Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Can Prevent Relapse in First-episode Schizophrenia: the Results of Offer Trial
European Psychiatry, Volume 30, Supplement 1, 28–31 March 2015, Pages 1751
Abstracts of the 23rd European Congress of Psychiatry
T. Pawelczyka, M. Grancowb, M. Kotlicka-Antczaka, A. Pawelczyka
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA) are major constituents of the neural membranes. N-3 PUFA take part in several neuronal mechanisms, including modulation and control of neurobiological processes, such as ion channel and receptor activity, neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, second messenger pathways and neuronal gene expression. Deficiency in n-3 PUFA has been postulated in the etiology of schizophrenia. Intervention trials supplementing n-3 PUFA were conducted to assess the efficacy of n-3 PUFA in reducing symptom severity in exacerbations of chronic schizophrenia and acute phase of first-episode schizophrenia. The results were n-3 PUFA were found to prevent conversion to psychosis in clinical high risk populations.
Objectives: To assess the efficacy n-3 PUFA as add-on treatment in relapse prevention in first-episode schizophrenia patients.
Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group single-center 6 months augmentation trial of either 2,2 g per day of n-3 PUFA or placebo added on to an adjustable dose of antipsychotic medication in first-episode schizophrenia patients. Intervention was composed of either 1320 mg/day of eicosapentaenoic acid plus 880 mg/day of docosahexaenoic acid or placebo olive oil. The relapse rate was observed during a follow up period of 12 months.
Results: 71 patients completed the study (41% female). Relapse was observed in 4 patients (11.4%) enrolled in n-3 PUFA group and 12 patients (33.3%) in placebo group over a period of 12 months. The difference was statistically significant (log rank test, p=0.0225).
Conclusions: The results indicate, that n-3 PUFA add-on therapy can effectively prevent relapses in first-episode schizophrenia patients.
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See also VitaminDWiki
- Cognitive decline in elderly slowed by Omega-3 – meta-analysis May 2015
- Cognitively impaired brain atrophy was slowed 40 percent by Omega-3 and B vitamins – RCT July 2015
- Vitamin D, Omega-3 supplementation helps cognition – perhaps due to serotonin – Feb 2015
- Overview Schizophrenia and Vitamin D contains the following summary
14 reasons to think that schizophrenia is associated with low vitamin D
1) 97% of patients with schizophrenia are vitamin D deficient
2) Schizophrenia varies with latitude (UVB) by 10X (controversy)
3) Schizophrenia is more common in those with dark skin (when away from the equator)
4) Schizophrenia is associated with low natal vitamin D
5) Schizophrenia has been increasing around the world when vitamin D has been decreasing (controversy)
6) Schizophrenia is associated with low birth rate, which is associated with low vitamin D
7) Schizophrenia is associated with Autism which is associated with low vitamin D
8) Schizophrenia Bulletin Editorial (Jan 2014) speculated that Vitamin D could be a major player
9) Schizophrenia 2X more likely if low vitamin D - meta-analysis
10) Schizophrenia increased 40 % for Spring births after Danes stopped vitamin D fortification
11) Schizophrenia is associated with season of birth
12) Schizophrenia is associated with poor Vitamin D Receptor genes
13) Schizophrenia risk is decreased if give Vitamin D after birth
14) Schizophrenia symptoms reduced when Vitamin D levels are restored