A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry (2006;163(6):1098–1100) evaluated the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on depression in children. Twenty children participated and were randomly assigned to receive either:
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A combination of EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids), or
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A placebo
Researchers assessed depressive symptoms at the start of the study and again at 2, 4, 12, and 16 weeks using multiple validated tools, including:
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Children’s Depression Scale
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Children’s Depression Inventory
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Clinical Global Impression
Study Results
By the end of the 16-week trial:
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7 out of 10 children receiving omega-3s experienced at least a 50% improvement in their depression scores.
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No improvement was observed in the placebo group.
These findings suggest that EPA and DHA may play a supportive role in emotional health in some children. More research is needed to confirm these effects in larger populations.
Educational only — not medical advice.
