The evidence A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that vitamin D deficiencies were nearly five times more common in people with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder than in the general population.
Many people are vitamin D deficient due to poor diet or a lack of daily sun exposure. Recent research has found a correlation between low vitamin D levels and neuropsychiatric illness. Specifically, it has been noted that vitamin D deficiency has been found to be associated with bipolar depression.
Like folic acid, low levels of Vitamin B12 may also be (in part) responsible for triggering manic states. As mentioned previously, vitamin B12 also plays a role in the creation of many of the mood-regulating brain chemicals (GABA, Serotonin, Dopamine, and others).
Vitamin B1 (aka thiamin) - many use vitamin B1 to manage the irritability and anxiety associated with bipolar disorder. Additionally, there are some newer studies that indicate the use of vitamin B1 is helpful in alleviating depressive symptoms.
A large meta-analysis led to the conclusion that such a therapeutic strategy might moderately decrease depressive symptoms [51]. Further, a review of the literature, including 10 published studies, revealed that vitamin D supplementation might improve both depressive and manic symptoms of bipolar patients [45].
Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression.
Mental health problems such as memory loss, anxiety, depression, irritability, and insomnia are also associated with deficiencies in vitamin B1. The brain uses this vitamin to help convert glucose or blood sugar into energy. This means that without it, the brain may not have enough energy to function normally.
Magnesium: Magnesium — found in whole grains, beans, and dark leafy vegetables like spinach — has been shown to have an effect similar to lithium, the most common bipolar medication. Upping your intake of magnesium, a natural mood stabilizer, may decrease your need for medication.
Because there is evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can benefit cardiovascular health, some experts believe taking 1 gram per day of omega-3 fatty acid supplements may be beneficial. Omega-3 Fatty acids may help, when used with your other medications, in treating your bipolar disorder.
B12 and folate (B9) are important vitamins for maintaining a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 and folate are needed for producing norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. Norepinephrine and serotonin are neurotransmitters in the brain which influence mental behavioral patterns and moods.
Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in the production of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that help regulate your mood. When you don't get enough B12 in your diet, or your body doesn't process it correctly, it can lead to mental health symptoms, such as depression, irritability, or anxiety.
Supplements to avoid
The following are a few to avoid: Ginkgo biloba may cancel the effects of the bipolar medication Depakote. St. John's wort can weaken the impact of antidepressant medications.
Research suggests that in women, hormones may play a role in the development and severity of bipolar disorder. One study suggests that late-onset bipolar disorder may be associated with menopause.
Studies have shown reduced gray matter in people with bipolar, and these deficits are most pronounced in the areas of the brain controlling inhibition and motivation—frontal and temporal regions.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may present with a psychosis which is curable if treated promptly. Although this fact is not new and is described in various textbooks,9,10 it seems that it is often forgotten, which results in prolonged suffering from irreversible brain damage.
In an established AD, its deficiency is associated with higher cognitive decline and risk for delirium. The other mental changes associated with B12 deficiency include apathy, agitation, impaired concentration, insomnia, persecutory delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations, and disorganized thought-process.
Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can result in hematological changes, neurological and psychiatric problems, which can manifest as irritability, changes in personality, depression, and memory loss [9]. It is also known to worsen depression by excitotoxic reactions caused by the accumulation of homocysteine [10].
You'll typically need mood-stabilizing medication to control manic or hypomanic episodes. Examples of mood stabilizers include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal).
The most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Most people take more than one drug, like a mood-stabilizing drug and an antipsychotic or antidepressant.
The increase in magnesium concentration can reduce anxiety, hallucinations and agitation whereas hypomagnesemia could exacerbate anxiety and hallucinations. Ang et al., (1993) considered that hypomagnesemia is one of the causes of antipsychotic treatment resistance.
The brain, which is part of your central nervous system, is the primary target of bipolar illness. Your central nervous system is made up of a succession of nerves that control various body functions. It is made up of both the brain and the spine.