Seafood Linked with Reduced Bipolar Disorder Risk

A recent study has shown a link between greater seafood consumption and lower rates of bipolar disorders.

The researchers reviewed population-based studies to identify the lifetime prevalence of bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, bipolar spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia in several countries. The incidence of bipolar disorders was compared to national seafood consumption data compiled by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Agriculture Organization of the WHO.

Increased seafood consumption was found to be predictive of a lower lifetime prevalence of bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and bipolar spectrum disorder.

They reported that the most precipitous rise in prevalence rates for the bipolar disorders generally occurs in countries having a seafood consumption of less than 50 lbs. per person per year.

Lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia was not correlated with seafood consumption. This finding suggests that the effects of seafood consumption are specific to mood disorders, according to the investigators.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood have been shown to alleviate depression. You can obtain these omega-3 fatty acids in a concentrated form in fish oil.