Though the exact mechanism is unknown, it is thought that supplementing omega 3s through fish and/or flaxseed oil may help in the treatment of depression - a symptom of bipolar disorder.
In a double-blind study reported in 1999, 30 people with bipolar disorder took either fish oil capsules or placebo for 4 months, in addition to their regular medications.1 Those taking the fish oil had longer symptom-free periods than those taking placebo. The researchers used five different standardized tests to measure symptoms, examining levels of depression, mania, and overall progress. The people taking fish oil proved emotionally healthier than those taking placebo on all but one of these tests. Another study found that ethyl-EPA (a modified form of a constituent of fish oil) was helpful along with standard treatment for the depressed phase of bipolar disorder.19 A third study failed to find ethyl-EPA helpful for rapid cycling bipolar disorder.24
The same researchers who conducted the fish oil study have also experimented with flaxseed oil for bipolar disorder.5 Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid related to the fatty acids in fish oil. In the researchers' informal observations of 22 people with bipolar disorder, all but four appeared to benefit from flaxseed oil.
In a double-blind study reported in 1999, 30 people with bipolar disorder took either fish oil capsules or placebo for 4 months, in addition to their regular medications.1 Those taking the fish oil had longer symptom-free periods than those taking placebo. The researchers used five different standardized tests to measure symptoms, examining levels of depression, mania, and overall progress. The people taking fish oil proved emotionally healthier than those taking placebo on all but one of these tests. Another study found that ethyl-EPA (a modified form of a constituent of fish oil) was helpful along with standard treatment for the depressed phase of bipolar disorder.19 A third study failed to find ethyl-EPA helpful for rapid cycling bipolar disorder.24
The same researchers who conducted the fish oil study have also experimented with flaxseed oil for bipolar disorder.5 Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid related to the fatty acids in fish oil. In the researchers' informal observations of 22 people with bipolar disorder, all but four appeared to benefit from flaxseed oil.
Though the exact mechanism is unknown, it is thought that supplementing omega 3s through fish and/or flaxseed oil may help in the treatment of depression - a symptom of bipolar disorder.
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce on its own, and must obtain through food in the environment. There exists strong evidence showing a correlation between intake of fish high in omega-3's (or an omega-3 supplement) and decreased incidence of depression.7
Find other natural remedies for depression
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce on its own, and must obtain through food in the environment. There exists strong evidence showing a correlation between intake of fish high in omega-3's (or an omega-3 supplement) and decreased incidence of depression.7
Find other natural remedies for depression
1 M, Peet. (1998). Depletion of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels in Red Blood Cell Membranes of Depressive Patients. Biological Psychiatry, (43)5.
2 Mischoulon D & Fava M. Docosahexanoic acid and omega-3 fatty acids in depression. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2000 Dec; 23(4)
3 Shannon, S. (2002). Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Mental Health. San Diego: Academic Press.
4 Mischoulon, D. (2007). Update and critique of natural remedies as antidepressant treatments. Psychiatr Clin North Am (31) 51-68
5 Clayton EH, Hanstock, TL, Garg, ML, Hazell PL (2007). Long Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the the Treatment of Psychiatric Illnesses in Children and Adolescents. Acta Neuropsychiatr (19) 92-103.
6 Van Der Watt, G, Laugharne, J. & Janca, A. (2008). Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Treatement of Anxiety and Depression. Current Opinionhiatry (21) 37-42.
7 Life Extension, "A Drug-Free Cure for Depression": James S. Gordon, Donna Caruso
Having been shown as safe, Omega 3's could prove effective for anyone suffering from depression. Specific populations such as the elderly, pregnant or lactating women,and people with medical co-morbid conditions might specifically benefit from this alternative therapy.4 One study specifically found omega-3 fatty acids to likely benefit the treatment of depression in children and adolescents, though more research is needed.5
A survey conducted in Australia showed that people who experience mild to moderate depression are more likely to use remedies like herbs, nutritional supplements (including omega-3s) and other alternative therapies than those with sever depression who were more likely to seek conventional professional help.6
Omega-3 can be obtained through plants, such as walnuts, flaxseed, canola oil, and soy beans. However, the best source of omega-3s can be found in cold water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines. Omega-3s are also found in meat and eggs.
Omega-3s can also be obtained through manufactured pills containing fish oils. A normal dosage consists of 3 grams of DHA and EPA per day.3 Take on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before eating or at bedtime to reduce unwanted side effects.3
Some studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acid intake and depression are inversely correlated.1 Other studies have shown that omega-3 deficiencies result in decreased stress tolerance, increased vulnerability to toxins, and increased anxiety.2
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce on its own, and must obtain through food in the environment. There exists strong evidence showing a correlation between intake of fish high in omega-3's (or an omega-3 supplement) and decreased incidence of depression.7
Find other natural remedies for depression
A total of 60% of the human brain is made out of fat. Omega-3 fatty acids in the brain regulate serotonin synthesis, release and re-uptake. Since the body cannot make this essential fatty acid alone, it must be consumed through diet.
