Omega-3s reduce likelihood of psychosis by 22.6% in high-risk youths

Psychosis: with Omega 3 supplements, 22.6% less likely in high-risk youths

Fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the likelihood of developing psychosis in high-risk young individuals. The news comes from a clinical study in which a group of researchers led by Paul Amminger of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, demonstrated theeffectiveness of Omega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in reducing the progression of early symptoms to full-blown psychosis. The research, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, showed that taking fish oil for 12 weeks was enough to reduce the risk by 22.6 percent. According to the researchers, this study shows that Omega-3s are a viable and side-effect-free alternative to taking antipsychotic drugs.

Omega-3s and behavioral disorders

The link between these fatty acids and cognitive and behavioral functions has already been demonstrated by several research studies. The most promising results concern DHA. This omega-3 has been shown to be particularly effective in improving memory in elderly individuals with cognitive disorders preliminary to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The study by Amminger and colleagues, however, focused for the first time on young subjects at high risk for psychosis, revealing a new therapeutic potential of these fatty acids.

The study

Amminger and colleagues selected 76 patients at high risk for psychosis based on preliminary symptoms of the disorder. These included mild psychotic symptoms, transient psychosis or a history of psychotic illness in the family, in combination with a decrease in functional abilities. Such symptoms are associated with a 40% chance of developing psychosis in the next 12 months. Study participants took either a placebo, consisting of coconut oil, or a fish oil supplement containing 1.2 grams of Omega-3, corresponding to 700 milligrams of EPA and 480 milligrams of DHA, daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week treatment period, only 4.9 percent of patients who had taken Omega-3 had developed psychosis. Among participants who had been prescribed placebo, however, this percentage was as high as 27.5 percent. According to the researchers, these results suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids could be a valuable preventive and therapeutic option for young individuals at risk of psychosis that deserves to be studied in more detail.

The mechanism of action of Omega-3

The authors hypothesized that the observed benefits might be associated with changes in cell membranes associated withOmega-3 intake. These nutrients could exert their effect by interacting at the brain level with the neurotransmitter system, the molecules that enable nerve impulse transmission.

I benefits of omega-3s

Amminger and colleagues emphasize the importance of the discovery that natural substances are able to prevent or delay the onset of a disorder that to date is treated with drugs with which several side effects are associated. Many patients, especially young ones, are reluctant to take antipsychotics precisely because of the complications they can bring with them. These include: changes in metabolism, sexual dysfunction and weight gain. Omega-3 intake, on the contrary, is not associated with any particular side effects. In fact, these fatty acids are very tolerable, have several health benefits as well as a relatively low cost.  

Source 

1. Amminger GP, Schafer MR, Papageorgiou K, Klier CM, Cotton SM, Harrigan SM, Mackinnon A, P.D. McGorry, Berger GE, "Long-Chain omega-3 Fatty Acids for Indicated Prevention of Psychotic Disorders: A Randomized, Placebo- Controlled Trial," Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2010 Feb;67(2):146-54