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Nutritional Supplements & Amino Acids for Bipolar Disorder

Nutritional and amino acid supplements can be taken by people with bipolar disorder as long as there are no drug interactions. These supplements may help ease the depression, mania and other symptoms associated with the disorder. If you are planning on taking supplements, there are several that have been shown to be effective, but it is important that you discuss this with your doctor before taking them.

  1. Amino Acid Supplements

    • Two amino acids are used to help treat bipolar disorder, both having to do with neurotransmitters. One neurotransmitter in particular plays a key role in mood stabilization: dopamine. Too little of this neurotransmitter can cause depression, while an excess can cause mania or psychosis. Tyrosine is an amino acid that helps form neurotransmitters, including dopamine. It is available in supplement form as L-tyrosine and is used by those with bipolar disorder to help fight depression. Taurine, another amino acid, inhibits neurotransmitters, causing the opposite effect of L-tyrosine. It is intended to help fight the manic phase of bipolar disorder.

    Vitamin and Herbal Supplements

    • St. John's Wort has been shown to help in the treatment of depression and anxiety. It is an effective alternative to antidepressants in mild to moderate depression. On the cautionary side, it can trigger mania in those with bipolar disorder without the use of another mood stabilizing supplement.

      Ginko biloba has been used in Chinese medicine for its ability to help with brain function. Ginko is also used to help with memory, which is something that people with bipolar disorder have difficulty with, especially during the manic phase.

      The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are used to help promote brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help fight depression. In addition, studies are being conducted to determine if omega-3 fatty acids may in fact be useful as a mood stabilizer for those with bipolar disorder.

      Melatonin is a neurohormone that is produced to help prepare your mind for sleep. Regular sleeping and waking cycles are essential for those with bipolar disorder to help stabilize their moods. This is a challenge as many with bipolar disorder have difficulty sleeping. Melatonin is available as a supplement to help with sleeping disorders and trouble getting to sleep.

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