Research has found a small link between bipolar disorder and omega-3 fatty acids. To achieve their results, researchers compared 27 bipolar patients with 31 individuals without mental illness. The researchers found that those with bipolar disorder had the lowest levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Study lead, Dr. Erika Saunders, said, “Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can shift the balance of inflammation, which we think is important in bipolar disorder.”
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Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish, flax seed and oil, and vegetable oils. The study did not find a difference in consumption of omega-3 fatty acid foods between the two groups. The researchers were unsure if this was because of poor recall from the participants or because only certain foods were included in the study.
Researchers are now examining whether or not increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake could improve bipolar disorder.
Dr. Saunders added, “We are actively pursuing the next step in this line of inquiry, to get to the point where we know what changes in diets are going to help people with bipolar disorder so they can have another option beyond the medications that are currently available.”
The study was published in Bipolar Disorders.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
