subject: How Much Omega 3 Should I Take To Treat Depression? [print this page] Our brains require beneficial fat to function properly. Nearly sixty percent of our brain is composed of fat. If we do not take in enough Omega 3, we may suffer from depression. With scientific findings in the news on the importance of Omega3 for brain function and depression, consumers need to know: How much Omega 3 should I take for depression?
A study by Joseph Hibbeln found that Americans should take 3 1/2 grams of EPA and DHA daily to decrease the probability of heart disease, stroke, and depression. In The Omega Connection, Andrew Stoll recommends 4 grams of EPA daily for those suffering from depression. The suggestion of 4 grams of EPA per day is extremely high but important to refill what has been missing in our diet.
EPA and DHA are certain long chain fatty acids found most abundantly in fish like salmon. In lesser amounts, these healthy fats are found in Omega 3 eggs and grass fed beef and lamb. EPA is not present in vegetarian sources of Omega 3 such as flax seed or hemp seed.
One possibility for filling the requirement of 3-4 grams of EPA and DHA daily is to eat more fatty fish. One 3-ounce serving of a fatty fish such as salmon may have 1-3 grams of EPA and could help you reach your Omega 3 goal.
Most people will meet their requirement with an Omega 3 fatty acid supplement. If you are shopping for a supplement, be sure that you read the label in detail. The front of the bottle may list "1000 mg of Omega 3." That is one gram of Omega 3 fatty acid. On closer inspection, you may realize that the supplement has only 120 milligrams of EPA. You would require 30 capsules to meet the suggested intake of Omega 3 for depression. Not only is that product extremely expensive, but it is hard to imagine taking that much fish oil.
Read the label carefully and attempt to take 4 grams of EPA and DHA each day.
