New research has found that adolescents with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood are less likely to develop a psychotic disorder in early adulthood.
A study by researchers at the University of Ireland School of Medicine and Health Sciences (RCSI) suggests that increasing omega-3 levels may have a potentially preventative effect in reducing the risk of developing psychotic disorders.
Omega-3 and the reduction of psychotic disorders in young people
In a health study involving more than 3,800 people, adolescents and adults aged 17 to 24 years were evaluated for psychotic disorder, depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
During these evaluations, blood samples were collected and the researchers measured the levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which generally increase inflammation in the body, and omega-3 fatty acids, which generally reduce inflammation.
While there was little evidence that fatty acids were associated with mental disorders at age 17, the researchers nonetheless found that 24-year-olds with psychotic disorder, depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder had higher fatty acid levels omega-6 fatty than omega-3, compared with those without these disorders.
Low levels of DHA also influence
The researchers also found that 24-year-olds with a psychotic disorder had lower levels of DHA than 24-year-olds without a psychotic disorder. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is commonly found in fatty fish or dietary supplements. It is a primary structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, and retina.
In a group of more than 2,700 people who were followed over time, adolescents with higher DHA levels at age 17 were 56% less likely to develop a psychotic disorder seven years later and at age 24. This suggests, according to research, that DHA in adolescence may have a potential preventative effect by reducing the risk of developing psychosis in early adulthood.
The scientists emphasize that more research is needed on this topic and that the results are consistent when other factors such as gender, body mass index, smoking and socioeconomic status are taken into account.