Can Fish Oil Help Bipolar?
There have been a number of studies concerning fish oil and bipolar problems, as well as depressive conditions, attention deficit disorders, stress and other emotional problems. The results indicate that omega-3 fatty acids, the primary nutrients found in the oils are beneficial for all of those conditions.
If you understand just a little bit about the brain's composition, it is easy to figure out why supplementation is beneficial. The gray matter is mostly fat and one of the most abundant fats in the brain is an omega-3 called DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid.
Low levels of DHA in the bloodstream have been found in suicide victims and the clinically depressed. Some researchers believe that the increased incidence of depression in the US, the reason that the US can be referred to as the 'Prozac Nation', is due to the depletion of omega-3 fatty acids in foodstuff.
That depletion was primarily due to changes in farming practices. On an individual basis, food preferences must be considered. Hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries and pizza do not contain omega-3 fatty acids.
For all of these reasons, researchers initiated studies concerning omega-3 fish oil and bipolar problems. A review of those studies was recently published in the Archives of Psychiatric Nursing.
Researchers at the Columbia University School of Nursing originally evaluated 99 articles on the subject of omega-3 supplementation and the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Of those 99, only seven met the researchers' criteria for inclusion in the review.
Five were selected because they were randomized and included a control group. Typically a control group of volunteers does not receive the active drug or supplement. Researchers then compare the benefits noted in each group, without being aware of which group received the active compound.
Two of the studies concerning fish oil and bipolar problems were included because the data collected was considered unbiased. In four out of the seven studies, supplementation was beneficial.
In the three that showed no benefit, only DHA or EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) was used. In the other four, both of the fatty acids were included. Although the doses varied, the research indicated that the benefits were not dose dependant. In other words, whether a person took a little or a lot, the symptoms were reduced.
That single review adequately covered the studies concerning fish oil and bipolar problems conducted over the last two decades or longer. The reviewers still suggested that further study was needed, in order to determine exactly what dosage was most beneficial, which seems a bit contradictory, considering that the results were positive, regardless of what dosage the patient received.
The best recommendation for consumers looking for supplements is to evaluate the total omega-3 content. A 1000mg capsule should provide a minimum of 500mg of total omega-3 fatty acids.
The EPA and DHA content should also be considered. Some supplements contain mostly EPA, which is not believed to be as beneficial to the brain.
If you still have questions about fish oil and bipolar problems, you could consult your doctor. But, it is safe to say that supplementation is beneficial.
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Author: Larry L. Taylor