EPA, the fish oil omega-3 fatty acid, improves depression, stress, and hot flushes in menopausal women

Researchers at the University of Laval in Canada recruited 120 women aged 40 to 55 undergoing menopause and split them into two groups. One group took 1000mg of EPA from fish oils daily for eight weeks. The second group took look-alike capsules filled with sunflower oil (the inactive placebo group).

After eight weeks it was apparent that EPA significantly improved symptoms of psychological stress and mild depression matching the level of benefit seen with the use of antidepressant medication. Hot flashes also improved with the use of EPA matching the level of relief seen with prescription hormone replacement therapy use. The study results are published in the February 2009 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.