The use of omega-3 supplements has been used to effectively treat major depression, according to a recent study—the largest ever of its kind—published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry

Researchers at the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier at the Universite de Montreal studied 432 participants with major depression—but not an accompanying anxiety disorder—between October 2005 and January 2009. Over the course of eight weeks, half of the participants were given fish oil supplements that contained high levels of EPA and DHA, while the other half were given a placebo. The results were comparable to those in conventional antidepressant treatments, with researchers noting that "There was a clear benefit of omega-3 supplementation among patients with MDE [major depressive episode] without comorbid anxiety disorders."

While the benefits of omega-3 have been well documented—a diet rich in omega-3 is good for your heart, as well as your brain—this study is the largest of its kind to demonstrate a clear link between omega-3 supplementation and depression. Previous studies have suggested that individuals with a deficit in certain omega-3s may be predisposed to depression, which makes this discovery potentially life-changing for individuals who battle depression every day.