Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oils and in some plant and nut oils. Fish oil from fatty fish like halibut, tuna and salmon is rich in docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and in eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. Walnuts and canola, olive, soybean and flaxseed oils contain alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a variety of health benefits, such as higher good cholesterol levels, lower overall blood pressure, reduced risk of cardiovascular events and improved diabetes outcomes. Omega-3s are also associated with lowered depression and bipolar disorder symptoms in some people.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Overview
Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for your health, but the human body is unable to manufacture them. Instead, you must get omega-3s from either food or supplement sources. Fatty fish like tuna and salmon is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s reduce inflammation in the body, which is why they contribute to a reduced chance of conditions like hardening of the arteries, heart disease and arthritis. These essential fatty acids also contribute to normal brain function and memory and are found in greater concentrations in the brain than anywhere else in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Omega-3s to Treat Bipolar
There has been a great deal of research on whether omega-3s can help treat bipolar disorder by helping stabilize the mood swings associated with this disease. The April 2008 issue of the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" published a review of much of the research on how omega-3 fatty acids impact bipolar disorder. In this case, the researchers reviewed five studies and found that omega-3 fatty acids seemed to have a positive effect on symptoms in people being treated for bipolar disorder. Talk to your physician before beginning any new treatment regimen.
Omega-3s and Mood
Some research has explored how omega-3 fatty acids specifically impact mood in people who are being treated for bipolar disorder. In a study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and released in March of 2006, researchers found that study participants who had a lower level of omega-3 fatty acids in their bloodstreams were more likely to report feelings of depression and negativity and to be more impulsive. Those with higher levels of omega-3s were more likely to report a positive overall mood.
Limitations of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
While omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with positive outcomes in people with bipolar disorder, most people are not able to discontinue their current treatment regimen and substitute omega-3 supplements. In the "Cochrane Database" review, it was found that, while people experienced an overall improvement in symptoms, omega-3 supplements did not appear to reduce or influence manic behavior. The National Institutes of Health lists the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil as "possibly effective" for treating depressive symptoms and extending the length between bouts of depression in people with bipolar disorder, but notes that omega-3s have not been found to alleviate manic behavior.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Bipolar Disorder; P. Montgomery & A.J. Richardson; April 2008
- "Psychiatry Research"; Serum Omega-3 Fatty Acids are Associated With Variation in Mood, Personality and Behavior in Hypercholesterolemic Community Volunteers; S.M. Conklin et al.; July 2007
- Medline Plus: Fish Oil
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