Tim Newman, a researcher with a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Manchester, discusses the results of the JAMA study suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids can help decrease anxiety because omega-3 helps lower inflammation in the brain. People who have anxiety are often deficient in omega-3, so taking supplements helps correct that.
Could omega-3 supplements help reduce anxiety?
Written by Tim Newman
Fact checked by Jasmin Collier
October 15, 2018
The first literature review and meta-analysis to investigate omega-3 supplements and anxiety concludes that they could benefit some people.
A recently published meta-analysis concludes that omega-3 oil supplements might reduce symptoms of anxiety for some people.
Omega-3 may be a safe, cost-effective intervention for anxiety.
Anxiety is one of the most common psychiatric symptoms in the United States.
It can appear as a standalone anxiety disorder or as part of another mental disorder, such as depression.
Pharmaceutical interventions such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors can treat anxiety.
However, people with anxiety disorders are often concerned about side effects and dependence.
Other options include talking therapies, but these are time-consuming and can be costly.
An estimated 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. develop an anxiety disorder each year, so finding a safe, cost-effective way to manage anxiety would be of great benefit to millions of people.
Fish oils and anxiety
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are present in fish oils. Over the years, researchers have ascribed a wide range of health benefits to them, but not all are supported by evidence.
In recent years, some scientists have tested omega-3’s potential to help in the treatment of psychiatric conditions, including mood and anxiety disorders.
