5/9/2025
Last update
5/9/2025
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 24 Researches
6.9
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.4
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 vegan softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
5
_
Total Fat
0.5 g
<1%‡
Microalgae Oil (40% DHA)which typically provides:
500 mg
*
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) [Ω-3]
200 mg
*
Top Medical Research Studies
7
We conducted a study to see if omega-3 fatty acids could help people with major depressive disorder as a standalone treatment. Over 12 weeks, 60 participants took either omega-3 supplements or a placebo.
Results showed that those taking omega-3 had lower depression scores at various points throughout the study. While there were hints of improved outcomes in terms of remission and response rates, these weren't statistically significant.
Overall, omega-3 fatty acids could be a promising alternative, but further research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness.
Results showed that those taking omega-3 had lower depression scores at various points throughout the study. While there were hints of improved outcomes in terms of remission and response rates, these weren't statistically significant.
Overall, omega-3 fatty acids could be a promising alternative, but further research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness.
Read More
8
We explored the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and mental health using data from over 102,000 participants in the UK Biobank. Our analysis showed that higher plasma levels of omega-3s were linked to a lower risk of depression and anxiety. Specifically, those with the highest levels exhibited a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and better brain white matter microstructure. This suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may play an important role in enhancing mental well-being, supporting their use as a potential intervention for mental health issues.
Read More
8
EPA demonstrates antidepressant efficacy
We investigated how omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), impact depressive behaviors in mice suffering from chronic sleep deprivation. Our findings revealed that EPA significantly outperformed DHA in reducing signs of depression and improving overall well-being.
Both fatty acids helped in mitigating myelin damage and inflammation, but EPA's effects were more pronounced. The study also shed light on the underlying biological mechanisms, particularly focusing on their roles in controlling the signaling pathways involved in depression. Overall, EPA showed a clear advantage in treating depression-related symptoms.
Both fatty acids helped in mitigating myelin damage and inflammation, but EPA's effects were more pronounced. The study also shed light on the underlying biological mechanisms, particularly focusing on their roles in controlling the signaling pathways involved in depression. Overall, EPA showed a clear advantage in treating depression-related symptoms.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Alleviates depression
2 people found this helpful
I began taking this vegan DHA during my pregnancy, and I’ve continued as it significantly alleviates my depression. I've tried other brands, but none have worked as effectively as Deva.
Read More
7.5
Reduces postpartum depression
2 people found this helpful
Omega is vital, particularly from the age of 25. I started taking it during my pregnancy and lactation, and it considerably reduces postpartum depression. It's wise to consult a doctor for the right dosage before buying.
Read More
7.5
Supports mental health
Many doctors advise supplementing with DHA during pregnancy to aid the baby's brain and eyesight and to help reduce the mother's depression. Algae oil is a good alternative for vegetarians, and it’s easy to consume. I will continue purchasing it.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 24 Researches
6.9
- All Researches
9
We used a unique model to explore how docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, may help alleviate symptoms of depression in young mice. By exposing juvenile mice to alternating ultrasound stress frequencies known to induce depressive-like behaviors, we aimed to mimic conditions of juvenile depression.
Throughout the study, these mice received either a supplement containing both DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or a placebo. The results were quite promising! Mice treated with the omega-3 supplement showed significantly fewer signs of depression and anxiety compared to those that received the placebo. This included a noticeable improvement in behaviors related to pleasure and reduced anxiety.
Additionally, the omega-3 treatment seemed to have a positive effect on hormone levels and inflammatory markers in the brain, indicating that the anti-inflammatory properties of DHA could be part of its effectiveness. Overall, our findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids might hold potential as a therapeutic option for addressing juvenile depression.
Throughout the study, these mice received either a supplement containing both DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or a placebo. The results were quite promising! Mice treated with the omega-3 supplement showed significantly fewer signs of depression and anxiety compared to those that received the placebo. This included a noticeable improvement in behaviors related to pleasure and reduced anxiety.
Additionally, the omega-3 treatment seemed to have a positive effect on hormone levels and inflammatory markers in the brain, indicating that the anti-inflammatory properties of DHA could be part of its effectiveness. Overall, our findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids might hold potential as a therapeutic option for addressing juvenile depression.
Read More
9
DHA alleviates epilepsy-related depression
We explored the impact of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on depressive symptoms associated with epilepsy in a young mouse model. Through our investigation, we fed mice a diet enriched with DHA and administered pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) to induce epilepsy. Notably, our findings indicated that both DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) significantly reduced depressive symptoms in this model, with EPA showing even greater effectiveness.
