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Dietary intake

How is diet related to bipolar disorder?

People with mental disorders may be at increased risk of nutritional deficiencies due to poor diet. Poor diet is a major and modifiable cause of comorbid conditions, including metabolic syndrome and obesity. During pregnancy, it also contributes to the risk of developmental problems in the foetus.

What is the evidence for diet in people with bipolar disorder?

Moderate quality evidence finds people with bipolar disorder have higher energy intake than people without bipolar disorder.

Moderate to low quality evidence finds caffeine consumption could be related to switching to mania or mixed states. Review authors suggest that acute increases in caffeine consumption may precede the occurrence of manic symptoms, potentially through a direct stimulant effect, affecting sleep patterns, and/or the metabolism of lithium or other medications.

No reviews meeting inclusion criteria were identified that assessed other dietary factors.

November 2021

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Last updated at: 3:43 pm, 31st October 2021
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Fact Sheet Technical Commentary

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Title Colour Legend:
Green - Topic summary is available.
Orange - Topic summary is being compiled.
Red - Topic summary has no current systematic review available.