Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally occurring chemicals that play important roles in several biochemical reactions in the human body. Although the exact role of omega-3 fatty acids in the body is not yet fully understood, they are present in large quantities in the brain, leading researchers to theorize that they may be involved in brain function. Recent evidence suggests omega-3 fatty acids may be effective in treating bipolar disorder. Like all health supplements, you should only take omega-3 fatty acids after consulting your doctor.
Omega-3 for Bipolar Disorder
The doses of omega-3 fatty acids that have been tested for treating bipolar disorder range from 1 to 2 g per day. Some findings suggest that a daily dose of 1 g is effective. Taking 2 g per day does not provide additional protection, according to a study published in the "British Journal of Psychiatry" in January 2006.
Type of Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids come in several different forms, and the exact type of omega-3 fatty acid appears to make an important difference in its function. Most studies of bipolar disease have used a form of omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. Other forms of omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, have not been thoroughly tested for treatment of bipolar disorder.
Sources of Omega-3
The EPA form of omega-3 fatty acid is found almost exclusively in seafood. Fatty fishes that live in cold water, including salmon, sardines and herring, are particularly good sources of EPA. Most doctors agree that eating two servings of fish each week is a healthy way to increase your intake of EPA, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Most commercially available health supplements made from fish oil contain high levels of both EPA and DHA.
Maximum Dosage
Although fish oil supplements are usually safe, they may cause side effects, especially when taken in large doses, MedlinePlus explains. Doses of larger than 3 g per day may cause nausea, heartburn, loose stools or diarrhea. A nosebleed or rash is also possible. A common complaint relating to fish oil supplements is bad breath or persistent burps that taste like fish. Fish oil may also have a blood-thinning effect, which can increase the risk of bleeding, especially for people who are taking other blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin.
References
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- "British Journal of Psychiatry"; Efficacy of Ethyl-Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Bipolar Depression: Randomised Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study; S Frangou, et al.; January 2006
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Essential Fatty Acids
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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