Low omega-3 levels associated with an increased risk of psychosis, according to the study

New research has found that teens with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood were less likely to develop psychotic disorders in early adulthood, suggesting that it may have a potential preventative effect in reducing the risk of psychosis.

The study, led by researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, is published in Translational psychiatry.

More than 3,800 individuals from the Bristol 1990s children’s health study were evaluated psychotic disorder, depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder at age 17 and age 24.

During these assessments, blood samples were collected and the researchers measured levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which generally increase inflammation in the body, and omega-3 fatty acids, which generally reduce inflammation.

Although there was little evidence that fatty acids were associated with mental disorders at age 17, the researchers found that 24-year-olds with psychotic disorder, depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder had higher levels of omega-2 disorders. 6 than omega-3 fatty acids compared to those who do not have these disorders.

The researchers also found that 24-year-olds with psychotic disorder had lower levels of DHA, an omega-3 fat. acid It is typically found in fatty fish or dietary supplements, which 24-year-olds without psychotic disorder. In a group of more than 2,700 individuals who were monitored over time, adolescents with higher levels of DHA at age 17 were 56% less likely to develop psychotic disorder seven years later at age 24. This suggests that DHA in adolescence may have a potential preventive effect in reducing the risk of psychosis in early adulthood.

These results remained constant when taking into account other factors such as sex, body mass index, smoking, and socioeconomic status.

“The study needs to be replicated, but if the results are consistent, these results would suggest that improved dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids among adolescents, such as through fatty fish such as mackerel, could prevent some people from developing psychosis. in the early 1920s, ”said Professor David Cotter, lead author of the study and professor of molecular psychiatry at RCSI.

“The results could also raise questions about the relationship between mental health development disorders and omega-6 fatty acids, which are usually found in vegetable oils. “

David Mongan, an RCSI doctoral student and Irish Clinical Training Fellow (ICAT), analyzed the data under the supervision of Professor David Cotter and Professor Mary Cannon of the RCSI Department of Psychiatry. The ICAT program is supported by the Wellcome Trust and the Health Research Board, the Health Service Executive Doctors National Training and Planning and the Health and Social Care, Research and Development Division, Northern Ireland.

“We need to do more research to find out the mechanisms behind this effect, but it could possibly be related to reducing inflammation or decreasing inappropriate pruning of brain connections during adolescence,” he said. Dr. David Mongan, first author of the study. student in psychiatry and doctorate. studying at RCSI.

Provided by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences