The role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder – a narrative review

Abstract

Introduction and Objective. Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a chronic mental condition associated with significant impairment of psychosocial functioning and premature mortality due to somatic comorbidities, as well as high rates of completed suicides. Unfortunately, results of currently available methods of treatment are unsatisfactory. Thus, new therapeutic solutions are sought. Recently, particular attention has been paid to the use of nutraceuticals, especially Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (n-3 PUFAs), as an adjunctive treatment in various mental disorders. The aim of the review is to show the role of PUFAs in the pathogenesis of BD, and present results of already conducted studies investigating n-3 PUFAs supplementation effects on the BD clinical course. Materials and Method. Internet scientific bases were searched throughout January and February 2024 for the relevant to this topic literature from the past 15 years, using keywords: "bipolar disorder", "cardiovascular risk", "mental disorders", "omega-3 fatty acids", "polyunsaturated fatty acids", "remission", "treatment". Original and review articles were included. Manuscripts in other language than English were excluded from the search. To assess the proper quality of this manuscript, the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles were used. Brief description of the state of knowledge. There is lack of research assessing the importance of n-3 PUFAs in the treatment of BD. However, it seems that their supplementation may bring significant benefits in the acute phase of depression episode treatment, remission maintenance and reduction in cardiometabolic risk factors. Summary. Results of already conducted studies should be treated as a rationale for future research. It is highly recommended to confirm the n-3 PUFAs efficiency in the BD treatment, to justify their widespread use in everyday clinical practice.