Analyzing the underlying mechanisms revealed that DHA and EPA helped repair neuronal damage and improve myelin structure in the hippocampus—the brain region vital for mood regulation. Furthermore, they tackled neuroinflammation by encouraging the polarizing of microglial cells toward a protective state and suppressing harmful inflammatory responses.
Additionally, we observed that both fatty acids decreased oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial function, which are crucial aspects of brain health. These results suggest that integrating DHA (and EPA) into dietary interventions could offer a promising strategy to alleviate depression in children with epilepsy, providing a potential pathway to enhance their quality of life.
Analyzing the underlying mechanisms revealed that DHA and EPA helped repair neuronal damage and improve myelin structure in the hippocampus—the brain region vital for mood regulation. Furthermore, they tackled neuroinflammation by encouraging the polarizing of microglial cells toward a protective state and suppressing harmful inflammatory responses.
Additionally, we observed that both fatty acids decreased oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial function, which are crucial aspects of brain health. These results suggest that integrating DHA (and EPA) into dietary interventions could offer a promising strategy to alleviate depression in children with epilepsy, providing a potential pathway to enhance their quality of life.
Read More
8
We investigated how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, can influence depression. In our study with mice, we observed that administering EPA for five weeks helped reduce stress-induced neuronal damage and improved brain synaptic functions.
Additionally, EPA demonstrated its ability to lower neuroinflammation linked to depressive behaviors. The findings highlight the potential of EPA as an effective option for managing depression related to inflammation. While further research is needed, these results are promising for its future clinical applications.
Additionally, EPA demonstrated its ability to lower neuroinflammation linked to depressive behaviors. The findings highlight the potential of EPA as an effective option for managing depression related to inflammation. While further research is needed, these results are promising for its future clinical applications.
Read More
8
We aimed to understand how omega-3 fatty acids could benefit maternal behaviors affected by chronic stress during pregnancy. Our study involved three groups of rats: a control, a stress group, and a group receiving omega-3 supplementation.
The results showed that stressed rats displayed poor maternal behaviors, but omega-3 supplementation significantly improved their care for pups. It appeared to enhance the serotonin system, reduce inflammation, and aid in restoring neuronal function.
This research suggests that omega-3 fish oil might offer a promising approach to help mothers dealing with stress-related behavioral issues.
The results showed that stressed rats displayed poor maternal behaviors, but omega-3 supplementation significantly improved their care for pups. It appeared to enhance the serotonin system, reduce inflammation, and aid in restoring neuronal function.
This research suggests that omega-3 fish oil might offer a promising approach to help mothers dealing with stress-related behavioral issues.
Read More
8
We explored how omega-3 fatty acids, alongside Vitamin D, may influence depression management. Our review included a broad search of scientific literature, focusing on studies that evaluate these nutrients' effects on mood and cognitive function.
The results indicate that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce depressive symptoms, particularly for those with nutritional deficiencies. However, the variety in study designs and dosages makes it challenging to draw clear conclusions.
Overall, while omega-3s show potential as a supportive treatment for depression, more research is essential to solidify these findings.
The results indicate that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce depressive symptoms, particularly for those with nutritional deficiencies. However, the variety in study designs and dosages makes it challenging to draw clear conclusions.
Overall, while omega-3s show potential as a supportive treatment for depression, more research is essential to solidify these findings.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.4
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Alleviates depression
2 people found this helpful
I began taking this vegan DHA during my pregnancy, and I’ve continued as it significantly alleviates my depression. I've tried other brands, but none have worked as effectively as Deva.
Read More
7.5
Reduces postpartum depression
2 people found this helpful
Omega is vital, particularly from the age of 25. I started taking it during my pregnancy and lactation, and it considerably reduces postpartum depression. It's wise to consult a doctor for the right dosage before buying.
Read More
7.5
Supports mental health
Many doctors advise supplementing with DHA during pregnancy to aid the baby's brain and eyesight and to help reduce the mother's depression. Algae oil is a good alternative for vegetarians, and it’s easy to consume. I will continue purchasing it.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Alleviates depression
2 people found this helpful
I began taking this vegan DHA during my pregnancy, and I’ve continued as it significantly alleviates my depression. I've tried other brands, but none have worked as effectively as Deva.
