Omega-3 polyunsaturated essential fatty acids are associated with depression in adolescents with eating disorders and weight loss
Acta Pediatrica, 07/27/2011
Swenne I et al. – Low Omega–3 status is related to depression in adolescents with eating disorders (ED). This cannot be explained by differences in weight (loss) and duration of disease, nor by differences in PUFA processing by desaturases. Data suggest a lower dietary intake of Omega–3 PUFA in those with depression.
Methods- Erythrocyte membranes from 217 adolescents (209 girls, 8 boys) with ED were analysed for fatty acids (FA).
- ED and depression were diagnosed by clinical interviews and supported by self–report instruments.
- Adolescents with ED and depression did not differ from those with ED only in terms of age, BMI, weight loss and duration of disease.
- In their FA profile depressed adolescents had lower proportions of eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), the end products of the Omega–3 PUFA series.
- The ratio of long chain (>18 carbons) Omega 6/ Omega 3 PUFA was therefore higher in depressed adolescents.
- Indices of desaturase activites did not differ between depressed and not depressed adolescents.
