According to the National Institutes of Health, the positive health benefits of fish oil include, in addition to many other potential benefits, reduction in blood pressure and lower rates of cardiovascular illness. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in fish oil as a remedy for bipolar disorder and depression.
How It Works
Fish oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the active ingredients in omega-3 fish oil. Several studies, cited at the McMan's Depression and Bipolar website, suggest that EPA is the chemical component that may improve symptoms of depression. While the exact mechanisms are unknown, one pathway noted by researchers, such as Andrew Stoll of Harvard, is that cell membranes are partially comprised of omega-3 oils. Omega-3 oils appear to soften cell membranes, making it easier for brain chemicals that regulate mood, such as the neurotransmitter serotonin, to pass through the membrane.
Effects on Bipolar Depression
A 1998 study published in the "Journal of Affective Disorders" found that patients with depression had lower levels of omega-3s in their red blood cell membranes. In 1999, Stoll conducted a pilot study of 30 patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a condition in which people vacillate between episodes of mania and depression. Half the study subjects were given 9.6 grams (g) of fish oil each day; half were given a placebo of olive oil. Within four months of initiating treatment, 64 percent of the patients who took the fish oil had significantly lower rates of depression.
Diet and Depression
Stoll's results are supported by cross cultural epidemiological research. Studies, like those reported at both the Journal Watch Psychiatry and Health websites, indicate that populations that eat greater amounts of fish per capita, such as Japan (147 lbs. per year) and Iceland (225 lbs. per year), have lower rates of depression than populations where fish is eaten far less.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is far more common in countries with lower levels of seafood consumption. Due to transfer of fatty acids to the fetus, a woman's body is depleted of fatty acids during pregnancy. According to the Health website, evidence indicates that there is a tendency for women who develop postpartum depression to have an omega-3 deficiency.
Diet and Fish Oil
Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, seeds and cold water fish, such as bluefish, carp, catfish, halibut, herring, mackerel, salmon, striped sea bass, tuna and whitefish. Omega-3 fatty acids should be consumed on an equal ratio with omega-6 fatty acids. However, Western diets tend to have 10-to-20 fold more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. Unless you are going to eat cold water fish two to four times a week, it is difficult to consume sufficient amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplements are widely available, provide several health benefits and have few side effects. Take 1.5 to 3.5g of omega-3 a day, with food, and with Vitamin C and Vitamin E to aid in the metabolism of the omega-3. When buying fish oil, read the label to make sure it has been filtered so there is no heavy metal concentration. Make sure it has more EPA than DHA.
Cautions
If taken as instructed, there are no significant side effects of fish oil. However, it can potentially interact with medications you are taking, such as blood thinners, blood pressure medications and others. The efficacy of fish oil as a treatment of bipolar disorder or depression is still in early stages or research. It should not be considered to be a replacement for therapy or medication. It is best viewed as a complement to treatment. Consult with your prescribing doctor before taking any dietary supplements.
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