Micronutrient deficiencies are not conducive to the normal functioning of the body. For people with schizophrenia, getting enough nutrients is even more important. Here are the micronutrients that are beneficial for people with schizophrenia:
1. Vitamins
- Vitamins B: B vitamins stimulate the production of neurotransmitters that contribute to brain balance. Studies have shown positive effects of B vitamins, especially vitamins B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid) and B12 in people with schizophrenia.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays an active role in fighting oxidative stress and inflammation. Vitamin C supplementation in combination with other vitamins and minerals has shown efficacy in clinical studies of schizophrenia, while reducing the inflammatory side effects associated with antipsychotics.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which has shown a positive role in treating mental disorders. In particular, vitamin E helps to improve the mood of people suffering from this pathology.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Adequate vitamin D supplementation is necessary in the treatment of mental disorders. This is all the more necessary because vitamin D deficiencies often occur in people with schizophrenia.
2. Minerals
- Zinc: Serum zinc levels are generally low in schizophrenia. Zinc deficiency has been linked to oxidative stress.
- Iron: In blood tests, serum iron levels in many schizophrenia patients are often lower than average.
- Magnesium: Schizophrenia medications such as antipsychotics often reduce the amount of magnesium in the blood.
- Selenium: Some studies have shown that after selenium supplementation, schizophrenia patients have marked improvement including appetite and memory enhancement.
3. Amino acids
The amino acid helps brain cells function normally, while also producing glutathione, an important antioxidant. Amino acid supplements may help regulate brain function.
- Lysine: Lysine is known for reducing stress and anxiety. In studies, supplementing with L-lysine for 4 weeks, at a rate of 6 grams per day, helped reduce stress and anxiety.
- Tryptophan: Diets that don't get enough tryptophan can have negative effects on schizophrenia patients.
- L-theanine: L-theanine supplementation, combined with antipsychotics, may improve symptoms of anxiety and agitation in patients with psychosis and schizophrenia.
- N-acetylcysteine: N-acetylcysteine supplementation increases glutathione levels in the brain, which can improve brain connectivity as well as for some cognitive functions, especially memory.
4. Unsaturated fatty acids
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that have been shown to benefit brain health and have been shown to be effective in improving cognitive decline. Fish oil rich in DHA and EPA, combined with drug treatment has shown health benefits for people with schizophrenia.
5. Antioxidants
- Coenzyme Q10: CoQ10 supplementation has positive effects to reduce fatigue and cognitive decline in neuropsychiatric diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, including schizophrenia.
- Glutathione: Glutathione is helpful in removing toxins and heavy metals, which have a powerful effect on changes in brain activity.
- DHEA: A higher cortisol/DHEA ratio (the more cortisol, the less DHEA) is observed in many mental disorders, including schizophrenia.
In general, there are many types of micronutrients that are beneficial for the mentally ill. But to ensure safety and avoid risks, patients need to consult with the treating doctor as well as a nutritionist before proceeding with the supplement.
Source: Health & Life Newspaper
