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Eating fish may lower risk of depression

Individuals who consume large amounts of fish may be at a lower risk for developing depression, according to recently published data.

Researchers performed a meta-analysis of 26 studies to assess the correlation between fish consumption and risk for depression. In total, 150,278 participants were included in the analysis.

Overall, results from 12 studies demonstrated a strong association between depression and fish consumption. No association between fish intake and depression was seen in the remaining 14 studies.

The collective relative risk of depression for the highest and lowest levels of fish consumption was 0.83 (95% CI; 0.74-0.93).

A significant association was also seen in both the cohort studies (n = 10) and cross-sectional studies (n = 16).

The researchers noted that higher consumption of fish was associated with lowered risk of depression in studies conducted in Europe, but not studies from North or South America, Asia or Oceania.

“In conclusion, higher fish consumption may be beneficial in the primary prevention of depression. Future studies are needed to further investigate whether this association varies according to the type of fish,” the researchers wrote.

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.