In a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics 2008, the effects of EPA (in the form on PlusEPA made by Minami Nutrition) was compared to the antidepressant drug fluoxetine, the drug commonly used for alleviation of this widespread disease.

In this 8 week trial EPA was found to be as effective as fluoxetine in controlling depressive symptoms. In fact, the authors of the trial concluded “As EPA is a dietary supplement it may prove more acceptable to patients than antidepressants.” Subjects took 1000mg of Omega-3 which is the amount found in the recommended serving size of PlusEPA; 2 Soft Gels. (Abstract below).

This trial does not suggests that patients should not follow pharmacological therapy to help with the management of depression. All supplements, including omega-3 fats, should be taken with the supervision of a physician.

What this trial does tell us is that when used and recommended by an authorized health care professional, natural therapies such as Omega-3 supplements may be one of the solutions used to manage specific health conditions – such as depression.