Evidence supporting the use of: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
For the health condition: Bipolar Mood Disorder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that has been studied for its potential role in supporting mental health, including Bipolar Mood Disorder. The scientific rationale stems from epidemiological and clinical observations indicating that populations with higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids tend to have lower rates of mood disorders. Furthermore, DHA is a major structural component of neuronal membranes and is believed to influence neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter function, and neuroprotection, all of which are implicated in mood regulation.

Several small randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have examined the effects of omega-3 supplementation (typically a combination of EPA and DHA) in bipolar disorder. Some studies have shown modest benefits, particularly for depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder, but not consistently for manic symptoms. Notably, most positive findings are attributed to EPA rather than DHA alone. The evidence for DHA specifically remains limited and inconsistent, with some studies finding little to no effect when DHA is used as a monotherapy or as the primary omega-3 in supplementation.

Based on current evidence, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary supportive data, the overall clinical benefit of DHA for bipolar disorder is unproven and not robust. Most guidelines do not recommend DHA as a standalone treatment, though omega-3s (especially those rich in EPA) may be considered as adjunctive therapy in some cases. More large-scale, high-quality studies are needed to clarify DHA’s specific role.

More about DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
More about Bipolar Mood Disorder

Products containing DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)

Thorne Advanced DHA
Vitabase Brain Support
Vitabase Complete Essential Fatty Acids
Pure Encapsulations DHA Ultimate
Pure Encapsulations DHA Ultimate
Pure Encapsulations EFA Essentials
Pure Encapsulations Energize Plus™ Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA
Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA essentials 1,000 mg
Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA essentials 1,000 mg
Vitabase EPA / DHA Omega-3
Pure Encapsulations EPA/DHA with Lemon
Pure Encapsulations EPA Ultimate
Klean Athlete Klean Omega ™
Douglas Laboratories Krill Oil
Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex
Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex
Metagenics MetaKids DHA
Metagenics MetaKids Nutrition Powder Chocolate
Metagenics MetaKids Nutrition Powder Vanilla
Pure Encapsulations NeuroMood Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Omega
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Omega
Thorne Omega-3 w/ CoQ10
Thorne Omega Superb Lemon Berry
Metagenics OmegaGenics Algae EPA-DHA 300 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics EPA DHA 2400 Fish Oil
Metagenics OmegaGenics EPA-DHA 300 Lemon Lime
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 1000 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 1000 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 500 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 500 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 720 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 720 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil EPA-DHA 720 mg
Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil Mega 10®
Metagenics OmegaGenics Neuro 1000 mg
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Hi-Po
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Hi-Po
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Hi-Po Liquid
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Liquid
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Synergy
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Synergy
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ TG1000
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Ultra
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Ultra
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Ultra DHA
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Ultra with Vitamin D3, K1 and K2
Douglas Laboratories Opti-EPA 500 ™ Cholesterol Free
Douglas Laboratories Opti-EPA 500 ™ Cholesterol Free
Metagenics PlusOne® Daily Prenatal Packs
Thorne Prenatal DHA
Pure Encapsulations Pro-Resolve Omega
Thorne Pro-Resolving Mediators
Integrative Therapeutics Pure Omega HP
Integrative Therapeutics Pure Omega Liquid
Integrative Therapeutics Pure Omega Ultra HP
Pure Encapsulations PureNutrients EPA/DHA
Douglas Laboratories QÜELL® FISH OIL DHA Ultra SPM
Douglas Laboratories QUELL Fish Oil ® - EPA/DHA Plus D
Metagenics SPM Active
Thorne Super EPA
Thorne Super EPA NSF
Thorne Super EPA Pro
Vitabase Super Omega-3
Douglas Laboratories Ultra G.L.A. Borage Oil
Douglas Laboratories Ultra G.L.A. Borage Oil
Pure Encapsulations Ultra Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations VisionPro EPA/DHA/GLA
Pure Encapsulations VisionPro EPA/DHA/GLA
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Active Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials® Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Women's Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Women's Prime Daily Packs
Designs For Health XanthOmega™ Krill Oil