[Depressive symptoms and serum levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 among college students from Northern Mexico].

Introduction: Previous studies suggest that low consumption as well as low serum levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) omega-3 and a high omega-6/omega-3 ratio may be implicated in the etiology of depressive disorders, however, epidemiologic evidence is inconclusive.

Objective: To assess the relationship of serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic [DHA], eicosapentaenoic [EPA], alpha-linolenic fatty acid [ALA]) and the omega-6 (arachidonic acid [AA])/EPA ratio with depressive symptoms among Mexican college students.

Material And Methods: A cross-sectional study that included 60 male and female participants (ages 18 to 24 years) with serum levels of EPA, DHA, ALA and AA.