A Cochrane systematic review investigated the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder. Only one trial out of 5 provided data that could be analysed, investigating ethyl-EPA(=eicosapentaenoic acid) as an adjunctive treatment in a mixed outpatient population. Some positive benefits were found for depressive symptoms but not for mania, and no adverse events were reported.
There is currently insufficient evidence on which to base any clear recommendations concerning omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder. However, given the general health benefits and safety of omega-3, the preliminary evidence from this review provides a strong case for well-powered, high-quality trials in specific index populations.
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
From Medscape
the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 are taken in through diet and compete with each other for the same elongation enzymes. Omega-6 eventually leads to arachidonic acid and eicosanoids, which promote inflammation, platelet clotting, and the production of prostaglandins. Omega-3 also leads to the production of eicosanoids, but the eicosanoids that are derived from omega-3 -- eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) -- actually possess anti-inflammatory properties and decrease platelet stickiness.
These two main omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have important biological functions in the brain. DHA is a component of neuronal membranes, and changing the fatty acid composition of neuronal membranes leads to functional changes in the activity of receptors and other proteins embedded in the neuronal membranes. This is why researchers got interested in the use of omega-3 fatty acids in all kinds of psychiatric disorders, also in bipolar disorder. Stabilizing the membrane could possibly mean also stabilizing mood.
The only study used in this review was a 12 week, double-blind, randomised trial with 3 conditions.
Active treatment, receiving a total of 1g/day of EPA, active treatment, receiving a total of 2g/day of EPA, or control treatment, receiving a total of 2g/day of a placebo (liquid paraffin). There was no significant difference between 1 or 2 grams of EPA a day, the groups were combined for analysis.All participants were allowed to continue all associated psychotropic medication during the trial. Participants were recruited on the referral of their treating physicians or through advertisements in patient groups’ newsletters. 75 Patients participated which is a small group.
My opinion is that it is to early to speak of an additional effect, on the other hand no adverse effects were found.
Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids (thanks WHFoods)
Montgomery, P., Richardson, A., Montgomery, P. (2008). Omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005169.pub2
5 comments:
You forgot cod liver oil! It tastes like s**t though.
I never thought cod liver oil tasted that bad. But, then, I don't think skunks smell that bad either.....
Was that Flaxseed Oil? or just Flaxseeds?
I ma curious, when you say 1-2grams EPA were used in the study, is that 1-2 gram of Omega 3 fish oils, or the actual EPA compound. The reason I'm asking is my pdoc told me to take 6 grams fish oil/flax seed oil with 18% EPA and 12% DHA. I have no idea how to calculate getting 1-2% EPA from that.
I have never thought it has helped me but also have felt no bad side effects either at 6 grams (except I hate salmon now...because the capsules leave an aftertaste of salmon...yuck. It's better if you take them with food.
Thanks,
...aqua
Dear Aqua,
To ensure that the omega-3 fatty acids can be fully absorbed into brain cell membranes it should ideally be used for three months minimum.
The dose and composition of the omega-3 supplement should be 1-2 g/day of a an all-EPA or majority EPA supplement. So 1-2 grams of actual EPA and your pdoc is right, 18% of 6 grams is more than 1 gram EPA.
I always find it hard to believe that such a simple measure is of benefit but than you never know.
Regards Dr Shock
Salmon, soy beans, check. Walnuts, checked. Hooray!
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