A Systematic Review of Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Reduction of Neuroinflammation in Major Depressive Disorder
Abstract
Background: Major depressive disorder is increasingly linked with immune-inflammatory dysregulation, and elevated inflammatory biomarkers may contribute to symptom persistence and treatment resistance in selected patients. Marine omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, have been proposed as adjunctive modulators of inflammatory pathways, but evidence remains inconsistent. Objective: This systematic review evaluated whether marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is associated with modulation of inflammatory biomarkers in adults with major depressive disorder. Methods: A systematic review without meta-analysis was conducted using studies identified from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and observational studies involving adults with major depressive disorder receiving EPA, DHA, or combined marine omega-3 supplementation and reporting inflammatory biomarker outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed according to study design, and findings were synthesized qualitatively because of heterogeneity in interventions, comparators, and outcome reporting. Results: Eight studies comprising 525 participants were included. Five were randomized controlled trials, two were cohort studies, and one was case-control. Omega-3 supplementation showed a consistent qualitative trend toward reductions in IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α, particularly in EPA-containing interventions.…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, 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: 525 participants or records.
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