Nutrition, nutritional deficiencies, and schizophrenia: An association worthy of constant reassessment

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that occurs worldwide, cutting across cultures, socioeconomic groups, and geographical barriers. Understanding the details of the neurochemical basis of schizophrenia, factors that contribute to it and possible measures for intervention are areas of ongoing research. However, what has become more evident is the fact that in targeting the neurochemical imbalances that may underlie schizophrenia, the type of response seen with currently available phamacotherapeutic agents does not provide all the answers that are needed. Therefore, the possible contribution of non-pharmacological approaches to schizophrenia management is worthy of consideration. In recent times, research is beginning to show nutrition may play a possibly significant role in schizophrenia, affecting its development, progression and management; however, while attempts had been made to examine this possible relationship from different angles, articles addressing it from a holistic point of view are not common. In this review, we examine existing scientific literature dealing with the possible relationship between nutrition and schizophrenia, with a view to elucidating the impact of diet, nutritional deficiencies and excesses on the aetiology, progression, management and outcome of schizophrenia. Secondly, the effect of nutritional supplements in prevention, as sole therapy, or adjuncts in schizophrenia management are examined.

Key Words: Diet; Brain; Mental health; Nutritional psychiatry; Psychosis; Schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Core Tip: Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder with a significant socioeconomic burden and a complex pathophysiology. As the relationships that potentially link nutrition to the expression of symptoms and the progression of schizophrenia are becoming more apparent, the role of nutrition in schizophrenia management is becoming more important than previously thought. However, despite our current knowledge of the possible links between nutrition and schizophrenia, and some tentative pathways for this relationship, the larger challenge remains how to get to the point where precision dietary manipulation becomes a widely-accepted approach to schizophrenia prevention and a day-to-day management strategy.

INTRODUCTION

Globally, the societal and economic burden of mental health disorders have continued to increase, with available data currently showing an increasing prevalence of a number of these psychiatric disorders in high- and upper-middle income economies[1]. In 2016, mental health and addictive disorders were reported to have affected over 1 billion people worldwide, accounting for about 7% of the global burden of disease measured in disability adjusted life years and approximately 19% of years lived with disability[1]. However, there have been suggestions that these data (despite being high) are still grossly underestimated[2].

Schizophrenia (which is a component of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders) is a chronic, debilitating and complex mental health disorder characterised by impairments in cognition, mood, perception of reality and interpersonal relationships[3]. Worldwide, the case prevalence of schizophrenia has been reported to have risen from 13.1 million in the 1990s to about 20.9 million in 2016[4]. Despite schizophrenia having a low prevalence (lifetime prevalence of about 1%), the burden of schizophrenia is mainly disability-related[4]. It is associated with significantly higher suicide rates, premature deaths and inability to sustain gainful employment[5-8]. The increasing burden of neuropsychiatric disorders (schizophrenia included) has been attributed partly to public health neglect (linked to stigmatisation) and the absence of effective and affordable treatment options[1]. Hence, in the last few decades, there has been a renewed drive to develop less toxic/more effective therapies and novel strategies for the management of schizophrenia and other mental health disorders.

Recently, there have been reports that nutrition, nutritional deficiencies and excesses are important determinants of mental health[9-12]. Over the years, nutritional interventions have been considered as possible preventive and therapeutic options first in high-prevalence mental health disorders like depression and anxiety and more recently in low prevalence disorders such as schizophrenia[10,13,14]. Nutritional interventions are also crucial to combatting the physical health inequalities and decrements in life-expectancy associated with the psychotic-spectrum[15]. Therefore, there is a growing body of knowledge examining the impact of nutrition, nutritional deficiencies/excesses and nutritional interventions on aetiology, progression and management of schizophrenia. In this article, we examine the existing scientific literature dealing with the possible relationship between nutrition and schizophrenia. Secondly, the effect of nutritional supplements in prevention, as sole therapy, or adjuncts in schizophrenia management are examined.

NUTRITION IN MENTAL HEALTH AND DISEASE

Mental health disorders have at present become a growing societal concern, with recent data continuing to show that the economic, social and health burden of psychiatric disorders (including depression, anxiety and schizophrenia) is rising globally[9,16,17]. However, in recent years, the inadequacy of conventional therapeutic options and the need for more effective preventive or therapeutic strategies are directing the focus of research towards examining the possible relationship between nutrition, brain function and the risk of mental health disorders[9,16].

