# Omega-3 Boosts Effectiveness of Antidepressants **By Paula Gallagher** ยท 2016-05-02 ![tired](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0319/0960/9603/files/tired-300x201.jpg)A new study published in the _American Journal of Psychiatry_ has found that combining omega-3, SAM-e or vitamin D with antidepressants increases the effectiveness of the antidepressants for people with clinical depression. Researchers examined 40 clinical trials and found that people who took these supplements along with their antidepressants had fewer depressive symptoms compared to those taking the antidepressants alone. The strongest finding was that omega-3 fish oil, in combination with antidepressants, had a statistically significant effect over a placebo. There have been numerous studies that show the benefits of omega-3s for general brain health and improving mood, but this is the first analysis of studies that looked at using them in combination with antidepressant medication. Other supplements that showed positive benefits when taken with antidepressants were methylfolate, vitamin D and SAM-e. This discovery can really be a game changer for those who have low response to antidepressants alone. They also found no major safety concerns in combining the two therapies, however people on antidepressants should always consult with their health professional before taking any supplements, and should be aware these supplements can differ in quality. _Photo from [here](https://www.flickr.com/photos/fatmanad/2430934584/in/photolist-4GPbaf-Mbxdx-6GKLv5-e5Qcjb-AY5A-cTMkvU-9JAP2b-4yDmTm-4nebWs-uaTt3-4Ty6AH-esLx9-4qtv3U-z9qgsw-bDxKEJ-7Ar89-8d7uTd-gwezf-2D5nBK-4pJLUs-6dmYDc-2DHA6-K2x9s-bzGcU-cghQ-398mT3-FJeRKm-gDUPSJ-3QpQe-cEEZhd-7XEKLK-s5uoo7-21gcJW-9oDoQX-tWPYe-nLwf5-aTSdi-BdETd-5NDZAB-9AMy31-3S9q3-8MAoES-3t5wNq-9bgtik-hN3LD-EXwpj-BBYhxc-5MpWtb-vPiLQ-9bjChC), with thanks._ **Tags:** antidepressants, Category_Stress Management & Lifestyle, depression, omega 3, vitamin d --- > Source: [Village Green Apothecary](https://myvillagegreen.com/blogs/post/omega-3-boosts-effectiveness-of-antidepressants)