OMEGA-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY-ACID LEVELS IN THE DIET AND IN RED-BLOOD-CELL MEMBRANES OF DEPRESSED-PATIENTS

Background: There is a hypothesis that lack of n-3 polyunsaturated fat ty acids (PUFAs) is of aetiological importance in depression. Docosahe xaenoic acid, a member of the n-3 PUFA family, is a crucial component of synaptic cell membranes. The aim of this study was to measure RBC m embrane fatty acids in a group of depressed patients relative to a wel l matched healthy control group. Method: Red blood cell (RBC) membrane levels, and dietary PUFA intake were measured in 10 depressed patient s and 14 matched healthy control subjects. Results: There was a signif icant depletion of RBC membrane n-3 PUFAs in the depressed subjects wh ich was not due to reduced calorie intake. Severity of depression corr elated negatively with RBC membrane levels and with dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs. Conclusion: Lower RBC membrane n-3 PUFAs are associated wit h the severity of depression. Limitations: Although patient numbers we re small, confounding factors were well controlled for and the results were highly significant. Results of the dietary data would tend to be weakened due to the limitations associated with dietary assessment. C linical Relevance: The findings raise the possibility that depressive symptoms may be alleviated by n-3 PUFA supplementation. (C) 1998 Elsev ier Science B.V.