Can Omega-3 help for Bipolar Disorder?

Why Omega-3 helps Treat Bipolar Disorder

Omega-3 can help treat bipolar disorder because it can regulate the synthesis of dopamine and calm the nerves.

Furthermore, omega-3 also helps bipolar disorder because it strengthens the cell membrane. This allows it to absorb serotonin more effectively, helping regulate mood and behavior.

In addition, omega-3 can help reduce inflammation in the brain which improves nerve cell communication, allowing it to function smoothly. This helps prevent mood disruptions.

Some studies support these claims. For instance, the study, “Effects of Omega-3 Supplement in the Treatment of Patients with Bipolar I Disorder,” found that omega-3 was effective in treating bipolar disorder.

This is because “omega-3 is influential for brain development, function of brain membrane enzymes, learning, and many other instances, and its deficiency is associated with many psychological disorders.”

How Omega-3 works for Bipolar Disorder

Omega-3 is a healthy polyunsaturated fat that consists of three main types of omega acids including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

These omega-3 fatty acids help treat bipolar disorder by:

1- Regulating dopamine levels: dopamine levels are either too low or too high in individuals with bipolar disorder. The imbalance of dopamine in the brain can affect normal bodily functions such as sleep and attention and contribute to manic or depressive episodes. By normalizing dopamine levels in the body, omega-3 helps nerve cells communicate more effectively and maintains proper brain function.

2- Improving serotonin uptake: Serotonin can improve a person’s mood and behavior, especially during depressive episodes. However, individuals with bipolar disorder have lower levels of serotonin in the brain.

Omega-3 strengthens the cell membrane and allows it to take up serotonin. This helps the brain maintain proper functions and stabilizes mood.

3- Reducing inflammation in the brain: the omega-3 fatty acids EPA releases anti-inflammatory chemicals called eicosanoids that reduce the level of inflammation in the brain. This strengthens cell signaling and regulates the number of neurotransmitters in the brain, which stabilizes mood and energy levels.

Omega-3 for Bipolar Disorder: How much to Take

The recommended dosage of Omega-3 for bipolar disorder varies depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated.

It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement, including omega-3. A health expert can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific health needs and any other medications you may be taking.

Nevertheless, as a general guideline, the Food and Nutrition Board of the U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends that men take 1.6 grams of omega-3, while women take 1.1 grams of omega-3 per day if they are above the age of 18.

Omega-3 for Bipolar Disorder: Precautions

If you want to take omega-3 supplements to treat bipolar disorder, you should consider the following precautions:

1- People with certain medical conditions

People with the following medical conditions should take precautions and consult a doctor before they begin taking omega supplements.

- Diabetes: consuming excessive omega-3 fats may lower blood sugar levels. People who have diabetes should consult a doctor to determine the appropriate dose for their condition.

- A seizure disorder: consuming excessive omega-6 fats such as GLA may cause seizures in people who have a seizure disorder.

- Allergies: people who have allergies should take precautions before taking omega fatty acid supplements.

Many omega supplements come from fish sources, and people who are allergic to fish cannot take these supplements. Some supplements may also contain peanut and soy, which are also common allergens.

2- Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Consuming excessive omega-6 fats may cause pregnant women to have pregnancy complications such as early labor and contribute to the poor development of the fetus.

Pregnant women should also avoid omega-3 because it affects their blood clotting abilities and increases the risk of bleeding. Also, some omega-3 supplements like cod liver oil contain vitamin A, which might be harmful to the fetus.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid omega-3 fish oil supplements that come from fish that contain high amounts of mercury, such as mackerel, swordfish, or tilefish, because mercury may harm the baby.

3- Interaction with other medications

Omega fats may interact with different medications and exacerbate certain conditions. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking omega fatty acids supplements if you take the following medication:

- Anticoagulant medication: Omega fats can interfere with blood-thinning medication. Consuming excessive amounts of omega fats can cause blood thinning or excessive bleeding.

- Blood pressure medication: consuming excessive amounts of omega fats may lower blood pressure and interfere with blood pressure medication.

4- Vitamin A toxicity

If you are taking omega-3 supplements, always check the amount of vitamin A. Some omega-3 supplements may contain very high amounts of vitamin A, which may cause vitamin A toxicity.

People should also avoid cod liver oil because it contains a high amount of vitamin A. They can substitute it with other omega-3 supplements that aren’t high in vitamin A like fish or krill oil.

Omega-3 for Bipolar Disorder: Side Effects

If you take omega-3, you may experience unwanted side effects such as an unpleasant taste in the mouth, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, low blood pressure, high blood sugar, diarrhea, headaches, and smelly sweat.