Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Bipolar Mood Disorder

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Synopsis

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

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil, have been studied as adjunctive treatments for Bipolar Mood Disorder (BMD). The interest in omega-3s is grounded in their anti-inflammatory properties and their role in brain cell membrane fluidity and neurotransmission, which are thought to influence mood regulation. Some early randomized controlled trials (RCTs), such as a 1999 study by Stoll et al., suggested that omega-3 supplementation may reduce depressive symptoms and lengthen periods of remission in bipolar disorder. However, subsequent studies have yielded mixed results. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews generally indicate that while there may be modest benefit—mainly for depressive symptoms—omega-3 fatty acids do not robustly impact mania or overall mood stabilization. The most consistent finding is a potential benefit of high-EPA formulations as adjunctive (add-on) therapy, rather than as a monotherapy.

Despite these findings, the quality of evidence is moderate at best, with limitations including small sample sizes and variability in study design and omega-3 dosing. Most clinical guidelines do not recommend omega-3 fatty acids as a primary treatment for bipolar disorder but suggest they may be considered as an adjunct in select cases, especially when standard treatments are insufficient or poorly tolerated. In summary, there is some scientific evidence suggesting a modest adjunctive benefit, but it is not strong enough to support widespread clinical use as a standalone therapy.

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Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
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Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
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Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Anger (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
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Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
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Menopause
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Migraine
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Neuralgia and Neuritis
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Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
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PMS Type D
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Polyps
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Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
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Rosacea
Schizophrenia
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Triglycerides (high)
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