7.5
Reduces postpartum depression
2 people found this helpful
Omega is vital, particularly from the age of 25. I started taking it during my pregnancy and lactation, and it considerably reduces postpartum depression. It's wise to consult a doctor for the right dosage before buying.
7.5
Supports mental health
Many doctors advise supplementing with DHA during pregnancy to aid the baby's brain and eyesight and to help reduce the mother's depression. Algae oil is a good alternative for vegetarians, and it’s easy to consume. I will continue purchasing it.
7
We set out to understand how omega-3 fish oil and other anti-inflammatory treatments affect depression in older adults. This comprehensive review analyzed 31 randomized controlled trials to see if these interventions could reduce depressive symptoms. The findings showed that older adults had a moderate decrease in depression scores, particularly benefiting from omega-3 treatments. While this suggests a positive impact, it's important to note the studies had some variability in results. This calls for more focused research to pinpoint the best treatments for depression in this age group.
8
We investigated how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, can influence depression. In our study with mice, we observed that administering EPA for five weeks helped reduce stress-induced neuronal damage and improved brain synaptic functions.
Additionally, EPA demonstrated its ability to lower neuroinflammation linked to depressive behaviors. The findings highlight the potential of EPA as an effective option for managing depression related to inflammation. While further research is needed, these results are promising for its future clinical applications.
Additionally, EPA demonstrated its ability to lower neuroinflammation linked to depressive behaviors. The findings highlight the potential of EPA as an effective option for managing depression related to inflammation. While further research is needed, these results are promising for its future clinical applications.
8
We explored the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and mental health using data from over 102,000 participants in the UK Biobank. Our analysis showed that higher plasma levels of omega-3s were linked to a lower risk of depression and anxiety. Specifically, those with the highest levels exhibited a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and better brain white matter microstructure. This suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may play an important role in enhancing mental well-being, supporting their use as a potential intervention for mental health issues.
5
We explored the effectiveness of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in treating depression through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Our investigation included extensive data from 36 studies, offering a comprehensive look at how these fatty acids might influence mental health.
While we found some significant evidence suggesting that omega-3 PUFAs, in general, could be beneficial for people suffering from depression, the specific impact of DHA alone was not isolated. It turned out that there's no stronger effect from omega-3 PUFAs compared to a placebo in terms of response rates, remission, or adverse events. Interestingly, we noted that patients from Asia who experienced mild to moderate depression and took DHA over a period of eight weeks might fare the best if their daily dosage ranged from 1000 to 1500 mg, maintaining a specific ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to DHA.
Overall, we observed that while omega-3s may provide some benefits in treating depression, they do not show superior results compared to a placebo group. This highlights the importance of understanding not just the broader category of omega-3s, but the nuanced roles of individual components like DHA.
While we found some significant evidence suggesting that omega-3 PUFAs, in general, could be beneficial for people suffering from depression, the specific impact of DHA alone was not isolated. It turned out that there's no stronger effect from omega-3 PUFAs compared to a placebo in terms of response rates, remission, or adverse events. Interestingly, we noted that patients from Asia who experienced mild to moderate depression and took DHA over a period of eight weeks might fare the best if their daily dosage ranged from 1000 to 1500 mg, maintaining a specific ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to DHA.
Overall, we observed that while omega-3s may provide some benefits in treating depression, they do not show superior results compared to a placebo group. This highlights the importance of understanding not just the broader category of omega-3s, but the nuanced roles of individual components like DHA.
