theraputic dose for omega-3s?

[OffTheRadar]

From the internet the RDA for Omega-3s is 1-3grams
Does anyone know what kind of intake you should have for an anti-depressant effect?

I'm taking 3 flaxseed tabs daily (520mgs of Omega-3) i thought it was helping but last weekend a friend tried to help me with some job related advice. Unfortunatly, she's from the "why are you so frustrating?" and "just stop beating yourself up" school of help. Now I'm down again and all this week i've had to really work it just to get out of bed (not mind functioning on the job). So maybe the omega-3s aren't helping yet? or is my dose wrong?

fyi: haven't tried SJW or 5HTP yet, I'm trying to prepare for an exam in early jan and I'm worried about making things worse

[Pasiphae]

Hi there OTR
The dosage require is 1-2g of EPA daily, its probable that your flaxseed tabs do not contain anywhere near that amount as Omega 3 relates to both EPA and DHA. Ideally you neeed to go for the highest level of EPA possible with the lowest level of DHA. You don't say if you are a Vegetarian but assuming you are not then a high grade fish oil would be a much better bet. If you are a vegetarian then obviously Flaxseed oil is the only way to go but to achieve the dosage of EPA you need to consume roughly 11g of it. Flaxseed oil contains ALA which the body converts into EPA and DHA. If you have a look at this site it explains it briefly. http://www.mind1st.co.uk/Flax_Seed_Oil_v_Fish_Oil.asp
As far as time for it to take effect, the general consenus that I have found is that you cannot realistically expect to see results for a good 8-12 weeks as the levels need to build in your system.
Sorry if any of this is confusing, I hope you can find an answer that suits you.
Good luck with it all
Pas xx