Dietetic Prescriptions in Bipolar Disorder: Nutritional Strategies to Support Mood Stability and Reduce Relapse Risk—A Narrative Review

TL;DR

This review explores how diet can help manage bipolar disorder by stabilizing mood and reducing relapse risk through specific nutritional strategies.

Contribution

The paper synthesizes current evidence to propose dietetic prescriptions as an adjunctive strategy for bipolar disorder management.

Findings

Mediterranean-style diets and omega-3 fatty acids may support mood stabilization in bipolar disorder.

Western-style diets high in saturated fats and refined sugars are linked to increased mood instability.

Micronutrients like magnesium, zinc, and B-complex vitamins show potential in improving treatment outcomes.

Abstract

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by recurrent mood episodes and substantial functional impairment. Emerging evidence highlights the role of nutrition in modulating neurobiological pathways and influencing the course of BD. However, systematic recommendations for dietetic prescriptions remain limited. Methods: This narrative review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to October 2025. Keywords included “bipolar disorder,” “nutrition,” “dietary interventions,” and “nutritional psychiatry.” Studies focusing on nutritional patterns, dietary components, and dietetic recommendations relevant to BD were included. Evidence was synthesized narratively to identify potential dietary strategies and gaps in current knowledge. Results: The available literature suggests that nutritional interventions may influence mood stabilization, metabolic comorbidities, and treatment response in BD. Key findings highlight the potential benefits of Mediterranean-style diets, omega-3 fatty acids, micronutrients (including magnesium, zinc, and vitamins D and B-complex), and dietary approaches targeting inflammation and oxidative stress. Conversely, Western-style diets, rich in saturated fats and refined sugars, appear to exacerbate mood instability and metabolic burden. Despite promising findings, heterogeneity across studies and the scarcity of randomized controlled trials limit firm conclusions. Conclusions: Nutrition represents a promising adjunctive strategy in the management of BD. Dietetic prescriptions may contribute to improved outcomes by addressing both psychiatric symptoms and physical health comorbidities. Future research should prioritize well-designed clinical trials to establish evidence-based guidelines for integrating nutrition into BD management.

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