According to the recent research from the UEA (University of East Anglia), omega-3 fats have less or no effect on depression and anxiety. The amplified intake of omega-3 fats is extensively advanced internationally due to a common belief that it will guard against—or in some cases even reverse—conditions like depression and anxiety. But a systematic assessment published in the British Journal of Psychiatry stated that omega-3 supplements provide no benefit. Reportedly, omega-3 is a type of fat and is essential in small amounts for good wellbeing and can be detected in the food that we consume counting seeds and nuts and fatty fish, like salmon. Omega-3 fats are also obtainable as OTC (over-the-counter) supplements and they are extensively bought and used.

The researchers studied 31 trials of adults with and without anxiety or depression. Over 41,470 volunteers were randomized to intake more fish oils (or long-chain omega-3 fats) or maintain their normal intake, for a minimum of 6 months. They revealed that the supplements had no or little effect in preventing anxiety or depression symptoms. Dr. Lee Hooper—Lead Author from the UEA’s Norwich Medical School—reported, “Our earlier study showed that long-chain omega-3 supplements, counting fish oils, do not guard against conditions like stroke, heart disease, diabetes, or death.”

On a related note, recently, a study showed that fish in early childhood decreases perils of disease. Research has shown that even consuming fish just once per week can yield good health benefits. The kids should be introduced to cod liver oil early in life—when they are at least a year old. That is since children who eat fish early on show considerably lowered incidences of wheezing, eczema, and asthma at age 6 years, as reported by their parents. The reduction ranged from 28% to 40% fewer incidences for various conditions.