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 could be related to neurological disorders. In fact, Omega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) regulate the production of neurotransmitters (such as dopamine and serotonin) and help promote mood balance, calm 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 of Omega-3 (over 9 grams per day).
Some studies suggest that EPA is as effective as fluoxetine in controlling depressive symptoms. In addition, the EPA-fluoxetine combination was found to be better than administration of the individual actives; thus, this 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 per day, going up to a maximum of 3.
Higher dosages require monitoring by a physician. Based on published studies, doses of Omega-3 effective in bipolar disorder range from 1 gram per day to higher dosages depending on the subject's response.
The product I recommend is Omegor® Vitality 1000, a highly concentrated and purified supplement of Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in triglyceride form, which is more easily assimilated by our bodies than the ethyl ester form found in several other Omega-3 supplements.
Given that, as mentioned above, the effective dose of Omega-3 in depressive disorders is about 1 gram, and considering that each pearl of Omegor® Vitality 1000 contains 420 milligrams of EPA and 210 milligrams of DHA, I recommend that you take at least 2 pearls per day in one or two 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 cited at the links below:
- Stoll AL et al. Omega 3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder: a preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Osher Y et al. Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic acid in Bipolar Depression:a report of a small open-label study.
- Ruxton CHS et al. The health benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: a review of the evidence
- Sagduyu K et al. Omega-3 fatty acids decreased irritability of patients with bipolar disorder in an add-on, open label study
- Balanzá-Martínez V et al. Therapeutic use of omega-3 in bipolar disorder.
- Lakhan SE, Vieira KF. Nutritional therapies for mental disorders.
- Ross BM et al. 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
