Approximately two million adults in the United States develop bipolar disorder each year, according to Francis Mondimore, author of the book "Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families." Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression, is a chronic psychological disorder that causes unpredictable mood changes that can interfere with your ability to function on a day-to-day basis. It usually appears in early adulthood, but you can develop this disorder at an earlier or later age. Treatment generally consists of anti-psychotic and antidepressant medications, psychotherapy and a healthy diet. Certain vitamins can regulate your moods and manage your condition.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that eases bipolar-related depression, increases blood flow to the brain, protects your body from infections, diseases and viruses, repairs damaged brain tissue, reduces oxidative stress in your body and elevates your moods, according to Michael Zimmermann, author of the book "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease." The recommended daily dosage for vitamin A is 700mcg for women and 900mcg for men. Foods rich in vitamin A include beef liver, chicken liver, fortified milk, cheddar cheese, carrots, papaya, peaches, sweet peppers, instant oatmeal, cantaloupes, apricots and egg substitutes.
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that supports a healthy nervous system, improves brain function and alleviates manic symptoms such as insomnia, distractibility and agitation, according to Gary Null, author of the book "Food-Mood Connection: Nutritional and Environmental Approaches to Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing." The recommended daily dosage for vitamin B9 is 200mcg for men, 180mcg for menopausal women, 400mcg for women who are trying to get pregnant or who are already pregnant and 280mcg for women who are breastfeeding. Foods rich in vitamin B9 include spinach, turnip greens, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, liver, beans, peas, fortified cereals and juices, and grains.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that aids in cellular metabolism, increases red blood cell production, regulates your moods, improves your energy levels, reduces bipolar symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and night terrors and lowers your risk of dementia, a serious complication that can occur in bipolar patients who have low vitamin B12 levels, notes Brian Quinn, author of the book "Depression Sourcebook." The recommended daily dosage for vitamin B12 is 2.4mcg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include beef liver, clams, fortified cereals, tuna, Swiss cheese, milk, beef tacos, ham, eggs, plain yogurt, roasted chicken and salmon.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your body from harmful free radicals, according to Steve Blake, author of the book "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified." Blake reports that vitamin E also improves your mood and lowers your risk of bipolar-related seizures. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin E is 15mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin E include wheat germ, olives, spinach, mangoes, soybeans, tomatoes, kiwi, hazelnuts, almonds, peanut butter and corn oil.
References
- "Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families"; Francis Mark Mondimore; 2006
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2006
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann; 2001
- "Depression Sourcebook"; Brian P. Quinn; 2000
- "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified"; Steve Blake; 2007
- "Food-Mood Connection: Nutritional and Environmental Approaches to Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing"; Gary Null; 2008
