Mood Disorders and Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Dietary sources of Omega-3 include linseed, flaxseed, soy, corn, canola and nut oils. These plant-derived PUFAs are seen as essential as they cannot be produced internally, and therefore, require to be obtained through the diet. Animal based foods containing Omega-3 acids include fatty cold water fish such as trout, salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring as well as fish oil.

Cross-national studies show negative correlation between seafood consumption and presence of major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar spectrum disorder, postpartum depression and cardiovascular disease.