Flax oil OR Fish oil for Depression?

Question

Using BOTH is optimal I assume, but does anyone know for sure which is better for treating depression? It's the EPA and DHA we want, and both have it in abundance...

Answer 1

You actually want more of the DHA as that is what is most responsible for optimal brain function.  EPA is also responsible, but it is more targeted toward inflamation.  As you said, both fish and flax oil do have both, but personally I think fish is the better option since you are wanting it for depression.

Flax oil has a substance called ALA that fish oil does not have, but the body must convert that over into EPA and DHA so you lose some transit time in the body as it's not ready to be absorbed.  Fish oil however is ready to be absorbed and used by the body as is.

I would also say to take more than in recomended on the bottle, (after you ask your Dr. first, blah, blah blah.)  I have fibromyaliga and its awesome for pain and inflamation among other things, and I take 2 - 3 tablespoons (compared to the bottle's suggestion of 1 - 2 teaspoons,) a day.  Be aware of what medications you are already on however as fish/flax oil might (although remotely) effect you.  

Do a little more research or head into a good healthfood store to learn more!

Answer 2

Fish oil is a source of Omega - 3.  Flax seed oil is a source of omega- 6 and 9 mostly.

  A good brain food if you will is Ginko Baloba and Co- Q- 10

  Fish oil is an anti inflamatory among many other benafits.  But the secret is you have to get a good quality and the best I know of is " Nordic Naturals"  If it has a fishy smell it is to old.

Answer 3

neither

do krill oil. It has more epa and dha, less mercury, and will not give you heartburn. Find it at health food stores.

Answer 4

nurtitional guidelines from the Department of Health offer pointers on nutrition for sufferers of depression.plenty of whole grains & pulses & regular amounts of lean meat, offal.oily fish,shellfish & eggs will supply B vitamins, iron, potassium, magnesium, copper & zinc... :O

p/s : prevention is better than cure... :)

Answer 5

If you use Flax make sure you grind the seeds just before eating for better absorption. eating them whole doesn't work.

Answer 6

Either, as long as they're fresh, and kept refrigerated.

Answer 7

neither.  Didn't work for me.  I got sick off of both and had to go back to synthetic medication

Answer 8

Fish oil is better for the grey matter of the brain.

Carlsons lemon, flavor liquid is the best.

http://www.carlsonlabs.com/product_detai...

There are much better suppliments for depression .

Acetyl l-carnitine 250 mg

David A. Zongaro CMT,NP,LC

[e-mail]

Answer 9

Fish oil is much better for brain benefits than flax oil as fish oil contains the omega 3 DHA.  Flax oil contrains the omega 3 ALA and only about 5-10% of ALA is metabolised to DHA which has brain benefits.

The brain benefits from DHA are supposed to be mostly related to memory and treatment for depression with fish oil may or may not be relevant.