Therapeutic advantages of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with schizophrenia – a systematic review

Srilaxmi Vityala
Krishna Priya Kanteti
Yethindra Vityala
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Tugolbai Tagaev
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Ujwala Damineni
College of Fishery Science, Wanaparthy, Telangana, India
Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
Honorary International Faculty, AJ Research Centre, AJ Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Department of Public Health and Healthcare, I. K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Maheshwara Medical College and Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Received: 5 July 2023 / Revised: 12 October 2023 / Accepted: 28 October 2023 / Published: 30 March 2024

Abstract

Introduction and aim. In patients with schizophrenia, omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) treatment was found to ameliorate the cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory problems caused by antipsychotic medication and even reduce the need for medication by 20%. In this study, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation in patients with schizophrenia.

Material and methods. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting this systematic review. The Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched electronically. The first search yielded 50 papers in total. Subse quently, 43 publications that did not meet our eligibility requirements were removed, and seven articles were selected.

Analysis of the literature. The analysis showed that n-3 PUFA supplementation and the placebo group both decreased their psychotic (PANSS and GAF scales) and Calgary Depression Scale symptomatology and boosted their functional ability (GAF) when used as an adjuvant to antipsychotic medication. When administered as a monotherapy with a metabolic antioxidant, n-3 PUFA supplementation proved beneficial for treating schizophrenia. In patients with schizophrenia, n-3 PUFAs have thera peutic benefits as adjuvant treatments to medications, although not for different variables or patient groups.

Conclusion. In many studies, patients with chronic schizophrenia who received n-3 PUFA supplementation showed no improvement in their clinical condition.

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