![]() Research has long shown an association between vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia. Participants who began the study with low blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids were more responsive to the supplementation. Research from 2020 also shows that omega-3 supplementation may reduce the severity of both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and help prevent the onset of psychosis in young people with a high risk of developing the condition. Plus, better cognition was significantly linked to better social functioning. The findings show that participants with higher blood levels of omega-3 had better cognition. One 2017 study examined the association between omega-3 fatty acids and cognitive function, social function, and psychiatric symptoms in 30 people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.Īll participants took antipsychotic medications, and six of them were in an inpatient facility. These fatty acids have a protective effect on the brain, as they help reduce inflammation and guard against oxidative stress. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil supplements, may improve cognition in people with schizophrenia and, as a result, help with social functioning. In a small pilot study from 2015, people with schizophrenia showed improved cognition when they took 30 mg of SFN extract a day for 8 weeks. Moreover, the “ glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia” has been widely discussed. For instance, one 2017 study found that glutathione levels in the brain were reduced in people with schizophrenia, compared with the control group. Although your body produces it naturally, glutathione levels decrease with stress and age.Įvidence suggests that both glutamate and glutathione may be dysregulated in people with schizophrenia. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that protects against oxidative stress. This enzyme then causes the neurotransmitter glutamate to make glutathione. Sulforaphane also activates a gene that produces an enzyme. This is important, as research suggests that oxidative stress and inflammation are likely involved in psychiatric illness, including schizophrenia and psychosis. This compound has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. ![]() It may have the potential to benefit the brain chemistry of people with schizophrenia. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a compound in broccoli sprouts. However, it didn’t affect positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. ![]() Overall, NAC had a positive effect on the working memory of people with schizophrenia in this study. So the findings suggest that it’s important to stick with the supplement for at least a few months. For instance, a 2019 review of 7 studies found that 24 weeks of supplementation with NAC significantly improved cognition in people with schizophrenia. Some research suggests that NAC may help improve these effects. Plus, people with schizophrenia have been associated with poorer cognitive function. ![]() Low glutathione levels have been linked to schizophrenia. glycine (another supplement that is sometimes used in schizophrenia).Three amino acids may also produce glutathione: glutamate regulation (glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter).In the body, NAC is used to help produce glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that positively affects several brain processes dysregulated in schizophrenia, including: Memory difficulties are a core feature of schizophrenia and can cause significant distress and dysfunction. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a powerful antioxidant that may help improve working memory in people with schizophrenia. They also showed improvements in depressive symptoms and overall social and occupational functioning. In a 2016 study of 86 people with first-episode psychosis, ages 18 to 25, those who took 4 grams of taurine daily for 12 weeks showed improved symptoms of psychosis. For instance, some older research suggests that people with schizophrenia may have reduced levels of taurine in the brain, though not all studies come to the same result. Scientists have long suggested a connection between taurine and schizophrenia. Taurine has a calming effect on the nervous system and may protect the brain from: The amino acid taurine may help reduce symptoms of psychosis and improve mental health in people with schizophrenia. Having results from only a few studies makes it difficult to draw clear conclusions about the supplements’ effectiveness for easing schizophrenia symptoms. It’s also important to keep in mind that research on these supplements is often very limited. It’s best to talk with your doctor before starting a new supplement. Still, these may affect each person differently. Several supplements have been shown to help reduce symptoms of schizophrenia. Complementary and alternative therapies for schizophrenia
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