Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Major Depressive Disorder: Biological Mechanisms and Their Role in Treatment

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.75.75815

Keywords

omega-3, PUFAs, Eicosapentaenoic acid, Docosahexaenoic acid, depression, major depressive disorder

Abstract

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and complex psychiatric condition and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite extensive research, its pathophysiology is not fully understood, and current pharmacological treatments are not effective in a substantial proportion of patients. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the potential role of nutrition in mental health, particularly dietary fatty acids. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been widely investigated in relation to depressive disorders due to their involvement in brain structure, neurotransmission, and inflammatory regulation. Their potential antidepressant effects have been linked to anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
Aim: This review summarizes current evidence on omega-3 fatty acids and depression, focusing on biological mechanisms and clinical outcomes.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus. Studies on omega-3 fatty acids, depressive symptoms, mechanisms, and clinical efficacy were included.
Results and Discussion: Omega-3 PUFAs are associated with modest reductions in depressive symptoms, with more consistent effects observed for EPA-rich formulations, particularly at higher EPA proportions.
Conclusions: Omega-3 fatty acids may modulate biological pathways involved in depression and exert a modest antidepressant effect. However, evidence remains unclear, and further research is needed to clarify their clinical role.

Author Biographies

Oliwia Kinga Polit-Różycka, Wojewódzki Szpital Specjalistyczny im. św. Rafała w Czerwonej Górze, Czerwona Góra 10, 26-060 Chęciny, Polska



Karol Perski, mjkstomatologia.pl Dental Clinic, Ul. Chrzanowska 3/75, 01-319 Warszaw



Maria Michalina Kurek, Wojewódzki Szpital Zespolony w Kielcach, ul. Grunwaldzka 45, 25-736 Kielce, Polska

5. Maria Michalina Kurek
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1853-649X
marysia_kurek@icloud.com
Wojewódzki Szpital Zespolony w Kielcach, ul. Grunwaldzka 45, 25-736 Kielce, Polska

Joanna Chrabąszcz, Provincial Integrated Hospital in Kielce, ul. Grunwaldzka 45,25-736 Kielce, Poland



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Quality in Sport

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2026-09-22

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1.
LOREK, Julia, POLIT-RÓŻYCKA, Oliwia Kinga, PERSKI, Karol, BALTYZAR, Konstancja Anna, GADZALSKI, Krzysztof, KUREK, Maria Michalina, GRZYWNA, Wojciech, CHRABĄSZCZ, Joanna, ZARZYCKA, Marta and ROGOWSKI, Filip Robert. Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Major Depressive Disorder: Biological Mechanisms and Their Role in Treatment. Quality in Sport. Online. 22 September 2026. Vol. 75, p. 75815. [Accessed 23 September 2026]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2026.75.75815.

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Vol. 75 (2026)

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Medical Sciences

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Copyright (c) 2026 Julia Lorek, Oliwia Kinga Polit-Różycka, Karol Perski, Konstancja Anna Baltyzar, Krzysztof Gadzalski, Maria Michalina Kurek, Wojciech Grzywna, Joanna Chrabąszcz, Marta Zarzycka, Filip Robert Rogowski

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