The inkling or proof of the concept that nutrition is important in the maintenance of mental health arose from the descriptions of diseases such as pellagra, beriberi, scurvy and phenylketonuria (which are some of the earliest known human diseases with psychiatric presentations). The pathogenesis of these diseases was linked to nutritional deficiencies and was corrected by nutritional supplementation[18]. Since this period, studies have continued to demonstrate that deficiencies of a number of nutrients, including vitamins (B1, B6, B9, B12) could be linked to the development of psychiatric symptoms or increased risk of developing mental health disorders in adulthood[19-21].

In the last decade or more, the understanding of the crucial role played by environmental factors as determinants of psychiatric disorder risks has increased tremendously. Also, data demonstrating the impact of lifestyle modifications on several non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease are increasing advocacy that lifestyle modification could also be beneficial in addressing mental health disorders[22,23]. Although information is still evolving, the fact that several environmental factors are adaptable has led to suggestions that nutrition or nutritional supplementation could be beneficial in the maintenance of mental well-being or the management of mental health disorders[22].

Normal development of brain structure and function is dependent to a large extent on the availability of amino acids, lipids, minerals and vitamins, which are mainly sourced from dietary intake[17,24]. Hence, there have been suggestions that diet, being a modifiable determinant, can be targeted for the maintenance of mental health and possibly the management of neuropsychiatric disease[25].

The emerging, yet rapidly evolving field of nutritional psychiatry supports the clinical consideration of dietary modifications or the use of nutritional supplementation in the prevention and/or management of psychiatric disorders[26]. There have been reports demonstrating the relationship between the adoption of healthy dietary practices (diets rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruit, nuts, and fish) and the risk of developing mental health disorders like depression was inversely proportional[27-30]. While the possible mechanisms through which dietary strategies and/or interventions could be beneficial in mental health are still being studied, there have been reports suggesting dietary interventions or nutritional supplementation act by modulating biological pathways (oxidative stress, inflammation, neurogenesis, the gut–brain axis)[16]. There have also been reports suggesting that nutrition and dietary composition could directly impact determinants of mental health risk including the gut microbiome, endogenous hormones of the gastrointestinal tract, gut neurotransmitters and neuropeptides[17,31].

Pathophysiology of schizophrenia

Our understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia had in times past been dependent on the concept that schizophrenia was for a large part a hyperdopaminergic state[32,33]. Proposed in the 1960s following the discovery of the antipsychotic benefits of chlorpromazine, the original dopamine hypothesis was a successful heuristic approach to understanding the symptomatology of schizophrenia and response to management[3,33]. The increasing individual and economic burden of schizophrenia has swayed research in the direction of searching for ways to understand better the aetiology of schizophrenia towards the discovery of more effective and efficient treatment and preventive options. Currently, schizophrenia is being described as a complex disorder whose pathophysiology has been attributed to the dysregulation of multiple pathways, including glutamatergic, dopaminergic and γ-amino butyric acid-ergic neurotransmitter systems[34]. Deficits in acetylcholine muscarinic receptors have also been described. Other factors include inflammation, oxidative stress, autoimmunity and genetics[34].

The modified dopamine hypothesis has attributed the hyperdopaminergic state observed in most patients with schizophrenia to an increased presynaptic striatal dopaminergic activity, which is a final common pathway through which a number of the other factors (numerous genetic and/or environmental) can result in the development of schizophrenia[35,36]. The broadening of the dopamine hypothesis has allowed aetiological factors to be classified as either upstream or downstream[35]. While current treatment options are directed towards addressing the downstream factors responsible for neurotransmitter dysfunction. There have been suggestions that more effective treatments could be achieved if drugs and/or other interventions are directed at manipulating the upstream factors[35].

Diet and nutritional factors in schizophrenia pathogenesis

Current evidence from studies on the impact of diet and dietary intake (Figure 1) in schizophrenia shows that compared to normal controls, persons with schizophrenia have poor dietary practices characterised by increased intake of sodium, cholesterol and higher saturated fats, with low fibre content[37-40]. Increased consumption of sugars and processed foods have also been reported[41-43]. These poor dietary choices have been suggested as possible causes of obesity, metabolic syndrome and high mortality figures, which have been associated with schizophrenia[14,43]. There have also been reports that diets low in omega-3 fatty acids or D-vitamins could also increase risk of developing psychosis[40,44]. The unhealthy dietary practices of persons with schizophrenia have been suggested to result from dysregulation of the reward circuitry, mediated by increased dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway and brain regions responsible for the control of cognition[45,46]. The development of obesity, eating disorders, food cravings and addictive behaviours observed in persons with schizophrenia have also been linked to this pathway[47-49].

