Best Supplements for Bipolar Disorder (2026)

Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings between manic highs and depressive lows, driven by disruptions in neurotransmitter balance, inflammation, and oxidative stress. While mood stabilizers and therapy remain essential, certain supplements have shown promise in research as complementary support — particularly for reducing depressive episodes, stabilizing mood, and addressing common nutrient deficiencies found in bipolar populations.

Quick Comparison

Product
Key Ingredient
Form
Best For
Rating

13-in-1 Lithium Orotate with Ashwagandha
Lithium Orotate 10mg
Capsules
Best Overall
4.5/5

Effective Nutra Saffron Gummies
Saffron 88.5mg + Vitamin D2
Gummies
Best Gummies
4.6/5

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
Omega-3 1280mg (EPA/DHA)
Softgels
Best Omega-3
4.7/5

NOW NAC 600 mg
N-Acetyl Cysteine 600mg
Capsules
Best for Neuroprotection
4.7/5

Luma Nutrition Saffron Extract
Saffron 88.5mg
Capsules
Best Saffron Capsule
4.5/5

Metagenics Myo-Inositol Plus
Myo-Inositol + Magnesium
Powder
Best Premium
4.6/5

NOW Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium Glycinate 100mg
Tablets
Best for Mood Stability
4.6/5

1. 13-in-1 Lithium Orotate with Ashwagandha & L-Theanine – Best Overall

Low-dose lithium orotate is the standout ingredient for bipolar support, working through the same neuroprotective pathways as prescription lithium at a fraction of the dose.

This formula delivers 10 mg lithium orotate — the nutritional form of lithium that crosses the blood-brain barrier efficiently — alongside 300 mg ashwagandha and 100 mg L-theanine. Lithium is the gold-standard mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder, and while this low-dose OTC form is not a substitute for prescription lithium, research suggests nutritional lithium orotate can support mood stability, neuroprotection, and emotional balance. The added ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol during stress, and L-theanine promotes calm without sedation.

Pros:

Low-dose lithium orotate supports the same neuroprotective pathways as prescription lithium

Comprehensive 13-ingredient formula addressing mood, calm, and cognitive function

Ashwagandha and L-theanine provide complementary stress and anxiety support

Cons:

Not a replacement for prescription lithium — different dosing and potency

Should not be taken alongside prescription lithium without medical supervision

Best for: Those looking for nutritional-dose lithium support alongside calming adaptogens. For a broader overview of lithium orotate options, see our dedicated guide.

2. Effective Nutra Saffron Gummies – Best Gummies

Clinically dosed saffron with added vitamin D2 in a sugar-free gummy — targeting the depressive phase of bipolar disorder through serotonin modulation.

These gummies provide 88.5 mg of saffron extract alongside vitamin D2 and passion flower. Saffron has demonstrated antidepressant effects comparable to some prescription medications in clinical trials, working by inhibiting serotonin reuptake. For bipolar disorder, the depressive phase is often more debilitating and longer-lasting than mania, making targeted mood support particularly valuable. The addition of vitamin D2 is significant since a 2023 study found that individuals with bipolar disorder tend to have significantly lower vitamin D levels.

Pros:

Clinically studied 88.5 mg saffron dose for mood elevation during depressive episodes

Added vitamin D2 addresses a common bipolar-related deficiency

Sugar-free gummy avoids blood sugar fluctuations that can affect mood

Cons:

Should be used cautiously during manic phases — serotonin-enhancing compounds can theoretically worsen mania

May interact with antidepressant or mood stabilizer medications

Best for: Those experiencing bipolar depressive episodes who prefer a gummy supplement format

3. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega – Best Omega-3

High-potency omega-3s with concentrated EPA — the fatty acid with the strongest evidence for reducing bipolar depressive symptoms.

Nordic Naturals delivers 1,280 mg total omega-3s per serving with a high EPA-to-DHA ratio. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) specifically has shown positive effects on bipolar depression in multiple clinical trials. A review by researchers at Emory University found reasonably strong evidence for omega-3 supplementation in bipolar depression, with most experts recommending 1–2 grams of EPA daily. Fish oil’s anti-inflammatory properties also help address the systemic inflammation found during acute mania and depressive episodes. Nordic Naturals maintains third-party testing for purity, potency, and freshness.

Pros:

High EPA concentration — the specific fatty acid studied for bipolar depression

Strong evidence base from multiple clinical trials and expert reviews

Third-party tested for heavy metals, PCBs, and oxidation with lemon flavor to minimize fishy taste

Cons:

Requires 2 softgels per serving for full dose

Research shows benefit primarily for depressive symptoms, not mania prevention

Best for: Bipolar individuals in the depressive phase seeking the most evidence-backed supplement option

4. NOW Supplements NAC 600 mg – Best for Neuroprotection

NAC provides powerful antioxidant and glutamate-modulating support, addressing the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation that worsen bipolar symptoms.

