The effects of omega 3 fatty acids on the serum concentrations of pro inflammatory cytokines and depression status in patients with bipolar disorder: A randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial

Background: The inflammation accelerates the progression of bipolar disorder. Supplementation of anti-inflammatory supplements in adjuvant with medications may alleviate disorder signs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and depression status in patients with bipolar disorder. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Zahedan in 2021. Patients with bipolar disorder (n = 60) were randomized to omega-3 fatty acid supplement (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) by permuted block stratified randomization. The omega-3 group received 2 g/day of omega-3 fatty acids for 2 months; the placebo group received matching soft gels. Depression score and serum TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP were assessed before and after the study. Results: Depression score and serum TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP decreased after intervention in the omega-3 group and versus placebo (P < 0.001). Positive correlations were observed between TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP and depression scores (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids can decrease inflammatory parameters and help reduce depression in patients with bipolar disorder and may be used alongside medications to lower inflammatory markers.

Hadi Eslahi, Mansour Shakiba, Mohsen Saravani, Abolfazl Payandeh, Mansour Shahraki