Efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on improvement of bipolar symptoms: a systematic review
Efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on improvement of bipolar symptoms: a systematic review
Turnbull et al., 2008 | Arch Psychiatr Nurs | Systematic Review
Citation
Turnbull Teresa, Cullen-Drill Mary, Smaldone Arlene. Efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on improvement of bipolar symptoms: a systematic review. Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2008-Oct;22(5):305-11. doi:10.1016/j.apnu.2008.02.011
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to examine the current level of evidence regarding the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in improving bipolar disorder symptoms. Of 99 articles meeting initial search criteria, 5 randomized control trials and 2 quasi-experimental studies were selected for review. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was effective in 4 of 7 studies. Those using an omega-3 combination of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexanoic acid demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in bipolar symptoms, whereas those using a single constituent did not. Dosage variations did not demonstrate statistically significant differences. Due to its benign side effect profile and some evidence supporting its usefulness in bipolar illness, omega-3 may be a helpful adjunct in treatment of selected patients. Future studies are needed to conclusively confirm the efficacy of omega-3s in bipolar disorder, uncovering a new well-tolerated treatment option.
Key Findings
Future studies are needed to conclusively confirm the efficacy of omega-3s in bipolar disorder, uncovering a new well-tolerated treatment option.
Outcomes Measured
- Requires manual extraction
Population
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | See abstract |
| Sample Size | 7 |
| Age Range | See abstract |
| Condition | See abstract |
MeSH Terms
- Bipolar Disorder
- Brain Chemistry
- Dietary Supplements
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Fatty Acids, Omega-3
- Humans
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Patient Selection
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- Psychotropic Drugs
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Research Design
- Severity of Illness Index
- Signal Transduction
- Treatment Outcome
Evidence Classification
- Level: Systematic Review
- Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
- Vertical: omega-3-bipolar
Provenance
- PMID: 18809123
- DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2008.02.011
- PMCID: Not in PMC
- Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API
Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09