Research has found elevated oxidative stress markers during both manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder. NAC is the precursor to glutathione — the brain’s most important antioxidant — and also modulates glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter implicated in bipolar pathology. A 2019 placebo-controlled study found that 200 mg CoQ10 daily reduced oxidative stress in bipolar depression, and NAC works through similar antioxidant pathways at 1,200–2,400 mg daily. NOW Foods’ 250-capsule bottle at 600 mg per capsule provides flexible dosing and excellent value.

Pros:

Addresses oxidative stress — elevated in both manic and depressive bipolar episodes

Glutamate modulation supports neurotransmitter balance

Includes selenium and molybdenum for enhanced antioxidant enzyme support

Cons:

Requires multiple capsules daily for clinical doses

Benefits may take 8–12 weeks of consistent use to become apparent

Best for: Those seeking antioxidant neuroprotection during bipolar mood episodes

5. Luma Nutrition Saffron Extract – Best Saffron Capsule

Pure saffron extract at the clinically studied 88.5 mg dose for targeted serotonin pathway support during bipolar depressive phases.

This clean, single-ingredient saffron capsule delivers a precise 88.5 mg of standardized extract. Saffron’s active compounds — crocin and safranal — inhibit serotonin reuptake, providing antidepressant effects studied across multiple clinical trials. For bipolar disorder, saffron supplementation should be approached carefully during the depressive phase rather than during mania. The focused formula makes it easy to combine with other bipolar-supportive supplements like omega-3s and magnesium without ingredient overlap.

Pros:

Precisely dosed at 88.5 mg matching clinical research protocols

Single-ingredient formula avoids unwanted interactions with mood stabilizers

GMP-certified production with no artificial additives

Cons:

Should be used cautiously and with medical guidance — serotonin enhancement may not be appropriate during mania

May interact with SSRIs and other psychiatric medications

Best for: Targeted saffron supplementation during bipolar depressive episodes under healthcare guidance. For more mood-focused saffron options, explore our saffron for mood guide.

6. Metagenics Myo-Inositol Plus – Best Premium

Practitioner-grade myo-inositol with chelated magnesium — two compounds with research for mood stabilization and reduced mania severity in bipolar disorder.

This professional-grade powder combines myo-inositol with magnesium bis-glycinate in a convenient scoop format. Research indicates that inositol at doses of 600–2,400 mg daily may improve both depressive and manic symptoms in bipolar disorder by supporting phosphoinositol signaling — a key cell communication pathway in the brain. Magnesium deficiency has been directly linked to mood disorders, and the chelated glycinate form provides optimal absorption without the laxative effects of magnesium oxide or citrate. Metagenics maintains the highest manufacturing standards with full third-party testing.

Pros:

Practitioner-grade quality with full traceability and third-party verification

Inositol research shows benefits for both depressive and manic bipolar symptoms

Chelated magnesium glycinate for superior absorption and GI tolerance

Cons:

Premium price point — significantly higher than basic supplements

Should be used under practitioner guidance for bipolar — noted on the label

Best for: Those working with a healthcare provider who want a professional-grade inositol and magnesium formula

7. NOW Foods Magnesium Glycinate – Best for Mood Stability

No products found.

Highly absorbable magnesium glycinate to support neurotransmitter regulation, sleep quality, and the calming GABA pathways disrupted in bipolar disorder.

Magnesium plays a critical role in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including neurotransmitter synthesis and regulation. Research has linked magnesium deficiency to mood disorders, and a 200–400 mg daily dose is commonly recommended for mental health support. The glycinate form binds magnesium to the amino acid glycine — itself a calming neurotransmitter — for dual benefits. This form also avoids the GI distress common with cheaper magnesium forms. Each tablet provides 100 mg elemental magnesium in a 180-count bottle.

Pros:

Glycinate form provides calming glycine alongside highly absorbable magnesium

Supports GABA function, sleep architecture, and neurotransmitter balance

Well-tolerated — minimal GI side effects compared to other magnesium forms

Cons:

100 mg per tablet requires 2–4 tablets daily for optimal dosing

Tablet form is larger than standard capsules

Best for: A foundational mineral supplement supporting mood stability, sleep, and nervous system function in bipolar disorder. See our full guide to magnesium for anxiety for more options.

8. Life Extension Folate & Vitamin B12 – Best B Vitamin

No products found.

Methylated B12 and folate address common deficiencies found in bipolar populations that can worsen both manic and depressive symptoms.

Research consistently shows that people with bipolar disorder have lower levels of B12 and folate, with elevated homocysteine levels that impair neurotransmitter production. A 2020 review found folate supplementation to be an effective and safe way to reduce both depression and mania symptoms alongside standard treatment. This supplement provides bioactive methylcobalamin (B12) and 5-MTHF folate — the methylated forms that bypass common genetic enzyme variations (like MTHFR) that affect up to 40% of the population. Life Extension’s rigorous third-party testing ensures potency and purity.

Pros:

Methylated forms bypass common genetic variations that impair B vitamin metabolism

Research supports folate for reducing both manic and depressive bipolar symptoms

Life Extension’s evidence-based formulation and third-party testing

Cons:

Some individuals with certain methylation profiles may need to adjust dosing

Should be combined with other B vitamins for comprehensive support

Best for: Those with confirmed or suspected B12/folate deficiency contributing to bipolar symptoms

9. Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day – Best Multivitamin

No products found.

