Omega-3 Fish Oil: Treatment for Depression & Bipolar Disorder

Studies conducted across nations in the late 1990s until early 2000 linked fish and seafood consumption to fewer occurrences of depression and bipolar disorder. It had been noted that as the diet in Western countries changed where people eat less omega-3 fatty acids, the rates of depression likewise increased accordingly.

Fish oil contains omega-3, which is a polyunsaturated fatty acid which has been more popularly linked with lowering the risk of coronary heart disease and reducing bad cholesterol levels. Omega-3 has two active ingredients: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA is said to be the one that has therapeutic effect with regard to depression and bipolar disorder. Studies that used DHA for similar treatment apparently did not show significant results. Nevertheless, having both EPA and DHA does not manifest any adverse effects when taken with antidepressant as well as mood stabilizers. It is likewise recommended to take omega-3 along with vitamins C and E for good results.

The studies on omega-3 fatty acids as treatment for bipolar disorder and depression, however, are yet to be verified and validated. It remains unclear as to how omega-3 improves the symptoms of these two psychological disorders since results of different studies vary where the most favorable dosage is yet to be determined.

Although omega-3 appears to be a promising treatment for depression and bipolar disorder due to the absence of notable risks, it must only be taken together with your medication as complementary treatment and should not be considered as a replacement altogether. More importantly, clearing it with your doctor before taking them is still the best recourse.