Diet and Bipolar Disorder: A Review of Its Relationship and Potential Therapeutic Mechanisms of Action.
OBJECTIVE
It is well accepted that diet quality has an important role in the prevention and treatment of several physical diseases. However, its influence on mental health has received far less attention, although there is increasing evidence to support a relationship with depression. In this narrative review, investigations into the relationship between diet and bipolar disorder are examined and the potential implications in the management and treatment of bipolar disorder are reviewed.


METHODS
The authors provide a narrative review of the relevant information.


RESULTS
Research is limited, although there are preliminary findings to suggest a relationship between diet and bipolar disorder. Findings from cross-sectional research suggest that people with bipolar disorder consume an unhealthier dietary pattern. This has significant treatment implications as bipolar disorder has a high comorbidity with several physical diseases. In addition, diet also influences several biological processes that are dysregulated in bipolar disorder, namely monoaminergic activity, immune/inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, mitochondrial activity, and neuroprogression.


CONCLUSIONS
The role of diet in bipolar disorder requires further attention in research as it presents as a factor that may contribute to the worsening course of this condition and may potentially enhance current treatment outcomes.
1 School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University , Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia .
Adrian L
AL
Lopresti
2 Division of Nutritional Psychiatry Research, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University , Geelong, Australia .|3 Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia .|4 Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute , Melbourne, Australia .|5 Black Dog Institute , Sydney, Australia .
Felice N
FN
Jacka
D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004032:Diet; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000502:physiology