Long Chain Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Supplementation in the Treatment of Elderly
Depression: Effects on Depressive Symptoms,
on Phospholipids Fatty Acids Profile and on
Health-related Quality of Life

This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:    Frankp@chiro.org

FROM:   J Nutr Health Aging. 2011 (Jan);   15 (1):   37–44

Mariangela Rondanelli, A. Giacosa, A. Opizzi, C. Pelucchi, C.
La Vecchia, G. Montorfano, M. Negroni, B. Berra,
P. Politi and A. M. Rizzo

Department of Applied Health Sciences,
Section of Human Nutrition and Dietetics,
Faculty of Medicine, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona di Pavia,
University of Pavia Istituto di Cura Santa Margherita,
Via Emilia 32, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
serv.nutrizione@asppavia.it

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In this two-month Italian study, 46 depressed female nursing home patients ages 66–95, received either supplements of 2.5 g omega 3 fatty acids or a placebo daily. Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation reduced the occurrence of depressive symptoms, improved phospholipid fatty acid profile, and improved health-related quality of life measurements in the Omega 3 group, compared to the placebo group.

OBJECTIVE:   Recent observations showed that long chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) could represent a potential treatment for elderly depression. To determine if a n-3 LCPUFA containing supplement improves depressive symptoms, changes phospholipids acids profile and ameliorates Health related quality of life (HRQoL) in depressed elderly patients.

DESIGN:   Two-months, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING:   Nursing home in Pavia, Italy.

SUBJECTS:   Forty-six depressed females, aged 66-95 years.

INTERVENTION:   22 depressed females were included in the intervention group (n-3 group, that received 2.5 g/day of n-3 LCPUFA, with 1.67 grams of EPA and 0.83 grams of DHA), and 24 patients in the placebo group. The primary endpoint was the improvement of depressive symptoms as evaluated by Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Secondary endpoints were the evaluation of modifications of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids fatty acid profile and of of HRQoL, by using the Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36). All parameters were assessed before and after the treatment period of 8 weeks.

RESULTS:   The mean GDS at 2 months was significantly lowered only for the n-3 group. SF-36 physical and mental components were significantly increased in the intervention group. Compliance was good, as confirmed by erythrocyte membrane phospholipid FA concentrations, with significant increase of EPA and DHA in the intervention group.

CONCLUSION:   The supplementation of n-3 LCPUFA in elderly female patients reduces the occurrence of depressive symptoms, improves phospholipids fatty acids profile and health-related quality of life.

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