Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Their Ability to Impact Mental Health: Completing the Picture of the Use of Nutritional Therapy in Treating Anxiety and Depression

Abstract

Background: Millions of people from a variety of demographic groups suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which are among the main causes of disability globally. Although psychotherapy and medication are still the most common forms of treatment, their drawbacks—such as side effects, resistance to treatment, and relapse rates—have sparked interest in complementary therapies. Because omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and neurotransmitter-modulating effects, they have become a promising adjuvant in nutritional therapy.

Aim: this research is to investigate how omega-3 fatty acids can help cure depression and anxiety by looking at the molecular processes that underlie their therapeutic benefits and combining clinical data to evaluate how well they work as part of nutritional therapy.

Methods: Peer-reviewed articles obtained from the Cochrane, PubMed, and Scopus databases were the main focus of a systematic review of the literature. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and observational studies examining the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on depression and anxiety were among the research that qualified. To put clinical findings in context, mechanistic insights from preclinical studies were also examined.

Results: indicate that omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are highly effective in lowering depressive symptoms. These benefits are mediated through anti-inflammatory pathways, increased neuroplasticity, and changes in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Although the clinical evidence for anxiety is more mixed, it does point to advantages for people who have both generalized anxiety disorder and co-occurring depression symptoms. EPA-to-DHA ratios and the unique characteristics of each patient seem to be important factors in determining the best possible therapeutic results.

Conclusion: omega-3 fatty acids have biological and clinical benefits that enhance conventional treatments, making them a promising supplementary therapy for depression and anxiety. Standardized dosing procedures, long-term efficacy evaluations, and the investigation of synergistic effects with current pharmacotherapies should be the top priorities of future study.