The impact of omega-3 fatty acids on quality of life

Improving quality of life (QoL) is becoming an increasingly important outcome in research into the elderly population and for studies in health promotion; generic outcomes are, next to disorder-specific outcomes, also very important. Current evidence indicates that low dietary intake and a low status of omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with mental health problems, which are among the leading causes of impaired QoL in old age. Some studies have also been performed that directly investigated the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and QoL. In the current chapter these studies will be summarized and discussed. However, because the total number of studies is very limited (only two observational studies and only three intervention studies), no firm conclusions can yet be drawn. More research is warranted, for which some suggestions are provided in this chapter.