Nutritional assessment of omega-3 fatty acids intake in schizophrenia patients group

Abstract

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disease which significantly affects functioning and quality of life of patients. Lifestyle, including irregular eating habits, is a factor possibly intensifying symptoms of the disease and unwanted effects of pharmacotherapy. Due to positive effect on metabolic parameters demonstrated in numerous studies and participation in structure and functioning of central nervous system, omega-3 essential unsaturated fatty acids (EFAs) are the suggested form of schizophrenia cotheraphy.

Aim: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate EFAs (especially omega-3 family) consumption by individuals with schizophrenia and comparing contents of these acids in the diets of female and male patients.

Method: A study was conducted with the participation of 32 patients, recruited in the Psychiatric Outpatient Department of the Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Lublin, with diagnosed schizophrenia. Data concerning the intake of EFAs was acquired in the course of 24-hour diet recall.

Results: Average intake of omega-3 EFAs in the examined population was 2.40 ± 2.85 g, of which only 201.6 ± 501.5 mg was constituted by EPA and DHA acids. The intake of omega-3 EFAs did not differ between men and women groups (p>0.05). Food rations of the 91% responders were characterised with the intake of EPA and DHA acids below the adequate intake level (AI).

Conclusions: Patients suffering from schizophrenia consume insufficient amounts of EPA and DHA acids. Evidence suggests that optimum intake of omega-3 EFAs could bring significant benefits for this group of patients. People suffering from schizophrenia should be attended with the care of a dietician, who will choose optimum strategy for supplying sufficient amount of nutrients in the diet.