Post by KenNiemann on Feb 15, 2010 0:48:11 GMT -5
From Natural Standard:
A new study suggests that fish oil may be beneficial in adolescents and young adults who are at risk of developing psychotic disorders.
Some earlier evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may have positive effects on various psychiatric illnesses, such as depression and schizophrenia. Since using antipsychotic medicine to prevent psychotic disorders is controversial, researchers set out to test the preventative effects of fish oil supplements, which are rich in fatty acids and have few side effects when used appropriately.
The study included 81 people who had low-level psychotic symptoms, transient psychotic symptoms, a schizophrenia-like personality disorder or a close relative with schizophrenia. The participants were 13-25 years old and all experienced a drastic decline in mental function within the last year.
The subjects were randomly assigned to receive fish oil supplements that contained 1.2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids or placebo daily for 12 weeks. The researchers monitored the participants for 40 weeks after treatment, and a total of 76 people completed the study.
By the end of the follow-up period, just five percent of people in the omega-3 group developed a psychotic illness compared to 28 percent in the placebo group. Additionally, people in the omega-3 group experienced significant improvements in psychotic symptoms and mental function.
Although promising, additional research is needed to confirm these findings and determine a potential mechanism of action.
Fish oil supplements are commonly taken to help prevent heart disease. Supplementation has been shown to help lower triglyceride levels and blood pressure, reduce mortality rates and abnormal heart rhythms, and prevent strokes and atherosclerosis. However, high doses may have harmful effects, such as an increased risk of bleeding.
To learn more about omega-3 fatty acids, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.
To comment on this story, please click here to enter Natural Standard's blog.
References:
Amminger GP, Schäfer MR, Papageorgiou K, 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. View Abstract
Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine.
www.naturalstandard.com
A new study suggests that fish oil may be beneficial in adolescents and young adults who are at risk of developing psychotic disorders.
Some earlier evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may have positive effects on various psychiatric illnesses, such as depression and schizophrenia. Since using antipsychotic medicine to prevent psychotic disorders is controversial, researchers set out to test the preventative effects of fish oil supplements, which are rich in fatty acids and have few side effects when used appropriately.
The study included 81 people who had low-level psychotic symptoms, transient psychotic symptoms, a schizophrenia-like personality disorder or a close relative with schizophrenia. The participants were 13-25 years old and all experienced a drastic decline in mental function within the last year.
The subjects were randomly assigned to receive fish oil supplements that contained 1.2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids or placebo daily for 12 weeks. The researchers monitored the participants for 40 weeks after treatment, and a total of 76 people completed the study.
By the end of the follow-up period, just five percent of people in the omega-3 group developed a psychotic illness compared to 28 percent in the placebo group. Additionally, people in the omega-3 group experienced significant improvements in psychotic symptoms and mental function.
Although promising, additional research is needed to confirm these findings and determine a potential mechanism of action.
Fish oil supplements are commonly taken to help prevent heart disease. Supplementation has been shown to help lower triglyceride levels and blood pressure, reduce mortality rates and abnormal heart rhythms, and prevent strokes and atherosclerosis. However, high doses may have harmful effects, such as an increased risk of bleeding.
To learn more about omega-3 fatty acids, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.
To comment on this story, please click here to enter Natural Standard's blog.
References:
Amminger GP, Schäfer MR, Papageorgiou K, 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. View Abstract
Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine.
www.naturalstandard.com