Herring. Mackerel. Salmon. Halibut. Tuna. Swordfish. All of these types of fish contain what are called omega-3 fatty acids. Because of their biological importance to the brain, omega-3s just may be helpful in the treatment of bipolar depression, according to a new study.
Research has already shown the benefits of omega-3s for unipolar depression, but until now it was a mixed bag when it comes to treatment of bipolar depression.
Omega-3s can also be found in vegetable oils, flax seeds and flaxseed oil, and green, leafy vegetables.
Researchers examined 27 people with bipolar disorder and compared them to 31 mentally healthy participants. The scientists also amassed self-reported information on bipolar medication use and fatty acid consumption.
The results were published in the scientific journal Bipolar Disorders.
The study participants with bipolar disorder had lower levels of omega-3.
Omega-3 fatty acids are pivotal in communication between brain cells, and fatty acids play a significant role in the inflammatory and immune systems.
“Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can shift the balance of inflammation, which we think is important in bipolar disorder,” study leader Erika Saunders, an associate professor and chairwoman of psychiatry at Penn State College of Medicine in College Park, Pennsylvania, said in a press release.
“We are actively pursuing the next step in this line of inquiry to get to the point where we know what changes in diets are going to help people with bipolar disorder so they can have another option beyond the medications that are currently available,” she continued.
Saunders did say there was no reason for dietary adjustment yet. But it won’t hurt to take a fish oil supplement. The pills smell and taste nasty, but you can get them at most any health food or vitamin store.
