Association between eicosapentaenoic acid consumption and the risk of depressive symptoms in US adults: Analyses from NHANES 2005-2018.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the relationship between dietary intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and depressive symptoms, particularly focusing on potential gender differences.
Results Summary
The study found a significant negative correlation between EPA intake and depressive symptoms, with lower EPA consumption observed in depressed individuals. The association was nonlinear and more pronounced in females.
Population
30,976 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2018.
Effective Dosage
Not specified (assessed through dietary evaluation).
Duration
Not specified (cross-sectional analysis).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EPA intake from food | decrease | depressive symptoms | participants with depressive symptoms | - | exhibited lower | #1 |
EPA intake from food | decrease | depressive symptoms | participants | - | negative association with | #2 |
EPA | decrease | depressive symptoms | females | - | demonstrated a nonlinear association with | #3 |
EPA consumption | decrease | depressive symptoms | females | - | significant negative correlation with | #4 |
maintaining a rich EPA diet | neutral | depression prevention and treatment | - | - | may play a role in | #5 |
BACKGROUND: This study examines the relationship between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) intake from food and depression. EPA, an Omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in fish and seafood, has garnered attention for its potential role in depression prevention and treatment. METHODS: We selected 30,976 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2018. Depressive symptoms were diagnosed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). EPA intake was assessed through dietary evaluation. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline regression (RCS) were employed to assess the correlation between EPA and depressive symptom. RESULTS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 7.3 %. Participants with depressive symptoms exhibited lower EPA intake from food compared to non-depressed individuals. This negative association with depressive symptoms persisted even after accounting for various potential influencing factors (e.g., age, gender, body mass index, total energy intake, comorbidities). Notably, EPA demonstrated a nonlinear association with depressive symptoms, particularly in females. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes a significant negative correlation between EPA consumption and depressive symptoms, particularly in females. This suggests that maintaining a rich EPA diet may play a role in depression prevention and treatment.