02 February 2010
Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids -rich fish oil may reduce the likelihood of developing psychotic disorders in high-risk people, says a new clinical trial.
In the study, 76 people at high risk of progression to psychosis were randomly assigned to receive daily placebo (coconut oil) or supplements of fish oil containing 1.2 grams of omega-3 and providing 700 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 480 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (1). After 12 weeks only 4.9 percent of the omega-3 group had progressed to psychotic disorder, compared with 27.5 percent of the placebo group.
Commenting on the potential mechanism the researchers noted that omega-3 fatty acids may produce changes in cell membranes and interactions with neurotransmitter systems in the brain.
The link between omega-3 and cognitive function and behavior is not new, with various studies reporting conflicting results for the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Some of the more promising data has been reported for DHA, with memory function improvements found for healthy older adults with a decline in cognitive function that occurs naturally with age, and known to precede diseases such as Alzheimer's.
11 February 2015
A study from Australia has concluded that there is growing evidence showing vital relationships between both micronutrient-rich diets as well as nutritional deficiencies and mental health.
24 February 2012
The inclusion of fish oil supplementation into strength training may cause greater improvements in muscle strength and functional capacity, suggests a new Brazilian study.
28 August 2013
A new study from Iran reports that patients with severe multiple sclerosis have lower blood vitamin D concentrations than patients with a milder form of the disease.
