Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 23 Researches
7.2
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 7 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Softgel
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
10
 
Total Fat
1 g
1%*
Polyunsaturated Fat
1 g
Fish Oil Concentrate
1 g (1,000 mg)
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
500 mg
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
250 mg

Top Medical Research Studies

8
DHA shows potential for depression
We conducted a study to find out whether docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, could effectively help those dealing with major depressive disorder (MDD). Over the course of 12 weeks, 60 participants were involved in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They were divided into two groups: one received 3.2 grams of DHA daily, while the other group was given an equivalent amount of soybean oil as a placebo.

Throughout the study, we measured depression levels using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). Our results were intriguing—those taking the DHA showed significant improvements in their depression scores compared to the placebo group by weeks 4, 6, 8, and 12. While we noted that 26.7% of participants receiving DHA achieved remission by week 12, this was not statistically significant in comparison to the placebo group.

Overall, our findings support the idea that DHA may serve as a promising alternative treatment for individuals suffering from MDD. Although the results are encouraging, we recognize the need for further research to confirm these benefits conclusively.
Read More
8
EPA reduces depression in dialysis patients
We conducted a thorough investigation into how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation affects depression in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. In our study, 60 patients with severe pruritus were split into two groups: one took fish oil rich in EPA, while the other received a placebo of soybean oil, all for three months.

Our findings were quite encouraging. We observed that those who consumed EPA experienced a significant decrease in their depression scores, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). In contrast, the placebo group saw an increase in their depression scores. This suggests that EPA not only helps alleviate physical symptoms but also provides crucial mental health benefits.

Furthermore, we noted additional perks for the EPA group. From reduced pruritus to improved skin moisture, the benefits extended beyond just mental health, hinting at EPA’s overall positive impact on well-being for patients on dialysis. However, the placebo group did not share these improvements.

Overall, the results hold promise for using EPA as a supportive treatment for depression in dialysis patients, providing both emotional and physical relief.
Read More
8
EPA's potential in depression management
We explored the relationship between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an Omega-3 fatty acid found in fish, and its effects on depression. In a detailed examination, we analyzed data from almost 31,000 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2018.

Using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to identify depressive symptoms, we found that individuals experiencing depression reportedly consumed less EPA compared to those without depressive symptoms. The results indicated a persistent negative association between EPA intake and depressive symptoms, even after adjusting for other factors like age, gender, and overall health.

Notably, we observed that this relationship was particularly strong among females, suggesting that adequate EPA consumption could be significant in managing and potentially preventing depression. Thus, our findings highlight the importance of a diet rich in EPA as a promising avenue for enhancing mental health and well-being.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Improved memory function
2 people found this helpful
Breaking old habits can be challenging, especially when it comes to diet. My upbringing led to a lack of Omega-3, which resulted in poor memory and cognitive function. After incorporating DHA into my routine, my memory improved significantly, and I felt more alert. It also positively influenced my skin and hair. I intend to continue supplementing with DHA, especially due to its link to combating depression.
Read More
9
Postpartum depression prevention
1 people found this helpful
Recommended by my gynecologist, DHA 500 significantly benefits memory, particularly during pregnancy when the body's demands increase. In countries like Germany, it's a mandatory supplement for expectant mothers. I took it and did not experience postpartum depression, finding it an excellent support during that time.
Read More
7.5
Memory loss prevention
1 people found this helpful
Since elderly individuals often have low DHA levels, supplementing can safeguard brain health and mitigate memory loss risks. It promotes brain and eye development, and reduces inflammation while also preventing depression and irritability. A daily intake of DHA may significantly improve cognitive function.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 23 Researches
7.2
  • All Researches
9
DHA beneficial for depression
We explored the intriguing relationship between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, and its potential effects on depression among middle-aged and elderly adults. Our research pulled from a substantial sample size of over 102,000 residents from the UK Biobank, enabling us to thoroughly investigate how varying levels of PUFAs, particularly DHA, are associated with depressive and anxiety disorders.

The findings revealed that higher plasma levels of DHA were linked to a lower risk of developing depressive disorders compared to those with lower levels. Specifically, we observed a hazard ratio of 0.80 for individuals with the highest DHA levels, indicating a significant protective effect. This trend extended to anxiety disorders as well, suggesting that increasing our intake of omega-3 PUFAs might be a reachable goal for enhancing mental health.

Additionally, we noted that higher levels of DHA were also related to a decrease in adverse psychological symptoms. Encompassing the impact on brain health, we incorporated neuroimaging data from nearly 8,800 participants to investigate white matter microstructures, further supporting the link between omega-3 PUFAs like DHA and overall mental well-being.

The evidence we gathered underscores the importance of considering omega-3 PUFAs, particularly DHA, as a promising nutritional approach for helping to prevent and manage depression in older adults.
Read More
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.
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.
Read More
9
DPA enhances depression treatment efficacy
We explored the therapeutic benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (DPA) in treating depression, particularly in relation to exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was used to induce depression-like behaviors in the study, which highlighted the role of neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter deficiencies in this condition.

