Omega-3 for bipolar disorder

Posted on Mon, 27 Feb 12

Studies of omega-3 for bipolar disorder have produced mixed results however a new analysis of the collective data has found that overall there is strong evidence of a beneficial effect. 

After pooling data from 5 independent studies with a total number of some 291 participants it was revealed that omega-3 supplementation as a complement to treatment significantly reduces depressive symptoms. However, while some trials have suggested benefit of omega-3 in mania the pooled data suggested no effect.

“The meta-analytic findings provide strong evidence that bipolar depressive symptoms may be improved by adjunctive use of omega-3” concluded the authors.

Some, but not all studies of omega-3 for bipolar have shown benefit the totality of evidence suggests omega-3 may be a very useful addition to treatment.  Dosages and treatment duration across studies vary considerably, but it has been suggested that a minimum of 1000 mg equivalent of EPA (an active component of fish oil) per day would be beneficial.

Reference:

Sarris J, Mischoulon D, Schweitzer I. Omega-3 for bipolar disorder: meta-analyses of use in mania and bipolar depression. J Clin Psychiatry. 2011 Aug 9. [Epub ahead of print]