Omega-3 may block psychosis years later, study finds

Medical XPress ^ | 08/11/15

[Enlightened1]

Omega-3, a fatty acid found in oily fish, may prevent the onset of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders long after being consumed, according to a study released Tuesday.

Up to seven years after taking omega-3 supplements for 12 weeks, young people at "ultra-high" risk were less likely to have suffered the debilitating condition than a control group given a placebo, reported the study.

Schizophrenia is characterized by delusions and hallucinations, including hearing voices and seeing things that do not really exist.

It typically emerges during adolescence or early adulthood, either abruptly or gradually. There is no cure. Current treatment focuses on managing symptoms.

Scientists have long known that patients with schizophrenia exhibit reduced levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid—specifically, omega-3 and omega 6—in cell membranes.

Nearly a decade ago, researchers led by Paul Amminger at the University of Melbourne showed in clinical trials that ingesting the fatty acid delayed a first episode of psychotic disorder in high-risk subjects by up to year.

[Enlightened1]

Fatty acid found in oily fish may prevent onset of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

[wolfman23601]

Interesting. Would love to see the science behind this as to why.

[GregoTX]

Then why do the voices in my head tell me to take more Omega 3?
They must be crazy.

[Grampa Dave]

This may tie in with the positive impact of the Mind diet reducing Alzheimer’s and senility:

The MIND Diet May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s - WebMD
www.webmd.com/alzheimers/.../mind-diet-alzheimers-disease
WebMD

Researchers have found that people who stuck to a diet that included foods like berries, leafy greens, and fish had a ... The eating plan is called the MIND diet.

[AppyPappy]

No wonder the voices told me to quit taking it.

[Buckeye McFrog]

My mom always told me that fish was brain food.