omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder
topic overview
omega-3 fatty acids are found in marine or plant sources, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil. a few studies suggest that adding omega-3 fatty acids to medicine (such as lithium) can help reduce the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder in some people. omega-3 fatty acids don't seem to have any effect on the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. and omega-3 fatty acids alone are not a good treatment for bipolar disorder. they are not a replacement for medicine or other therapy used to treat bipolar disorder.footnote 1, footnote 2
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 help support the membranes of brain cells, making it easier for them to send signals to one another, which may reduce the likelihood of depressive symptoms.footnote 1
credits
current as of: june 24, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: june 24, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
montgomery p, richardson aj (2009). omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder. cochrane database of systematic reviews (1).
sarris j, et al. (2012). omega-3 for bipolar disorder: meta-analyses of use in mania and bipolar depression. journal of clinical psychiatry, 73(1): 81–86.
