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Long chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in the treatment of elderly depression: Effects on depressive symptoms, on phospholipids fatty acids profile and on health-related quality of life

  • Published:
The journal of nutrition, health & aging

Abstract

Objective

Recent observations showed that long chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) could represent a potential treatment for elderly depression. To determine if a n-3 LCPUFA containing supplement improves depressive symptoms, changes phospholipids acids profile and ameliorates Health related quality of life (HRQoL) in depressed elderly patients.

Design

Two-months, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting

Nursing home in Pavia, Italy.

Subjects

Forty-six depressed females, aged 66–95 years.

Intervention

22 depressed females were included in the intervention group (n-3 group, that received 2.5 g/day of n-3 LCPUFA, with 1.67 grams of EPA and 0.83 grams of DHA), and 24 patients in the placebo group. The primary endpoint was the improvement of depressive symptoms as evaluated by Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Secondary endpoints were the evaluation of modifications of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids fatty acid profile and of of HRQoL, by using the Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36). All parameters were assessed before and after the treatment period of 8 weeks.

Results

The mean GDS at 2 months was significantly lowered only for the n-3 group. SF-36 physical and mental components were significantly increased in the intervention group. Compliance was good, as confirmed by erythrocyte membrane phospholipid FA concentrations, with significant increase of EPA and DHA in the intervention group.

Conclusion

The supplementation of n-3 LCPUFA in elderly female patients reduces the occurrence of depressive symptoms, improves phospholipids fatty acids profile and healthrelated quality of life.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Health Sciences, Section of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pavia, Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona di Pavia, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

    Mariangela Rondanelli & A. Opizzi

  2. Department of Gastroenterology and Nutritional Science, Policlinico di Monza, Milan, Italy

    A. Giacosa

  3. “Mario Negri” Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy

    C. Pelucchi & C. La Vecchia

  4. Institute of General Physiology and Biochemistry “G. Esposito”, University of Milan, Milan, Italy

    G. Montorfano, M. Negroni, B. Berra & A. M. Rizzo

  5. Department of Applied Health Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

    P. Politi

  6. Department of Applied Health Sciences, Section of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona di Pavia, University of Pavia Istituto di Cura “Santa Margherita”, Via Emilia 32, 27100, Pavia, Italy

    Mariangela Rondanelli

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  1. Mariangela Rondanelli
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Correspondence to Mariangela Rondanelli.

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In memory of Professor Bruno Berra.

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Rondanelli, M., Giacosa, A., Opizzi, A. et al. Long chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in the treatment of elderly depression: Effects on depressive symptoms, on phospholipids fatty acids profile and on health-related quality of life. J Nutr Health Aging 15, 37–44 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-011-0011-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-011-0011-y

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