EPA, DHA And Serum Zinc In Depression

By David Perlmutter, MD, FACN

Depression is associated with a lowered degree of esterification of serum cholesterol, an increased Omega-6 (arachidonic) to Omega-3 (EPA) ratio and decreases in Omega-3 fractions in fatty acids (FAs) or in the red blood cell membrane. The relationships between the fatty and lowered serum Zinc (Zn), a marker of the inflammatory response in depression were also examined. In depression, there were significant and positive correlations between serum Zinc and EPA and DHA fractions in phospholipids. There was no significant effect of antidepressive treatment on any of the fatty acids. The results show that, in major depression, there is a deficiency of Omega-3 polyunsaturated acids and a compensatory increase in monounsaturated fatty acids and arachidonic acid in phospholipids. The results suggest that: (i) there is an abnormal metabolism of Omega-3 polyunsaturated acids in depression; (ii) the fatty acid alterations in depression are related to the inflammatory response in that illness; and (iii) the disorders may persist despite successful antidepressant treatment.

Reference:
Maes M, Christophe A, Delanghe J, Altamura C, Neels H, Meltzer HY; Lowered omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids and cholesterol esters of depressed patients. Psychiatry Res o Volume 85 o Issue 3.