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By: Cara Michelle Miller
What if a simple dietary tweak could help shield against the highs and lows of bipolar disorder?
A new study suggests the answer may lie in a nutrient found in everyday foods like eggs, seafood, and chicken. People with higher levels of arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, face a lower risk of developing this mental health condition that cycles between euphoric mania and crippling depression.
The findings offer a glimpse into how adjusting levels of this vital nutrient could potentially prevent or mitigate bipolar disorder’s effects.
The Metabolic Puzzle: Arachidonic Acid and Psychiatric Conditions
Arachidonic acid, a critical component in cellular membranes, is predominantly found in lipids, water-insoluble substances comprising fats and fatty acids. This acid is vital in maintaining cellular function, promoting brain health, and metabolizing lipids.
The new study from the University of South Australia suggests that fluctuations in metabolite levels—small molecules involved in metabolism—underlie the development of bipolar disorder and related psychiatric conditions. “By identifying metabolites that play causal roles in bipolar disorder, we hoped to be able to highlight potential lifestyle or dietary interventions,” David Stacey, the lead investigator and a research fellow at the university, said in a press release.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from 14,296 people of European descent, covering 913 different metabolites in the blood, to assess for potential links to bipolar disorder. Out of these, 33 metabolites, predominantly lipids, were found to be associated with the disorder.
Higher levels of lipids containing arachidonic acid were correlated with a lower risk of bipolar disorder. In contrast, elevated levels of lipids containing linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, were linked to a higher risk. According to the study, this observation suggests the significance of the pathway responsible for converting linoleic acid to arachidonic acid in modulating bipolar disorder risk.
The study authors added that the causal associations only concerned bipolar disorder and did not extend to other closely related psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia or depression.
Previous research has also suggested associations between a deficiency in arachidonic acid and higher risk of developing schizophrenia.
Early Arachidonic Acid Intake May Reduce Bipolar Risk
The findings also highlight arachidonic acid’s pivotal role in infant brain development. Breast milk is a natural source of arachidonic acid for babies, and it is often added to infant formula along with essential fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Disruptions in arachidonic acid metabolism during this crucial period may contribute to the onset of bipolar disorder and cognitive impairments later in life, according to the study.
Early-life nutrition is essential in supporting optimal brain development, according to Mr. Stacey, who advocates precision health interventions. These interventions ensure infants and children receive adequate arachidonic acid and other essential nutrients, potentially reducing the risk of bipolar disorder.
The study’s results open doors to dietary interventions that could prevent or mitigate bipolar disorder progression, especially among those with a family history. While arachidonic acid is abundant in eggs, meat, and seafood, the body can also synthesize it from nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Supplementation may be necessary for those with limited natural synthesis or restricted dietary intake.
Professor Elina Hyppönen, the study’s co-author and director of the Australian Center for Precision Health, recommends further research, including preclinical studies and randomized controlled trials, to fully understand arachidonic acid supplementation’s potential preventative or therapeutic value against bipolar disorder.