References
- Gong H, Su WJ, Deng SL, Luo J, Du ZL, et al. Anti-inflammatory interventions for the treatment and prevention of depression among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transl Psychiatry. 2025;15:114. 10.1038/s41398-025-03317-3
- Yu Q, Li H, Chen M, Pan Y, Zhou L, et al. GPR120 internalization: a key mechanism for EPA in antidepressant action. Food Funct. 2025;16:2893. 10.1039/d5fo00252d
- Dyall SC, Malau IA, Su KP. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in depression: insights from recent clinical trials. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2025;28:66. 10.1097/MCO.0000000000001077
- Al Sinani M, Johnson M, Crawford M, Al Maqbali M, Al-Adawi S. Depression and anxiety in the pregnant Omani population in relation to their fatty acid intake and levels. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2025;204:102668. 10.1016/j.plefa.2025.102668
- Wang B, Liu P, Gao X, Yang F, Sun J, et al. Exploring the ameliorative effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on maternal behavioral abnormalities induced by prenatal chronic restraint stress. Behav Brain Res. 2025;483:115458. 10.1016/j.bbr.2025.115458
- Raza ML, Hassan ST, Jamil S, Fatima W, Fatima M. Nutritional interventions in depression: The role of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids in neuropsychiatric health. Clin Nutr. 2025;45:270. 10.1016/j.clnu.2025.01.009
- Faulkner P, Gibson EL, Dyall SC. Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with brain connectivity and mood in young adults with subthreshold depression: A preliminary study. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2025;204:102664. 10.1016/j.plefa.2025.102664
- Li Y, Hua L, Ran Q, Gu J, Bao Y, et al. Plasma Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels and Mental Health in Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults. Nutrients. 2024;16. 10.3390/nu16234065
- Campisi SC, Zasowski C, Bradley-Ridout G, Schumacher A, Szatmari P, et al. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for depression in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2024;11:CD014803. 10.1002/14651858.CD014803.pub2
- Wu SK, Yang KJ, Liu WC, Malau IA, Zailani H, et al. The Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acids as the Monotherapy for Depression: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2024;16. 10.3390/nu16213688
- Jastrzebska J, Frankowska M, Wesołowska J, Filip M, Smaga I. Dietary Intervention with Omega-3 Fatty Acids Mitigates Maternal High-Fat Diet-Induced Behavioral and Myelin-Related Alterations in Adult Offspring. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2025;23:329. 10.2174/1570159X23666241014164940
- Chen L, Yang Y, Zhang N, Che H, Wang Z, et al. DHA and EPA alleviate depressive-like behaviors in chronic sleep-deprived mice: Involvement of iron metabolism, oligodendrocyte-lipids peroxidation and the LCN2-NLRP3 signaling axis. Free Radic Biol Med. 2024;225:654. 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.10.298
- Cheng YC, Chen WY, Lin C, Lee SH, Chiu CC, et al. The N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation to prevent depression recurrence in patients with late-life depression: A 52-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2025;369:8. 10.1016/j.jad.2024.09.129
- Serefko A, Jach ME, Pietraszuk M, Świąder M, Świąder K, et al. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Depression. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. 10.3390/ijms25168675
- Lam C, Han L, McIntyre RS, Teopiz KM, Cao B. Comparative Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acid with Other Interventions for Depression in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2024;34:282. 10.1089/cap.2024.0017
- Carnegie R, Borges MC, Jones HJ, Zheng J, Haycock P, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids and major depression: a Mendelian randomization study. Transl Psychiatry. 2024;14:222. 10.1038/s41398-024-02932-w
- Kong L, Zhang Q, Wang H, Xu Y, Xu C, et al. Exploration of the optimized portrait of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in treating depression: A meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials. J Affect Disord. 2025. 10.1016/j.jad.2025.03.006
- Huang S, Guo J, Jiang R, Ma K, Lin F, et al. Four-way decomposition of the effects of nutrient supplement and physical exercise on depression among older Chinese: a nationwide cross-sectional analysis. BMC Public Health. 2024;24:3469. 10.1186/s12889-024-20995-8
- Strekalova T, Radford-Smith D, Dunstan IK, Gorlova A, Svirin E, et al. Omega-3 alleviates behavioral and molecular changes in a mouse model of stress-induced juvenile depression. Neurobiol Stress. 2024;31:100646. 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100646
- Wang M, Yan X, Li Y, Li Q, Xu Y, et al. Association between plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids and depressive among US adults. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1342304. 10.3389/fnut.2024.1342304
- Chang YY, Ting B, Chen DT, Hsu WT, Lin SC, et al. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Depression in the Elderly and Patients with Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel). 2024;12. 10.3390/healthcare12050536
- Suneson K, Söderberg Veibäck G, Lindahl J, Tjernberg J, Ståhl D, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids for inflamed depression - A match/mismatch study. Brain Behav Immun. 2024;118:192. 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.02.029
- Xue Y, Wang L, Liu T, Zhao T, Xie K, et al. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation improves memory in first-diagnosed, drug-naïve patients with depression: Secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial. J Affect Disord. 2024;350:403. 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.149
- Yang Y, Chen L, Zhang N, Zhao Y, Che H, et al. DHA and EPA Alleviate Epileptic Depression in PTZ-Treated Young Mice Model by Inhibiting Neuroinflammation through Regulating Microglial M2 Polarization and Improving Mitochondrial Metabolism. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023;12. 10.3390/antiox12122079
