Dr. Anna Marie
2News Medical Reporter
Jan. 8, 2001

Bipolar disorder is a condition that effects about two million Americans. This psychiatric illness involves periods of depression alternating with episodes of mania. A supplement offers new hope to people with the disorder.

Bipolar illness ran through Tony Stephan's family; his wife, Debbie, committed suicide and his son and daughter were also ill.

"She was already taking medications for over four and a half years and she was suicidal. My son was on 900 mgs of lithium and was absolutely out of control."

Then he learned about vitamins and minerals given to pigs with a nervous disorder. In desperation, Tony gave a variation of the supplements to his son.

"In thirty days he no longer experienced the symptoms of bipolar disorder.."

Now some four years later, both children are still on the supplements and doing well. Also, researchers say they have intriguing early results from a group of ten bipolar patients on the same supplement--it's called extra-mineral or em-power plus.

"The decrease in their symptoms are of a magnitude is very impressive..any drug that ever had this effect would catch a lot of attention." Most Bipolar patients in the test group have cut their standard drug use by two-thirds.

"Is this a true signal..or is it a false signal?"

Until that question is answered by more research..experts say its too early for patients to abandon traditional medications.

"Canadian researchers were just given a half a million dollars to do extensive research on these supplements, that's why patients are being urged to wait for more evidence before turning to nutrients to help them find a peace of mind.
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