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Is Omega 3 Helpful With Bipolar Disorder?

As of 2009, the medical jury is still contemplating whether omega-3 is helpful in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Plenty of studies show that omega-3 may be helpful with the depressive side of the disorder, but the manic state remains in debate.

  1. Features

    • Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna, and in plant foods like flaxseed and walnuts.

    Types

    • The three main types of omega-3 fatty acids include eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and alpha-linolenic acid.

    Might Be Helpful

    • Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may lower the amount of mood swings in the short-term, when combined with medication.

    What Might Not Help

    • Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the type of omega-3 found in plant foods, may not help with the treatment of bipolar disorder. To be effective, ALA must be converted into EPA or DHA, but the human body only converts 10 to 15 percent of ALA.

    Considerations

    • There's a very small risk that omega-3 fatty acids may induce mania in some people with bipolar disorder.

    Warning

    • Before taking any type of supplement, discuss it with your physician first.

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