Clinical impacts of n -3 fatty acids supplementation on depression symptoms: an umbrella review of meta-analyses.

Several meta-analyses investigating the efficacy of n -3 PUFA in alleviating depression symptoms have reported conflicting findings. In the present study, we aimed to perform an umbrella meta-analysis to provide a definite conclusion. A comprehensive systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Library was performed up to June 2021. Meta-analysis studies evaluating the effects of n -3 PUFA on depression symptoms were included. The quality of the included meta-analyses was assessed using AMSTAR questionnaire. Out of 101 studies, twenty-two studies with twenty-six effect sizes (ES) were eligible for inclusion. Sixteen ES showed significant improving effect of n -3 supplementation on depression symptoms among which eleven ES had small ES. The other studies observed no significant effect. Available evidence suggests that n -3 PUFA (EPA, DHA) supplementation could be considered as an effective add-on therapeutic approach in relieving depression symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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