Omega-3 for Depression and Bipolar - Page 2
© John McManamy
The trial was supposed to go on for nine months, but was stopped after four, due to its outstanding results. By two months, half of the placebo group had dropped out compared to two in the fish oil group. Some patients experienced nausea, diarrhea, and fishy aftertaste, not surprising considering the high doses. Now Dr Stoll is preparing a much larger and longer study that will take three years. Other researchers are undertaking their own studies.
The two principle types of omega-3 are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), both found in fish oil. Fish oil has been highly touted as a prevention for heart disease, but clinical trials are mixed. It is also believed to be beneficial for Crohn's disease, kidney disease, schizophrenia, lupus, psoriasis, osteoperosis, Raymond's phenomenon, rheumatoid arthritis, and immune function. Not surprisingly, those who suffer from depression and bipolar will find a ready-made supply on the market, with an abundance of suppliers.
Dr Stoll recommends fish oil capsules over a diet of cold water fish such as salmon or tuna, citing toxic ingredients as a reason for not going with fish. Even one can of tuna a week is too much, he asserts. Dr Andrew Weil - the guru of natural health - offers just the opposite opinion. He recommends eating fish twice or three times a week, and cautions against capsules that may contain toxic contaminants. Both doctors agree that any fish you eat should be ocean fish rather than farm-raised fish. This is because omega-3 travels up the food chain from algae, while farm-raised fished are fed grains, which do not contain omega-3.
Dr Stoll also favors fish oil over flaxseed oil, as fish oil is more proven at this point. Dr Weill says it's okay to go with flaxseed oil, which will make vegetarians happy.
Dr Stoll recommends 1.5 to 3.5 grams a day, taken with food, and to use with the antioxidants vitamins C and E (fish oil is easily damaged by oxygen). He does not suggest using cod liver oil, as high amounts can lead to hypervitaminosis A. There is a blood thinning effect, but this is weaker than aspirin. In buying fish oil, make sure you receive a 90 percent concentration (in the past only 30 percent was available.) Be sure it contains more EPA than DHA, and that it has no heavy metal or fishy (presumably the wrong part of the fish) concentrations.
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