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Many depression sufferers search for natural help and, as such, look for the best omega 3 for depression. Without a doubt fatty cold water fish & fish oil supplements is touted as being the best source of omega 3 fatty acids.

Why fish oil?

First, there’re three types of omega 3 fatty acids, which are ALA, DHA, & EPA. The type that is found in plants such as flaxseed is ALA. ALA must then be converted by the body into DHA & EPA in order to be utilized properly. On the other hand, fish oil is a direct source of EPA & DHA and, as such, is more readily used by the body.

In addition, the body is only able to convert about 10 percent of ALA to EPA & DHA, & for some people they may even lack the ability to convert ALA to EPA & DHA. This is why we believe fish oil is the best omega 3 for depression. However, we do need to further explain?.

Both omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids (another essential fatty acid) play a crucial role in the proper development & functioning of the brain & nervous system. In actual fact, these essential fatty acids are found in high concentrations in the brain, especially the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. More specifically, the human brain is made up of about 60% fats, & approximately ½ of that fat is DHA. Needless to say, depressed people demonstrate lower levels of DHA.

According to the well renowned tome “Alternative Cures,” written by Bill Gottlieb with the gracious participation of hundreds of alternative health practitioners who states:

“Scientists do not know exactly how omega 3’s protect against depression, but they do know that the fats are important to health of neurons, or brain cells.” (Page 190.)

But wait, what about cod liver oil as a best omega 3 for depression?

Cod liver oil contains a high natural source of vitamins A & D as well as a rich natural source of EPA & DHA. However, fish oil contains a higher concentrated form of EPA & DHA. On the other hand, cod liver oil does contain a natural source of vitamin A & D, which can be help-ful for all those who do not get enough of these vitamins. Unfortunately, there is a one drawback to its vitamin content. Both vitamin A & D can be toxic at high dosages. In addition, mercury levels are higher in the livers of fish than in the flesh so when given these harsh challenges, fish oil is a superior choice.

For a minute, let us go one step beyond the best omega 3 for depression.

Unfortunately, more research needs to be done on nutritional deficiencies in regards to mental health conditions such as depression. However, it is important to note that folic acid & zinc is often found deficient in people with depression. In actual fact, one of the possible signs of a folic acid deficiency is mood disorders.

Because the B vitamins work as a team, many experts, if not all, do not recommend taking a single B vitamin unless instructed by a physician. In actual fact, in general, high doses of folic acid are non-toxic in themselves, but they may mask vitamin B12 deficiency, which could be serious as it can cause permanent nerve damage.

If you suffer from depression, you probably should consider taking a comprehensive multi-vitamin & mineral supplement to correct nutritional deficiencies which is often associated with this condition.

That said, let us return back to best omega 3 for depression.

It’s very important that you do your homework before purchasing any fish oil supplements because they’re not all created equal. First, we prefer just having one fish source in the fish oil supplement we take, rather than a mixture of fish. In actual fact, most of the omega 3 fish oils come from a mixture of all types of fish oil sourced from around the world, mostly third world countries. There is more. This fish is then turned into fish meal & the oil is extracted. This oil is then sent off to refineries for further processing. Now, it is important to note that by the time fish oil reaches its final destination, which is most often Europe or the U.S. it usually requires retreating.

To further explain, fish oil is very sensitive, therefore, it goes rancid rather quickly. So, during this time of handling, processing, & reaching its final destination, the delicate fish oil is in a rapid state of decay. Ideally, this time should be minimal, but oftentimes it’s not.

Of course another problem we all are faced with is that most of the world’s oceans are polluted, which means our fish now harbors PCB contaminants, mercury, or other heavy metals.

Therefore, after doing extensive research on the best omega 3 for depression in regards to type of fish, we discovered a cold, deep water fish called Hoki from the pristine, Southern Ocean around New Zealand which is very rich in omega 3 fats. However, wild salmon (Alaska) & sardines are also good sources.

Nevertheless, regardless if the fish source comes from pristine waters, nature also creates its own pollutants so it is important that you select a product that has been molecularly distilled. Molecularly distilled is a process that separates any impurities from the fish oil, thus providing you with a healthy fish oil supplement & the best omega 3 for depression.

Lastly, select a product that is “pharmaceutical grade” & the fish oil is processed close to the port of landing to insure freshness & purity.

Cindy Amorin is the chief editor of Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre.com, an information-rich site that discusses nutritional, dietary, & herbal supplements & their potential therapeutic value. And so… She is the author of pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplements, a section of Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre discussing tips on how to buy a quality fish oil supplement. OK. She is also the author of the benefits of fish oil.

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