Omega-3 fatty acids in bipolar patients with a low omega-3 index and reduced heart rate variability: the BIPO-3 trial
Berger M, Seemuller F, Voggt A, Obermeier M, Kirchberg F, Low A, Riedel M, von Schacky C, Severus E
Published in International Journal of Bipolar Disorders
Key Findings
Twelve weeks of EPA/DHA raised the omega-3 index in euthymic bipolar patients but did not significantly improve heart rate variability (SDNN) versus corn oil placebo.
Conclusions
Correcting a low omega-3 index did not translate into measurable HRV improvement.
Limitations
Small completed sample (42 patients), short duration, psychiatric population on usual treatment.
Supplements Studied
119 patients with bipolar disorder according to DSM-IV were screened, with 55 euthymic bipolar patients ... being enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, 12-week parallel study design with omega-3 fatty acids
Outcomes Measured
Research suggests that a low omega-3 index may contribute to the low heart rate variability and the increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in bipolar disorders.
Study Details
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