Supplement: Omega-3 can treat mild depression

Women are more likely to get depressed and distressed during the menopause – but it doesn’t mean they have to start taking powerful antidepressants.  Instead, omega-3 supplements are an effective way of treating menopausal mental health problems.

Researchers discovered the effectiveness of the omega-3s when they tested them on a group of 120 women aged between 40 and 55, who either took three gels each containing one gram of marine-based omega-3, or gels that instead contained sunflower oil.

The women took the gels for eight weeks, and the omega-3 group reported a significant improvement in psychological distress and mild depression.  Women who suffered hot flashes also noted that the problem was less regular while they were taking omega-3.

(Source:  American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009; 89: 641-51).

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