High fish intake linked to reduced risk of depression

If you love seafood and have been looking for more reasons to include it in your diet, you have a good one this time.
Researchers in China analysed 26 studies involving more than 150,000 participants and discovered that higher fish intake was associated with a reduced risk of depression. They also found a slightly stronger association between high fish consumption and lowered depression risk in men (20%) compared with women (16%).
The team said the reason for their findings was not entirely clear, but suggested that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may alter the microstructure of brain membranes and modify the activity of neurotransmitters — dopamine and serotonin — both of which are thought to be involved in causing depression.
They said high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals may have a protective effect on depression, while high fish consumption may also be related to a generally healthier diet and better nutritional status, which could itself contribute to a lower risk of depression. “High fish consumption was associated with reduced risk of depression only among studies conducted in Europe, and not in those conducted in North America, South America, Asia and Oceania,” the authors said.