Through our analysis, we observed that DPA not only improved the effectiveness of exosomes but also significantly alleviated symptoms of depression. The therapy showed a remarkable ability to suppress the harmful activation of specific immune cells in the brain, known as M1 microglia, which are often linked to inflammation. Additionally, DPA helped restore levels of important neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine.

Furthermore, in laboratory tests, the exosomes treated with DPA demonstrated better protective effects against cell death and inflammation-induced damage. Mechanistically, this positive outcome was attributed to DPA’s ability to enhance the expression of a particular microRNA that plays a role in reducing inflammation pathways.

Overall, our findings suggest that DPA treatment combined with exosomes not only addresses neuroinflammation but also promotes overall brain health. This makes it a promising avenue for developing more effective depression treatments.
Read More
8
DHA shows potential for depression
We conducted a study to find out whether docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, could effectively help those dealing with major depressive disorder (MDD). Over the course of 12 weeks, 60 participants were involved in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They were divided into two groups: one received 3.2 grams of DHA daily, while the other group was given an equivalent amount of soybean oil as a placebo.

Throughout the study, we measured depression levels using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). Our results were intriguing—those taking the DHA showed significant improvements in their depression scores compared to the placebo group by weeks 4, 6, 8, and 12. While we noted that 26.7% of participants receiving DHA achieved remission by week 12, this was not statistically significant in comparison to the placebo group.

Overall, our findings support the idea that DHA may serve as a promising alternative treatment for individuals suffering from MDD. Although the results are encouraging, we recognize the need for further research to confirm these benefits conclusively.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 7 Reviews
8.2
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Improved memory function
2 people found this helpful
Breaking old habits can be challenging, especially when it comes to diet. My upbringing led to a lack of Omega-3, which resulted in poor memory and cognitive function. After incorporating DHA into my routine, my memory improved significantly, and I felt more alert. It also positively influenced my skin and hair. I intend to continue supplementing with DHA, especially due to its link to combating depression.
Read More
9
Postpartum depression prevention
1 people found this helpful
Recommended by my gynecologist, DHA 500 significantly benefits memory, particularly during pregnancy when the body's demands increase. In countries like Germany, it's a mandatory supplement for expectant mothers. I took it and did not experience postpartum depression, finding it an excellent support during that time.
Read More
7.5
Memory loss prevention
1 people found this helpful
Since elderly individuals often have low DHA levels, supplementing can safeguard brain health and mitigate memory loss risks. It promotes brain and eye development, and reduces inflammation while also preventing depression and irritability. A daily intake of DHA may significantly improve cognitive function.
Read More
7.5
Depression prevention through diet
1 people found this helpful
DHA fish oil is essential in preparing for pregnancy as it supports brain nutrition. I found that it helped prevent postpartum depression and its benefits on mood are well documented. Regular consumption of fish oil can effectively reduce depression symptoms.
Read More
6
Healthy cholesterol levels
3 people found this helpful
Omega-3 is essential for the body's vital functions and wellbeing. It lowers “bad” cholesterol while elevating “good” cholesterol, protects against cardiovascular diseases, and helps manage blood pressure. These fatty acids reduce inflammation, support skin and hair moisture, and enhance mental health. Omega-3 can aid in managing depression and slow tissue ageing, allowing skin to remain firm and elastic.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Improved memory function
2 people found this helpful
Breaking old habits can be challenging, especially when it comes to diet. My upbringing led to a lack of Omega-3, which resulted in poor memory and cognitive function. After incorporating DHA into my routine, my memory improved significantly, and I felt more alert. It also positively influenced my skin and hair. I intend to continue supplementing with DHA, especially due to its link to combating depression.
9
Postpartum depression prevention
1 people found this helpful
Recommended by my gynecologist, DHA 500 significantly benefits memory, particularly during pregnancy when the body's demands increase. In countries like Germany, it's a mandatory supplement for expectant mothers. I took it and did not experience postpartum depression, finding it an excellent support during that time.
7.5
Memory loss prevention
1 people found this helpful
Since elderly individuals often have low DHA levels, supplementing can safeguard brain health and mitigate memory loss risks. It promotes brain and eye development, and reduces inflammation while also preventing depression and irritability. A daily intake of DHA may significantly improve cognitive function.
7.5
Reduced overwork signs
1 people found this helpful
I regularly give DHA to my husband for his mental work. It helps him maintain his focus without fatigue, benefiting his cardiovascular health as well. It also aids in reducing signs of depression and managing body inflammation, making his work more productive.
6
Healthy cholesterol levels
3 people found this helpful
Omega-3 is essential for the body's vital functions and wellbeing. It lowers “bad” cholesterol while elevating “good” cholesterol, protects against cardiovascular diseases, and helps manage blood pressure. These fatty acids reduce inflammation, support skin and hair moisture, and enhance mental health. Omega-3 can aid in managing depression and slow tissue ageing, allowing skin to remain firm and elastic.
5
Investigating DHA’s depression treatment
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.
7
DHA's potential impact on mood
We explored how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) might influence mood and brain function, especially in young adults experiencing mild to moderate depression. The study involved 15 participants, aged 18 to 29, who were assessed for both depressive and anxiety symptoms. Using advanced brain imaging techniques, we examined how DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids affected functional connectivity within the brain—specifically in regions associated with depression.

