Osteoporosis

Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA help increase levels of calcium in the body. Studies also suggested it could increase deposit calcium in the bones and improve bone strength. In addition, studies also suggest that people who are deficient in certain essential fatty acids are more likely to suffer from bone loss than those with normal levels of these fatty acids. In a study of women over 65 with osteoporosis, those given EPA and GLA supplements experienced significantly less bone loss over three years than those who were given only placebo. Many of these women also experienced an increase in bone density after this experiment.

Depression

People who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids or do not maintain a healthy balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids may be at an increased risk for depression. The omega-3 fatty acids are important components of each nerve cell membranes. They help nerve cells communicate with each other. This is essential step in maintaining good mental health. Levels of omega-3 fatty acids were found to be measurably low and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids were particularly high in a study of patients hospitalized because of depression. In a study of people with depression, those who ate a healthy diet consisting of fatty fish two to three times per week for 5 years experienced a significant reduction in depression and hostility.

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

In one study with bipolar disorder, those who were treated with EPA and DHA in combination with their usual mood stabilizing medications for four months experienced fewer mood swings and recurrence of either depression or mania than those who received placebo. Moreover, one preliminary evidence suggests that people with schizophrenia experience an improvement in symptoms when given omega-3 fatty acids. However, a recent well-designed study concluded that EPA supplements are no better than placebo in improving symptoms of schizophrenia. The conflicting results suggest that more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about the benefit of omega-3 fatty acids for this disorder. Similar as diabetes, people with schizophrenia may not be able to convert ALA to EPA or DHA efficiently.