Omega-3 blood levels in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder

Objectives: Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are becoming increasingly used in the treatment of children and adolescents psychiatric illness, especially Juvenile Bipolar Disorder (JBD). This study is currently being conducted to compare the intake and blood concentrations of long-chain omega-3 PUFA (LCn-3PUFA) between children and adolescents with JBD intake compared to healthy age and sex matched controls. Methods: A total of 20 children and adolescents from a community JBD clinic in Newcastle, Australia diagnosed with bipolar disorder I, II and NOS, aged between 9 and 18 years will be enrolled in the study. Participants will complete an Omega-3 Food Frequency Questionnaire (Omega-3 FFQ) and have a blood sample collected for analysis of Omega-3. LCn-3PUFA will be analysed in plasma and red blood cell membranes (RBC) by gas chromatography and compared to age and sex matched healthy controls. Results: We will report preliminary data as to whether participants with JBD appear to have a different intake of DHA as measured by the Omega-3 FFQ and determine if they have different concentrations of DHA and EPA in plasma and RBC membranes compared to healthy controls. Conclusions: Children and adolescents with JBD will have their blood concentrations of LCn-3PFUA compared to match controls to see if there is a similar relationship to that reported in adults with bipolar disorder and healthy controls.