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.