Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes ranging between major depression and compulsive mania. Treatment is intended to manage the disruption of your life and includes diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, in addition to medication and counseling. Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential nutrient, critical for normal function of the brain. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may be part of a healthy lifestyle to ease bipolar symptoms, but will not replace prescription medication.
About Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are important raw materials needed for proper function of your body, especially the nervous and immune systems. Phospholipids made using omega-3 fatty acids are important components of the membranes of neurons, controlling the location and life cycle of receptors that control brain signaling. Though there is no established recommendation for daily intake, MayoClinic.com recommends that adults consume 800 mg to 1,100 mg of the short chain omega-3 ALA, alpha-linoleic acid, found in vegetables, seeds and nuts and 300 to 500 mg of long-chain omega-3 DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, and EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid.
Treating Bipolar Disorder
The cause of bipolar disorder is not known, although it is suspected to be an unstable balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain. Repeated episodes vary between severe depression and the energy and compulsion of mania or hypomania. Treatment may include medication to manage symptoms of depression and limit swings between episodes. Support programs to manage lifestyle changes often include healthy diet and exercise.
Will Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help?
Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly lacking in the modern diet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research studies have found lower than average levels of omega-3 fatty acids in blood tests of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Though the role of omega-3 fatty acids in depression and bipolar disorder are unclear, a review of the literature by Liperoti et al. from 2009 suggested the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are beneficial.
Safe Supplementation
Do not alter your treatment for bipolar disorder without first consulting your health-care provider. Fish, krill and algae oil are the best sources of supplemental EPA and DHA. Supplementation may interfere with the absorption of medication taken at the same time and may increase the effectiveness of blood thinners or diabetes medication. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you experience any changes in symptoms, especially self-harmful behavior.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Medical Reference: Complementary Medicine: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Pubmed Health: Bipolar Disorder; March 21, 2010
- "Current Pharmaceutical Design"; Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Depression: a Review of the Evidence; Liperoti et al.; 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid; November 5, 2010
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