A comprehensive multivitamin covering zinc, B vitamins, vitamin D, and other nutrients commonly deficient in bipolar populations — all in bioavailable forms.

Rather than supplementing individual nutrients, Thorne’s 2-per-day multivitamin provides broad-spectrum nutritional coverage with methylated B vitamins, chelated minerals, and bioavailable vitamin D3. Zinc deficiency has been linked to depressive symptoms in bipolar, B6 supports dopamine and serotonin synthesis, and vitamin D deficiency is strongly associated with bipolar disorder severity. Thorne is NSF Certified for Sport and maintains some of the strictest quality controls in the supplement industry. This comprehensive approach addresses multiple micronutrient gaps simultaneously.

Pros:

Covers multiple bipolar-relevant nutrients (B vitamins, zinc, vitamin D, magnesium) in one supplement

Bioavailable, methylated forms of B vitamins and chelated minerals

NSF Certified for Sport — gold standard third-party testing

Cons:

Individual nutrient doses may not reach therapeutic levels for specific deficiencies

Should be combined with targeted supplements (omega-3, extra magnesium) for comprehensive bipolar support

Best for: A foundational multivitamin to address broad nutritional deficiencies common in bipolar disorder

How to Choose the Best Supplements for Bipolar Disorder

The strongest supplement evidence for bipolar disorder centers on omega-3 fatty acids (particularly EPA for depressive symptoms), folate and B vitamins (for neurotransmitter production), magnesium (for mood stability and sleep), and NAC (for neuroprotection). Low-dose lithium orotate also shows promise for mood stabilization, though it should never replace prescribed lithium without medical guidance. A layered approach — starting with a quality multivitamin and omega-3, then adding targeted supplements — tends to work best.

Bipolar disorder requires extra caution with supplements because compounds that enhance serotonin or stimulate neurotransmitter activity can theoretically trigger or worsen manic episodes. SAM-e, St. John’s Wort, and high-dose B vitamins have all been associated with mania induction in some individuals. Any serotonin-modulating supplement (saffron, 5-HTP, tryptophan) should be used only under medical supervision and typically only during depressive phases.

Prioritize supplements with transparent labeling, third-party testing, and GMP-certified manufacturing. Brands like Thorne, Pure Encapsulations, Life Extension, NOW Foods, and Metagenics maintain the quality standards needed for psychiatric supplement use. Avoid proprietary blends and supplements with excessive stimulants, caffeine, or untested herbal combinations.

All supplements should be discussed with the prescribing psychiatrist or healthcare provider, as many can interact with mood stabilizers (lithium, valproate, lamotrigine), antipsychotics, and antidepressants commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplements have the best evidence for bipolar disorder?

Omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA at 1–2 grams daily) have the most robust evidence for bipolar depression. Folate supplementation has shown benefits for both depressive and manic symptoms. Magnesium, NAC, and vitamin D address common deficiencies and pathological mechanisms. Low-dose lithium orotate may support mood stability but should not replace prescription lithium.

Are there supplements that can trigger mania?

Yes. SAM-e, St. John’s Wort, DHEA, and high-dose 5-HTP have all been associated with triggering manic episodes in susceptible individuals. Any supplement that significantly increases serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine should be used with extreme caution and medical oversight. Even inositol, while generally safe, carries a note on some product labels to consult a practitioner if bipolar disorder is present.

Can I take fish oil with mood stabilizers?

Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) is generally considered safe alongside common mood stabilizers like lithium, valproate, and lamotrigine. Some experts believe omega-3s may enhance the cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits that mood stabilizers sometimes compromise. However, high-dose fish oil can thin the blood, so those on anticoagulants or having surgery should adjust accordingly and consult their physician.

How much magnesium should bipolar patients take?

Most research and clinical practice supports 200–400 mg of elemental magnesium daily for mood disorder support. Magnesium glycinate or magnesium taurate are preferred forms for mental health due to their superior absorption and calming properties. Start at a lower dose (100–200 mg) and increase gradually. Higher doses may cause loose stools, though glycinate forms are less likely to produce this effect.

Should bipolar patients take a multivitamin?

A high-quality multivitamin with methylated B vitamins, zinc, vitamin D, and chelated minerals can help address the multiple micronutrient deficiencies common in bipolar disorder. Research consistently shows lower levels of B12, folate, zinc, and vitamin D in bipolar populations. A multivitamin provides a foundational base that can then be supplemented with targeted nutrients like omega-3s and magnesium based on individual needs.

Is lithium orotate safe for bipolar disorder?

Low-dose lithium orotate (5–20 mg) is available as an OTC supplement and works through similar neuroprotective mechanisms as prescription lithium but at much lower doses. It should never be used as a substitute for prescribed lithium, as the dosing and monitoring requirements are completely different. Anyone with bipolar disorder taking prescription lithium should not add lithium orotate without explicit medical approval, as combined lithium intake can reach toxic levels.

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