Does Omega-3 Improve Mental Health?
Researchers have noticed that diets high in omega-6 fatty acids but low in omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of depression or other mental health problems. The typical American diet fits this description, with a low intake of fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Early studies suggest that taking fish oil may help antidepressants work better and that fish may improve bipolar disorder symptoms. However, fish oil seems to be helpful only for the depression symptoms (not mania symptoms) of bipolar disorder and may actually increase the risk of mania symptoms.
