Original Article

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006) 60, 882–888. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602394; published online 8 February 2006

Depression and long chain n-3 fatty acids in adipose tissue in adults from Crete

Guarantor: G Mamalakis.

Contributors: GM did the statistical analysis, interpretation of results, collection of bibliography and preparation of the manuscript. AK initiated the study and was the overall study coordinator. He contributed to bibliography collection and preparation of the report. DK assisted in the analysis, interpretation and presentation of results as well as preparation of the manuscript. NK and NA performed the laboratory analyses and contributed in the preparation of the report. JM contributed to the statistical analysis of data. CH supervised study implementation and data collection and assisted in the preparation of the first draft of the manuscript.

G Mamalakis1, N Kalogeropoulos2, N Andrikopoulos2, C Hatzis1, D Kromhout3, J Moschandreas1 and A Kafatos1

  1. 1Department of Social Medicine Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Iraklion, Crete, Greece
  2. 2Laboratory of Food Chemistry-Biochemistry-Physical Chemistry, Department of Science of Dietetics-Nutrition, Harokopio University, Kallithea, Athens, Greece
  3. 3National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Nutrition and Consumer Safety Division, Bilthoven, The Netherlands

Correspondence: G Mamalakis, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, PO Box 2208, Iraklion 71003, Crete, Greece. E-mail: geor40@yahoo.com

Received 11 April 2005; Revised 15 November 2005; Accepted 1 December 2005; Published online 8 February 2006.

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Abstract

Background:

 

Only one study has investigated the relationship of essential fatty acids in the adipose tissue with depression in adults and suggested an inverse relationship between docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) (DHA) and depression.

Objective:

 

To examine the relation between adipose tissue polyunsaturated fatty acids especially n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, an index of long-term or habitual fatty acid intake, and depression in adults.

Design:

 

Cross-sectional study of healthy adults from the island of Crete.

Setting:

 

The Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Clinic, University of Crete, Greece.

Subjects:

 

A total of 130 healthy adults (59 males, 71 females) aged 22—58 years. The sample was a sub-sample of the Greek ApoEurope study group.

Methods:

 

Fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography in adipose tissue. Information about depression was obtained through the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale.

Results:

 

Adipose tissue DHA was inversely related with depression. Multiple linear regression analysis taking into account the possible confounding effect of age, gender, body mass index, smoking and educational level confirmed this association.

Conclusions:

 

The inverse relationship between adipose DHA and depression in adults, replicates findings of a previous study. This relationship indicates that a low long-term dietary intake of DHA is associated with an increased risk for depression in adults.

Funding:

 

The International Olive Oil Council and the DG XII of the European Union.

Keywords:

psychological, depression, human, n-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic, fish, cytokines

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