Depression May Be Influenced by Fatty Acid Levels

Low levels of long-chain n-3 fatty acids (Eicosapentaenoic- + Docosahexaenoic acid) in plasma phospholipids may be associated with an increased risk for major depressive disorder (MDD) in older adults, according to a recent study.

In the Age, Gene/Environmental Susceptibility (AGES)- Reykjavik Study, the researchers evaluated 1571 community-dwelling participants aged 67 to 93 years.
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The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used to measure depressive symptoms. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) were used to assess MDD.

Ultimately, 194 (12.4%) patients had depressive symptoms, and 27 (1.7%) had MDD. Study findings suggested an inverse association between the proportion of long chain n-3 fatty acids and MDD.

Factors associated with depressive symptoms included less education, smoking, less physical activity, and less frequent consumption of cod liver oil.

“In our cross-sectional analyses, low proportions of long chain n-3 fatty acids in plasma phospholipids appear to be associated with increased risk of major depressive disorder,” the researchers concluded. “However, the results from this study warrant further investigation in prospective setting with sufficiently long follow-up.”

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Imai CM, Halldorsson TI, Aspelund T, et al. Associations between proportion of plasma phospholipid fatty acids, depressive symptoms, and major depressive disorder. Cross-sectional analyses from the AGES Reykjavik study. J Nutr Health Ageing. 2018;22(3):354-360. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-017-0929-9.