In a literature review published last Tuesday researchers evaluated studies on the status and supplementation of fish oil vitamin D B vitamins and vitamin E in patients in various stages of schizophrenia.
Although there have been medication advancements the treatment of schizophrenia remains a challenge. There is an association with upregulated inflammation and oxidative stress in regards to schizophrenia. For this reason supplementation of antioxidants vitamins and nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties should be considered.
Cytokines play a critical role in inflammatory processes between the brain and the immune system. These act directly on the CNS and abnormal levels have been associated with schizophrenia.
In addition we know that oxidative stress contributes to poor health outcomes. As one ages the body’s cells are more susceptible to damage and death. In addition the body produces less energy due to slower metabolism and as a result cells are less able to produce antioxidants and soak up free radicals. Fish oil vitamin D B vitamins and vitamin E may provide a therapeutic benefit protecting against oxidation and abnormal levels of cytokines.
In this latest review lower RBC omega-3 levels have been seen in those with schizophrenia. Fish oils were most effective in those with high risk and first episode psychosis patients compared to those in the chronic stage of the disease. EPA was more effective than DHA in reducing symptoms with dosing between 2-3 grams per day.
Previous studies have demonstrated low vitamin D levels in these patients and a deficiency has been associated with more severe symptoms in first-episode schizophrenia. Research on therapeutic dosing of vitamin D is lacking; however it is important to assess and supplement accordingly.
The status of folate and vitamin B12 has been shown to be low while plasma homocysteine levels are found to be high in schizophrenia. This is an important oxidative stress marker to indirectly assess methylation co-factors and vitamin B6 and is commonly affected by genetic polymorphisms.
Studies on vitamin E suggest that it may enhance the effect of other nutrients (i.e. vitamin C fish oil) in reducing schizophrenia symptoms.
Previous research also demonstrated low glutathione peroxidase levels in schizophrenia patients. Glutathione is an important antioxidant which has been found to be depleted with the natural aging process and in patients with neurodegenerative conditions.
N-acetyl-cysteine can definitely play a significant a role in helping to prevent the increased toxicity faced with aging and the bodys reduced ability to eliminate toxins. NAC has the ability to improve the metabolic resilience that is lost with the aging process as well as offering detoxification support.
By Michael Jurgelewicz DC DACBN DCBCN CNS
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