BACKGROUND: Previous randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are beneficial in reducing symptoms of depression. However, there is limited evidence regarding the influence of dietary n-3 PUFA intake on mood in adolescents drawn from population studies.

OBJECTIVE: In the present investigation, we examined the relationship between dietary n-3 PUFA intake on depression symptomatology in a large prospective pregnancy cohort followed for 17 years.

METHODS: Adolescents enrolled in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire to assess dietary fatty acid intake, as well as other dietary factors at age 14 and a fasting blood sample was taken. Participants also completed the Beck Depression Inventory for Youth (BDI-Y) at age 14 (N = 1,407) and at age 17 (N = 995).

RESULTS: An inverse relationship was observed between intake of both saturated fat and of n-3 PUFA at age 14 and BDI-Y scores at both 14 and 17 years of age. However, after adjusting for energy (kJ) intake and other lifestyle confounders, the relationships were no longer significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Associations previously reported between n3 PUFA and depressive symptoms may be due to collinearity with other dietary and lifestyle factors.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	omega-3 fatty acids, depression, adolescent, Raine Study
Research Division:	Medical and Health Sciences
Research Group:	Nutrition and Dietetics
Research Field:	Clinical and Sports Nutrition
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health)
Objective Field:	Nutrition
Author:	Oddy, WH (Professor Wendy Oddy)
ID Code:	109056
Year Published:	2011
Web of Science® Times Cited:	23
Deposited By:	Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Deposited On:	2016-05-18
Last Modified:	2016-05-18
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