Schizophrenia omega 3 fatty acids

In view of these factors, it has been suggested that a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acid in the diet will decrease the concentration of these fatty acids available for synthesis of the required phospholipids in the body, including the brain. If this was a chronic deficiency it could increase the risk of development of some disorders, including depression, schizophrenia and attention deficit syndrome. There is some evidence that this is the case. 

The three disorders depression, schizophrenia and dementia are discussed in relation to the possible involvement of omega-3 fatty acids in these diseases, that is a deficiency may be involved in the aetiology of these diseases. 

The amonnts of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are low in erythrocytes from patients snffering from schizophrenia. As with depression, snpplementation of the diet of snch patients with omega-3 fatty acids has been claimed to improve the condition. 

There are reports of an association between low fish consumption and increased prevalence of depression (Hibbelin, 1998). Some studies have found a reduced level of omega-3 fatty acids in depressed patients. It has also been speculated that EFAs have a role in the causation of schizophrenia and, more recently, ADHD and behavioral problems (Stevens et ah, 1996 Burgess et ah, 2000). 

Horrobin D. F. (2003b). Omega-3 fatty acid for schizophrenia. Am. J. Psychiat. 160 188-189. 

Arvindakshan M, Ghate M, Ranjekar PK, Evans DR, Mahadik SP. Supplementation with a combination of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants (vitamins E and C) improves the outcome of schizophrenia. Schizophr. Res. 2003 62 195-204. 

Warner, R., Laughame, J., Peet, M., Brown, L. and Rogers, N. (1999) Retinal function as a marker for cell membrane omega-3 fatty acid depletion in schizophrenia a pilot study. Biol. Psychiatry. 45 1138-1142. 

The use of omega-3 fatty acids also seems promising for some symptoms of schizophrenia see Fenton et al., 2000, for a review). A series of case reports by Rudin (1981 1982) described significant reductions of psychosis after treatment with flax seed oil. More recent open trials have also indicated possible efficacy (Mellor et al., 1995 Puri and Richardson, 1998 Puri et al. 2000). Three double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (Peet and Mellor, 1998 Peet et al., 2000a Peet et al., 2000b) have reported clinical improvements among schizophrenics treated with EPA alone, while one study found no clinical improvements (Fenton, et al., unpublished data). Unfortunately, results in the form of full publications are not yet available for any of the double-blind trials. Of these studies, the most striking report is that when treated with 3 g/d of EPA alone, 10 of 30 unmedicated... 

There are clear abnormalities of fatty acid concentrations in depression that are distinct from those in schizophrenia (Adams, Lawson, Sanigorski, Sinclair, 1996 Maes et al., 1996 Maes et al., 1999 Peet, Murphy, Shay, Horrobin, 1998 Edwards, Peet, Shay, Horrobin, 1998). Eirst, the abnormalities are present in both plasma and in red cells, raising the possibility that the problem may be in fatty acid metabolism in general, rather than membrane phospholipid metabolism in particular. Second, the abnormalities are specifically deficits in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA, DHA, and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and particularly in EPA. In contrast to the situation in schizophrenia, AA levels are either normal or elevated. 

Peet M. New strategies for the treatment of schizophrenia omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. In Peet M, Glen I, Horrobin DF. (eds.), Phospholipid Spectrum Disorder in Psychiatry. Marius, Camforth, UK, 1999, pp. 189-192. 

Studies also suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can help alleviate or prevent a wide range of other health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention dehcit/hyperactivity disorder, eating disorders, skin disorders, inhammatory bowel disease, asthma, macular degeneration, menstrual pain, colon cancer, breast... 

Mellor, J.E., Laughame, J.D., and Peet, M. 1996. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in schizophrenia patients. Hum. Psychopharmacol. 

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