1.25 Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for Depression in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Objectives: Mental health problems, including depression, often start in childhood or adolescence. The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to alarming rates of child and adolescent depression. An emerging potential treatment in adults is omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are naturally found in fatty fish, marine sources, and some nuts and seeds. We will determine the efficacy of omega-3 PUFAs for children and adolescents with clinical depression. Method(s): Electronic searches were conducted in several databases. Reference lists of relevant studies and grey literature were also searched for additional references. Randomized controlled trials involving supplementary omega-3 fatty acid treatment of any dose as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy among males and females who were 6 to 19 years of age with depression qualified for inclusion. All screening of citations was conducted in duplicate. Full-text citations were assessed for inclusion criteria and methodological quality from potentially relevant s. The standardized mean difference with 95% CI was determined. Result(s): This review included 6 trials involving 253 participants. Five studies involving 202 participants included in the primary outcome analysis demonstrated a moderate effect size when compared to placebo with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.47 (95% CI, -1.07 to 0.13). Attrition rates were highly variable and not significant, with an OR of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.34-1.20). Conclusion(s): To date,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 253 participants or records.
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