PLOS ONE · 10 authors, 2 centres
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This scoping review of 17 studies on omega-3 supplements for youth (14-24) with depression or anxiety symptoms found limited evidence for efficacy, especially for depression, and some evidence for anxiety. It also noted that public grey literature often inaccurately recommended supplements despite the peer-reviewed evidence.
This scoping review aimed to summarize evidence on omega-3 supplementation for depression and anxiety symptoms in young people aged 14–24. Due to high heterogeneity, results were synthesized narratively. The review concluded there was limited evidence supporting omega-3 supplements for reducing depressive symptoms and some evidence for anxiety symptom reduction. However, no included studies were in clinically diagnosed populations. Grey literature sources were often inconsistent with peer-reviewed evidence, frequently recommending supplements. Key limitations included the heterogeneity of included studies, which prevented analysis of moderators like dosage or participant characteristics, and the general lack of studies in clinically anxious or depressed youth. The review suggests more research is needed to understand mechanisms and potential moderators of omega-3 effects.
