing body of evidence underscores the importance of integrating dietary interventions into mental health care. With continued research and clinical application, n-3 PUFAs could play a crucial role in enhancing treatment outcomes and improving the quality of life for individuals with depressive disorders. Keywords: polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFA, nutritional psychiatry, depressive disorders, omega-3 supplementation, clinical guidelines, therapeutic interventions