N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in adipose tissue and depression in different age groups from Crete

In this thesis, the results of cross-sectional studies on the relationship of depression with adipose tissue n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been described. The aim of this thesis is to investigate whether adipose tissue n-3 fatty acids, an objective index or biomarker of long-term or habitual n-3 fatty acid intake, relate to depression. The study populations in this thesis consisted of generally healthy adolescent, adult and elderly volunteers from the island of Crete. The results presented in this thesis demonstrated for the first time in the different age-groups studied, significant inverse relationships between depression and different adipose tissue n-3 fatty acids. Adipose tissue eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was significantly inversely associated with depression in adolescents. Similar relations were found for adipose tissue docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in adults and for adipose tissue alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in elderly subjects. Although the evidence is not strong enough to give a recommendation, it is possible that in addition to preventing cardiovascular diseases, frequent or regular consumption of fish/seafood may also help to prevent depression.