Omega-3 for Bipolar Disorder: Does it Work?

I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder: I found on some websites that patients with my disorder can be effectively treated with doses of Omega-3. In case of accredited scientific confirmation on the effectiveness of such treatment, could you indicate the most suitable product and the dose to take? Thank you.

Dear Mario,

Several scientific studies have shown that an imbalance in the intake of Omega-3 fatty acids may be related to neurological disorders. In fact, Omega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) regulate the production of neurotransmitters (such as dopamine and serotonin) and help promote mood balance, calm, and coordination. A landmark study in this regard was conducted by the research group led by Dr. Stoll at Harvard Medical School. The results showed significant improvements in bipolar disorder, in only 4 months, with high doses of Omega-3 (over 9 grams per day). 

Some studies suggest that EPA is as effective as fluoxetine in controlling depressive symptoms. Moreover, the EPA-fluoxetine combination was found to be better than the administration of the single agents; this suggests a synergistic effect between the two compounds that justifies their combined use. 

The American Psychiatric Association recommends all adults consume fish at least twice a week. According to the same organization, subjects with mood disorders should take at least 1 gram of EPA/DHA daily, up to a maximum of 3 grams. 

For higher doses, medical supervision is necessary. Based on published studies, effective doses of Omega-3 in bipolar disorder range from 1 gram per day to higher doses depending on individual response. 

The product I recommend is Omegor® Vitality 1000, a highly concentrated and purified Omega-3 EPA and DHA triglyceride form supplement, more easily assimilated by our body compared to the ethyl ester form found in many other Omega-3 supplements. 

Since, as mentioned, the effective dose of Omega-3 in depressive disorders is about 1 gram, and considering that each Omegor® Vitality 1000 capsule contains 420 milligrams of EPA and 210 milligrams of DHA, I recommend taking at least 2 capsules per day, either in one or two doses, before a main meal. However, I always recommend discussing with your healthcare provider before starting any supplementation. 

You may consult some of the cited studies at the following links:

• Stoll AL et al. Omega 3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder: a preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
• Osher Y et al. Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic acid in Bipolar Depression: a report of a small open-label study
• Ruxton CHS et al. The health benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: a review of the evidence
• Sagduyu K et al. Omega-3 fatty acids decreased irritability of patients with bipolar disorder in an add-on, open label study
• Balanzá-Martínez V et al. Therapeutic use of omega-3 in bipolar disorder
• Lakhan SE, Vieira KF. Nutritional therapies for mental disorders
• Ross BM et al. Omega-3 fatty acids as treatments for mental illness: which disorder and which fatty acid?

I hope I have provided you with some useful evaluation tools and I invite you to contact us again for any further questions. 

Best regards. 

Dr. Rosaria Ramondino Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Chemist