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Updated: May 16, 2026
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Behavioral Disturbances: An Innovative Approach to Monitor the Modulatory Effects of a Nutraceutical Diet
Published on: January 3, 2017
Nutrient-based therapies for bipolar disorder: a systematic review
Louisa G Sylvia1, Amy T Peters, Thilo Deckersbach
1Bipolar Clinic and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA. lsylvia2@partners.org
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
|November 14, 2012
Summary
Nutritional supplements like n-3 fatty acids and chromium show promise for bipolar depression. Other nutrients may help manage mania symptoms, but more research is needed for bipolar disorder treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional psychiatry
- Psychopharmacology
- Bipolar disorder treatment
Background:
- Pharmacotherapy is the primary treatment for bipolar disorder.
- Many patients experience persistent subthreshold symptoms despite treatment.
- Nutritional therapies are explored as adjuncts to improve outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review clinical evidence and mechanisms of nutrient-based therapies for bipolar disorder.
- To assess nutritional therapies alone or combined with pharmacotherapy.
- Focus on treatments for mania and bipolar depression.
Main Methods:
- Medline search for human clinical trials (1960-2012).
- Investigated nutritional supplements: n-3, chromium, inositol, choline, magnesium, folate, tryptophan.
- Included studies on combination therapy with pharmacotherapies.
Main Results:
- n-3 fatty acids and chromium show conflicting but mainly positive evidence for bipolar depression.
- Inositol may benefit bipolar depression, requiring larger studies.
- Choline, magnesium, folate, and tryptophan show potential for mania symptom reduction.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional treatments show promise as adjuncts for bipolar disorder management.
- Further research is necessary to confirm efficacy and impact.
- Potential to improve psychiatric and physical health outcomes.
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