Omega-3 trial reports lower depression scores in men with bipolar disorder
Men with bipolar disorder receiving omega-3 had lower depression rating scores than those receiving placebo after a short trial; longer-term outcomes were not described.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
In this trial, men with bipolar disorder receiving omega-3 supplements had lower depression scores than the placebo group at the end of treatment. A blood protein measurement also increased. The symptom scores are the clinically relevant finding here, but the abstract does not establish remission, lasting improvement, or applicability beyond the studied men.
The abstract does not describe other treatments, adverse effects, or longer-term outcomes. It also does not explain what the reported plus-or-minus values represent.
What researchers found
Hamilton depression assessment
After 2 months: 22.40 ± 7.49 with omega-3 versus 29.35 ± 6.08 with placebo; p < 0.05. The meaning of ± is unspecified.
What the symptom result means
The Hamilton test is a depression rating scale. Lower scores indicate less rated depression, but the abstract does not report how many participants reached remission or whether the differences translated into changes in daily functioning.
A separate blood measurement
Researchers also measured brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein abbreviated BDNF, in blood. Its concentration was higher with supplementation than placebo. This laboratory result is separate from the depression score and does not establish a mechanism of improvement.
The original publication
Supplementation of Omega-3 Increases Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Decreases Depression Status in Patients With Bipolar Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
Gholipour D, Shahraki M, Shakiba M et al.
J Hum Nutr Diet · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40485144
- Record checked
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