Lack of cheap nutrient you can take in daily pill linked to psychosis

A new study has identified a link between low levels of omega-3s and symptoms of psychosis in early adulthood. The research, led by Queen’s University in Belfast, tracked the blood test results of more than 3,500 participants over 17 years.

The longitudinal study, published in Biological Psychiatry, examined how blood levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a specific omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), changed over time. Working in collaboration with researchers from the University of Cambridge and RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the aim was to identify if, and how, these variations were related to the development of symptoms of psychosis in adults aged 24.

Researchers tracked the participants, who are part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), also known as “Children of the 90s”, from childhood into adulthood. The fatty acid levels were measured in the blood tests collected from the participants throughout their lives, at the specific ages of seven, 15, 17 and 24.

The findings revealed that those with persistently higher levels of omega-6 compared to omega-3 fatty acids in their blood, as well as consistently low DHA levels, had more psychotic experiences at age 24 compared to people whose levels remained average over this time period. Omega-3 can be taken in inexpensive pills you buy over the counter.

Psychotic experiences include thoughts of paranoia or hearing sounds others cannot. In addition, these participants also showed greater negative symptoms of psychosis. These include experiencing a loss of interest in activities, flattening of emotions and social withdrawal.

Foods high in omega-3 include certain fish and seafood, some vegetable oils, nuts, and high fat plant foods such as chia seeds, flax seeds, Brussels sprouts and more. Omega-6 fatty acids can be found in sunflower, safflower, soy, sesame, and corn oils.

David Mongan, academic clinical lecturer at Queen’s University, said: “This inaugural study is important because the results suggest that optimising fatty acid status during crucial stages of development, whether through diet or supplementation, warrants further investigation in relation to reducing psychotic symptoms in early adulthood.”

Dr Ben Perry, of the Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, added: “We’ve found an interesting link between higher ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids during childhood and adolescence and an increase in experiences of psychosis in adulthood.

“We don’t yet know why this should be case, but nor do we believe people should be concerned by these findings.

“Omega-6 fatty acids as part of a balanced diet are important nutrients and we would not recommend people cut them out of their diets. We hope future research will explore this possible link between diet and mental health in more detail.”

Professor David Cotter, professor of molecular psychiatry at RCSI, said: “Building on our previous research, these findings reinforce our understanding of the important relationship between fatty acids and later mental health, particularly in how an imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 can increase the risk of later psychotic experiences.”