Review looks at link between diet and bipolar disorder

In this review, researchers from Murdoch University and Deakin University in Australia examined the results of studies on the relationship between diet and bipolar disorder, and discussed their potential implications in the management and treatment of bipolar disorder. The article appeared in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

• According to numerous studies, diet plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
• Despite this being established, the effects of diet on mental health remain unexplored. However, there is increasing evidence that diet is linked to depression.
• In this article, the researchers provided a narrative review of relevant information about the influence of diet on bipolar disorder.
• The researchers reported that, although research is limited, preliminary findings suggest a relationship between diet and bipolar disorder.
• Cross-sectional studies show that people with bipolar disorder follow an unhealthy diet.
• This has significant implications as bipolar disorder has a high comorbidity with several diseases.
• Other studies also reveal that diet influences several biological processes that were found to be dysregulated in bipolar disorder. These processes include:
  • Monoaminergic activity
  • Immune processes like inflammation
  • Oxidative stress
  • Mitochondrial activity
  • Neuroprogression

Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that the role of diet in bipolar disorder needs to be studied extensively as poor diet can contribute to the worsening of the condition but a healthy diet can enhance treatment outcomes.

Journal Reference:

Lopresti AL, Jacka FN. DIET AND BIPOLAR DISORDER: A REVIEW OF ITS RELATIONSHIP AND POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC MECHANISMS OF ACTION. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 01 December 2015;21(12):733–739. DOI: 10.1089/acm.2015.0125