Omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in marine or plant sources, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil. Preliminary studies suggest that people with bipolar disorder who take omega-3 fatty acids have a significantly longer period in which their mood is stable with no episodes of depression or mania (remission).¹

There are few, if any, negative side effects of taking omega-3 fatty acids; loose stools were reported most often. Researchers think that omega-3 fatty acids may block signals in the central nervous system that trigger depression and mania. However, more research needs to be conducted before there is sufficient evidence that omega-3 fatty acids improve the course of bipolar disorder.²

Citations

1. Stoll AL, et al. (1999). Omega-3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 56(5): 407–412.

2. Bowden CL (2001). Novel treatments for bipolar disorder. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs, 10(4): 661–671.