Figure 5. Forest Plot of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Depression Stratified by Methodological
Quality of Trials
Omega-3 fatty acids tended to show greater efficacy in trials judged of lower quality
(JADAD=3 or 4) than in trials judged of higher quality (JADAD=5 Test for subgroup
differences: Chi2 = 7.2, df = 1 (P = 0.007), I2 = 86%). Clinical trials were stratified based on
a median split of scores on the JADAD Scale The JADAD scale rates trials on presence and
appropriateness of randomization and blinding as well as whether the number and reasons
for dropouts was described in each trial.