Kerri Waldron
A ground-breaking new study has discovered an association between low levels of omega-3 and the onset of psychosis symptoms in early adulthood.
Researchers from Queen’s University in Belfast led the project, analysing more than 3,500 blood samples taken over a period of 17 years. This long-term scientific project, published in Biological Psychiatry, explored changes in the blood levels of both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, with a particular emphasis on docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a specific type of omega-3 fatty acid.
Collaborating with teams from the University of Cambridge and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the objective was to uncover any potential links between these changes and the emergence of psychosis symptoms in adults aged 24. Tracking the journey of participants from childhood into adulthood, the study group were part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, colloquially known as “Children of the 90s”.
Fatty acid levels in their blood samples, taken at ages seven, 15, 17 and 24, were meticulously documented and analysed. The results were revelatory; adults demonstrating consistently high levels of omega-6 compared to omega-3 in their blood tests over the course of the study, alongside persistently low DHA levels, reported more psychotic experiences when they reached 24 than those whose levels remained average. The exciting news is that omega-3, crucial for brain health, can be easily supplemented – inexpensive capsules are available over-the-counter.
Psychotic experiences can manifest as paranoia or hearing sounds that others do not hear. Additionally, these individuals often exhibit more severe negative symptoms of psychosis, such as a lack of interest in activities, emotional numbness, and social isolation, reports Bristol Live.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include certain types of fish and seafood, various vegetable oils, nuts, and high-fat plant foods like chia seeds, flax seeds, and Brussels sprouts. Omega-6 fatty acids are primarily found in oils such as sunflower, safflower, soy, sesame, and corn.
David Mongan, an 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 from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge noted: “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.” He added: “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, a professor of molecular psychiatry at RCSI, highlighted the significance of his team’s latest findings: “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.”
Source: bing.com
