01 May 2017
A new systematic review and meta-analysis (1) reports adjunctive treatment with B vitamins resulted in shorter duration of schizophrenic episodes. The study covered 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 832 schizophrenic patients. Vitamins B6 (pyrodoxine), B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin) supplementation were used in the studies.
Schizophrenia is a common, costly, long-term illness effecting around 1 percent of the population. Schizophrenia is a type of psychosis. Sufferers have difficulty in distinguishing their own thoughts and ideas from reality. They can suffer from hallucinations, delusions, muddled thoughts and dramatic behavioural changes. Sadly, the symptoms are largely unresponsive to antipsychotic treatments (1).
A systematic review carried out in 2013 indicated that adjunctive treatment with micronutrients, including minerals and vitamins can be beneficial to people with psychiatric disorders (2). In the case of B vitamins, it is thought their role in the biosynthesis of proteins involved with neuronal growth in repair could be helpful (3). A specific, very recent meta-analysis in patients with depression (4) supported the adjunctive use of methyl folate, EPA/DHA and vitamin D to help reduce depressive symptoms. It has also been suggested that the beneficial effect of certain vitamin and minerals, in terms of reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, may be helpful in delaying the onset and relapse of schizophrenia (5).
In the new study (1), the combined B vitamins 6, 9 and 12 had a beneficial effect on total schizophrenia symptom scores with the best results obtained in patients who had only recently developed symptoms. Neither anti-oxidant vitamins (C and E) nor minerals showed any significant benefits in comparison with placebo. The results are tempered by the high degree of heterogeneity in the data, but provide a basis for exploring B vitamins as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia in future studies.
15 December 2012
Recently published systematic reviews and meta-analyses reported that eating at least two servings of fatty fish a week was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events while fish oil supplements did not show the same effect.
9 July 2012
According to a new review, taking more than 800 international units of vitamin D daily could reduce the risk of hip fractures in older women by 30 percent.
20 January 2009
According to a U.S. survey, individuals with low vitamin D blood levels have a higher risk of nose and throat infections. In a secondary analysis of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a survey of the U.S. population, found that individuals with low blood levels of a vitamin D marker (25-hydroxyvitamin D) were also more likely to have an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Specifically, the analysis found that compared to those with levels greater than 30 nanograms/milliliter (ng/ml), individuals with less than 10 ng/mL had a 36% higher risk of having a recent URTI; those with 10–<30 ng/mL had a 24% higher risk (1). In recent years, vitamin D deficiency has reemerged, resulting in the resurfacing of diseases such as rickets in children. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, “Older adults, people with dark skin, and people exposed to insufficient ultraviolet band radiation (i.e., sunlight) should consume extra vitamin D from vitamin D-fortified foods and/or supplements.” The researchers commented that the evidence supporting the benefits of vitamin D continues to build. Given that vitamin D levels are relatively low in most foods and there are serious risks associated with excessive sun exposure, dietary supplements can be an effective alternative for achieving a sufficient intake. However, this study on its own does not mean that higher vitamin D intake will ensure prevention of upper respiratory tract infection. 1.Ginde A. et al. Association Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2009; 169 (4):384–390.