We found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, were connected to lower scores on depression assessments. This suggests that improving omega-3 intake could potentially lead to better emotional well-being. Interestingly, while we saw promising outcomes related to brain connectivity and mood improvement, the details surrounding the specific impact of DHA in isolation weren’t completely clear, as the study also considered other fatty acids.

Overall, our findings imply that focusing on omega-3 status in young adults with subthreshold depression may be a beneficial strategy for enhancing mood and brain function. However, more research is needed to fully understand the specific role of DHA alone in these processes.
7
Nutrient supplements and exercise benefits
In our exploration of how nutrient supplements, like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), relate to depression in older adults, we examined data from a large group of 8,427 individuals over 65 years of age. We utilized well-established tools to measure depression levels and gathered information on nutrient intake and physical activity through self-reports.

Our findings revealed that calcium and multivitamins had a notable connection to lower depression scores. However, while DHA was included among the nutrients studied, we did not isolate its specific effects on depression, which means we can't draw firm conclusions about its impact from this study.

Physical exercise played a key role in mediating the relationship between these nutrient supplements and depression. This suggests that while DHA is part of the broader discussion, further targeted research is needed to clarify its unique contributions to mental health in the elderly.
4
DHA may prevent depression recurrence
We conducted a thorough 52-week study to explore the potential benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, in preventing depression from returning in elderly patients who are currently stable. In our research, we gathered 39 elderly participants who were in a good mental state and divided them into two groups: one received a specific dose of DHA, while the other group received a placebo.

Throughout the year, we carefully monitored changes in their depressive symptoms and overall mental health at various points, including at the start and every few months afterward. Our analysis revealed a noteworthy finding: those taking DHA experienced a significant reduction in the risk of depression coming back compared to those who did not receive the supplement.

However, when it came to alleviating existing depressive or anxiety symptoms, DHA didn’t show a considerable impact over the placebo. Despite the positive results regarding preventing recurrence, we should keep in mind the study’s limited size, as this could influence the broader applicability of our findings.
We examined the role of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, in treating depression. The evidence suggests that DHA might help improve mood by influencing brain functions, like neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter activity.

However, the results of studies on DHA supplementation have been mixed. While some individuals experienced significant reductions in depressive symptoms, others saw little to no improvement.

We found that various factors could affect these outcomes, such as the amounts of DHA taken, how it compares to other omega-3 fatty acids like EPA, and each person's overall nutritional status. Some researchers even suggest that DHA could be used alongside other treatments for depression.

Despite some promising findings, the differences in study methods and how people respond highlight the need for more research. Establishing clear guidelines on using DHA for depression is essential to ensure consistent and effective treatment options.

References

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Urata M, Sakurai H, Ueno F, Maruki T, Tada T, et al. Efficacy of Pharmacological Interventions in Milder Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep. 2025;45:e70008. 10.1002/npr2.70008
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. Lin YW, Cheng SW, Liu WC, Zailani H, Wu SK, et al. Chemogenetic targeting TRPV1 in obesity-induced depression: Unveiling therapeutic potential of eicosapentaenoic acid and acupuncture. Brain Behav Immun. 2025;123:771. 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.10.028
  20. Li P, Zhang F, Huang C, Zhang C, Yang Z, et al. Exosomes Derived from DPA-treated UCMSCs Attenuated Depression-like Behaviors and Neuroinflammation in a Model of Depression Induced by Chronic Stress. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2024;19:55. 10.1007/s11481-024-10154-6
  21. Lin YL, Wang CL, Chiang TI. Eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation alleviates pruritus, enhances skin moisture, and mitigates depression in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Front Nephrol. 2024;4:1365809. 10.3389/fneph.2024.1365809
  22. Lou F, Luo S, Kang N, Yan L, Long H, et al. Oral microbiota dysbiosis alters chronic restraint stress-induced depression-like behaviors by modulating host metabolism. Pharmacol Res. 2024;204:107214. 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107214
  23. Zhang C, Hou B, Xu Y, Zeng S, Luo X, et al. Association between eicosapentaenoic acid consumption and the risk of depressive symptoms in US adults: Analyses from NHANES 2005-2018. J Affect Disord. 2024;354:62. 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.055
image