Micronutrients & recovery
Daily supplementation of 1.5-2 g of EPA (a component of omega-3 fatty acids) effectively stimulates mood elevation and treats depression in human patients.
If you are treating depression with omega-3 supplements, aim for a daily intake containing 1.5 to 2 grams of EPA. Do not exceed 3 grams daily, as higher doses offer no additional mood benefits and may be unsafe if you take blood-thinning medications. Consult your doctor before starting.
In depressed patients, daily consumption of dietary supplements of omega-3 fatty acid that contain 1.5-2 g of EPA has been shown to stimulate mood elevation.
Why this rating
The paper cites epidemiological data and clinical studies but notes that doses >3g show no better effects than placebos, suggesting a narrow therapeutic window.
Source
Understanding nutrition, depression and mental illnesses
TS Sathyanarayana Rao et al. · Indian Journal of Psychiatry · 2008
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →