Lower Levels of Depression Linked To Fish Intake

Research indicates that the more fish a person eats, the lower the risk for depression that the person will have—at least in Europe, for now.

The Washington Post reports that a study published online in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health assessed data from 26 different studies, involving more than 150,000 adults around the globe. The study analyzed data regarding fish intake and occurences of depression. Depression during pregnancy or postpartum were not included in the study.

The Monitor Daily reports that seven of the studies were conducted in North America, 10 were in Europe, and the rest of the studies were done in Asia and South America.

The researchers' analysis found that those in Europe who ate a lot of fish had a 17 percent lower risk of having depression, than those who ate less or did not eat fish.

It was also found that men receive a bigger benefit from eating fish, when based on gender: men are found to be 20 percent less likely to have depression, whereas women are 16 percent less likely, compared to those who did not eat fish.

The researchers noted, however, that aside from those in Europe, they did not have and findings to link fish intake and a lower risk level of depression. They said that because the study is observational, a cause-and-effect relationship between high fish intake and lower depression level cannot be established. On the other hand, they suggested that there might be a plausible biological explanation for the link.

In a press release, the researchers suggested that the omega 3 fatty acids abundantly found in fish may affect the structure of brain membranes and the activity of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that are thought to be involved with depression.

"Furthermore," added the researchers, "the high quality protein, vitamins, and minerals found in fish may help stave off depression, while eating a lot of fish may be an indicator of a healthy and more nutritious diet."

Hence, researchers concluded that eating more fish may be beneficial in preventing cases of depression. They also added that future studies further investigating this association may be needed, as to determine if it varies with the type or kind of fish.

According to the National Institute for Mental Health, depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S., with an annual 6.7 percent of U.S. adults having cases. Women are 70 percent more likely to have depression compared to men. Non-Hispanic blacks are 40 percent less likely than non-Hispanic whites to experience depression. The average age of onset is at 32 years of age, although 3.3 percent of 13- to 18-year-olds have already experienced it.