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Jack Barton | 2014-05-19 04:31:01
Everyone has fluctuations in mood but bipolar disorder is an extreme version of this. Essentially, it is a condition which leads to mood changes ranging from extreme lows to episodes of euphoria. This can have huge implications on everyday life especially when you consider the potential interactions of medication, food, and supplementation.
The common misconception of a supplement is that what it is marketed for, is it’s only effect. The truth of the matter is, in most cases, whilst positive adaptations can occur and the desired effect can possibly be achieved (not always, the majority of supplementation isn’t worth the bother and may even do harm) the possible effect on other bodily tissues are forgotten.
A preliminary study in 2007 (Roitman et al., 2007) analysing the effects of Creatine supplementation in individuals with resistant depression found some interesting interactions between supplementation and Bipolar disorder.
As typically recommended participants supplemented with 3-5g/day of Creatine Monohydrate orally in tablet form for four weeks. Out of the 8 participants, 2 had Bipolar disorder, both of which has an increased in symptoms indicative of mania/hypomania. The individuals with depression only appeared to have some improvement
So what does this tell us? Well considering the sample size, not very much, apart from suggesting that there is a need for further research. However it does outline the need to take caution whenever supplementing or changing nutritional strategies. Whilst Creatine supplementation is typically advised in athletic populations most aren’t warned of the potential interplay with long term conditions.
The take away point is this. It would be naïve to believe that whatever you are ingesting has one specified effect, it would be even more naïve to believe that the manufacturers truly understand the entirety of possible effects, particularly when considering long term effects of a new development.
As ever, be cautious in your approach to nutrition or supplementation. Nothing is more valuable than your health.
Jack Barton (Researcher, Rescon Ltd)
References
Roitman, S., Green, T., Osher, Y., Karni, N., & Levine, J. (2007). Creatine monohydrate in resistant depression: a preliminary study. Bipolar Disorders, 9(7), 754-758.