Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Depressive Symptoms in HIV-Positive Individuals: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

• Published in: The Annals of pharmacotherapy 2016-10, Vol.50 (10), p.797-807
• Main Authors: Ravi, Saeedeh, Khalili, Hossein, Abbasian, Ladan, Arbabi, Mohammad, Ghaeli, Padideh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antidepressive Agents - administration & dosage; Antidepressive Agents - adverse effects; Antidepressive Agents - therapeutic use; Depression - drug therapy; Depression - psychology; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - administration & dosage; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - adverse effects; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - therapeutic use; Female; HIV Infections - psychology; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1060-0280; 1542-6270
• DOI: 10.1177/1060028016656017

Background: The antidepressant effect of omega-3 fatty acids has been described in the non-HIV population. The effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the mood status of HIV-positive patients has not been evaluated yet. Objective: In this study, the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on depressive symptoms was evaluated in HIV-positive individuals. Method: A total of 100 HIV-positive patients with Beck Depression Score ≥16, were assigned to receive either omega-3 fatty acids or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. Depressive symptoms of each participant were evaluated at baseline (month 0) and at the end of months 1 and 2 of the study. Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition, depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire were used for assessment of depressive symptoms. Results: Reduction in mean ± SD of all depression scores during the study period was statistically significant within the omega-3 group and when compared with the placebo group (for both comparisons, P < 0.001). Also, the mean differences of all depression scores were decreased significantly during the intervals: months 0, 1, and 2 (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Among the participants, 7 (7%) and 4 (4%) patients in the omega-3 and the placebo group, respectively, experienced mild gastrointestinal problems, but the incidence of adverse drug reactions related to the interventions was not statistically different between the groups (P = 0.09). Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids improved depressive symptoms in HIV-positive individuals without any significant adverse reaction.