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Research · Meta-analysis

Meta-analysis and meta-regression of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for major depressive disorder

What it found

Overall benefit in major depression (SMD ~0.40); a higher EPA dose significantly predicted better outcomes, and the effect was clearest as an add-on to antidepressants.

Design
Meta-analysis
Year
2016
Sample size
1,233
Population
adults with major depressive disorder (13 RCTs)
Intervention
omega-3 supplementation (varying EPA dose) vs placebo
Outcome
change in depression severity
Journal
Translational Psychiatry

Citation last checked 2026-06-21.