Ask the Pharmacist
Omega-3 for bipolar disorders: does it work?
I have been diagnosed with bipolar-type behavior disorder: I have found on some sites that patients with the same disorder as me can be effectively treated with doses of Omega-3. In case of accredited scientific confirmation of the effectiveness of such a treatment, would you know the most suitable product and dose to take? Thank you
Dear Mario,
Several scientific studies have shown that an imbalance in Omega-3 fatty acid intake may be related to neurological disorders. Omega-3 EPA and DHA in fact regulate the production of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, and help promote mood balance, calmness and coordination. Epochal in this regard was the study conducted by the research group led by Dr. Stoll at Harvard Medical School. The results demonstrated marked improvements in bipolar disorder, in as little as 4 months, with high doses (over 9 grams per day) of Omega-3.
Studies show that EPA is as effective as Fluoxetine in controlling depressive symptoms. The EPA-Fluoxetine combination was found to be better than their single administration. This therefore suggests a synergistic effect between the 2 compounds that justifies their use in combination. The American Psychiatric Association recommends that all adults consume fish at least 2 times a week. Also according to the same body, individuals with mood disorders should take at least 1 gram of EPA/DHA daily, going up to a maximum of 3.
Higher dosages require monitoring by a physician. Based on published studies, doses of Omega-3 proven effective in bipolar disorder range from 1 gram per day to higher dosages depending on the subject's response. The product I recommend to you is Omegor Vitality 1000, a highly concentrated and purified supplement of Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in triglyceride form, the one most easily assimilated by our bodies.
We have said that the effective dose of Omega-3 in depressive disorders is about 1 gram: considering that each pearl of Omegor Vitality contains 420 milligrams of EPA and 210 milligrams of DHA, I recommend that you take at least 2 pearls per day in one or more different solutions before a main meal. However, I recommend that you always talk to your primary care physician when you plan to start dietary supplementation. You may consult some of the studies mentioned through the links below.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Bipolar Disorder.
- Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic acid in Bipolar Depression:a report of a small open-label study.
- The health benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: a review of the evidence.
- Omega-3 fatty acids decreased irritability of patients with bipolar disorder in an add-on, open label study.
- Therapeutic use of omega-3 in bipolar disorder.
- Nutritional therapies for mental disorders.
- Omega-3 fatty acids as treatments for mental illness: which disorder and which fatty acid?
I hope I have provided you with a few more assessment tools, and I invite you to contact us again if you have any other questions about this issue.
Sincerely.
Dr. Rosaria Ramondino Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Chemist
