There is no age to feel depressed and depressive symptoms are quite commonly observed in elderly persons. 

 

Moreover, the fact of depressive symptoms having become a common factor of everyday life, depression is not always diagnosed. 

 

Significant research has revealed that certain nutritional factors act as potential protectors of these symptoms.  Among the various nutritional tests, the Omega-3 group has been widely studied and has shown its efficiency.

 

A new study has been conducted on more than 1,300 persons, aged 75 years on average, by researchers from the Inserm nutrition and food behaviour Epidemiology Team [National Health and Medical Research Institution]. 

 

This study shows that blood content high in a long-chain Omega-3 fatty acid, known as EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), induces less frequent depressive symptoms in elderly persons.

Researchers have quantified patient profiles having fatty acids in the plasma for the purpose of establishing a connection with the depressive symptoms recorded in surveys conducted by psychologists. 

 

A low concentration of the EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) Omega-3 fatty acid was noticed in depressive subjects, the lower it being, the more severe the symptoms, with a high level found in persons not suffering from depression.

 

The function and various roles of EPA are still not clear.  It would seem, however, to have an affect on the neuronal mechanisms and on the efficiency of antidepressants, though this remains pure assumption.

EPA is an essential fatty acid, meaning that the body is unable to fabricate it.  It is essentially found in fatty fish (anchovy, sardine, herring, salmon, tuna, etc.).  It cannot be synthesised by the forerunners of the Omega-3 family, such as ALA or DHA. 

 

Conversion is quite low, and even more so in the elderly person. 

 

It is thus important to recommend the elderly to prefer a fish-based diet or to consume EPA food supplements.

 

 

 

 

Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 May;87(5):1156-62.