Figure 1 Diet/nutritional factors and potential mechanisms in schizophrenia pathogenesis.

There have been reports suggesting that the incidence of coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity is higher in patients with schizophrenia compared to the general population[50,51]. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterised by inflammation-induced intestinal injury arising from the consumption of gluten-rich diet such as barley, wheat, rye and bulgur. A few studies have reported the triggering of psychotic symptoms by gluten in persons with gluten intolerance[52]. Food sensitivities that are characterised by the elevation of immunoglobulin G antibodies to wheat glutens and bovine milk caseins have also been observed in persons with schizophrenia[53].

Nutritional deficiencies that occur as a result of inadequate intake or the poor absorption of nutrients that are critical to the sustenance of human health have also been recognised as possible risk factors for the development of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia[13]. Also, nutrition and nutritional composition of foods have also been implicated in mental health. Earlier reports had shown that increased intake of foods deficient in critical compounds such as essential fatty acids[54,55] or rich in substances that can elicit an autoimmune reaction such as gluten could be linked to the development of brain disease and more recently mental illness including schizophrenia[13,22,28,56].

Schizophrenia has also been associated with the development of nutritional deficiencies and metabolic disorders. The results of clinical studies and systematic reviews have demonstrated a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia compared to the general population; this has been attributed in part to poor eating habits and possibly side-effects of pharmacotherapy[57,58]. Results of biochemical tests had also reported high homocysteine levels as well as low levels of vitamins B9, B12, C and E in the blood of newly diagnosed patients and patients with long-term schizophrenia. Decreased brain levels of vitamin B12 have also been reported in schizophrenia[59]. Deficiencies in vitamin D have also been implicated in schizophrenia, and developmental deficiency of D3 has been associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia in adulthood[13,60,61]. There have also been suggestions that low maternal vitamin D levels do not constitute a continuous risk factor for the development of schizophrenia; however, below a critical threshold, it could be associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia[13,62].Deficiencies or excesses of essential trace elements including calcium, zinc, selenium, copper and manganese have also been observed in persons with schizophrenia[63-66].

Further buttressing the importance of vitamins and minerals in schizophrenia are results of clinical studies that had also shown that supplementation with a number of these vitamins was associated with reduction in symptoms and the amelioration of neurological deficits associated with schizophrenia[13,55].

Mechanisms through which nutrition and nutritional factors influence schizophrenia pathophysiology

The mechanisms through which diet, nutrient and/or nutritional deficiencies cause schizophrenia or worsen its severity are still being studied. However, a number of modalities (Figure 2) have been suggested. These include factors like poor diet, poor dietary practices and/or nutritional deficiencies that have been linked with the development of hyperhomocysteinaemia, derangement of oxidant-antioxidant status, immune dysregulation and alterations in the levels of pro-inflammatory markers. The importance of oxidative stress and inflammation in schizophrenia had been described in the neuroprogressive hypothesis, which considered alterations in oxidative stress and immune-inflammatory markers as possible mechanisms in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia[67-69].

Figure 2 Mechanisms through which nutrition and nutritional factors influence schizophrenia pathophysiology.

The gut microbiota, which plays a strategic role in food digestion, metabolism and storage of fats/absorption of monosaccharides, has also been reported to be influenced significantly by dietary choices. Several studies have reported that dietary composition and nutritional status are very important modifiable factors in maintaining gut microbiome composition and gut microbial diversity[31,70,71].

There is also growing interest in the relationship that exists between diet and the gut microbiota, and how this relationship impacts schizophrenia pathophysiology and management. However, it is worthy of note that while diet is an important factor determining the composition of the gut microbiota, other factors such as stress and sleep can also alter it. Also, interindividual and time-defined variations in their composition make it harder to define accurately gut microbiota dysbiosis. In recent times, there has been increasing evidence of the importance of the multidimensional relationship that exists between the gut microbiota and the brain, especially its ability to influence the brain through the utilisation of immunologic, endocrine and neurocrine signalling pathways[72]. Alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolite have been reported to influence the integrity of the gut and bodily immune responses. Gut dysbiosis has been reported in persons with schizophrenia, with reports that increase in the Succinivibrio and Corynebacterium bacterial genera exacerbated schizophrenia symptom severity[73]. Gut dysbiosis also increases susceptibility to infections and inflammation[74]. However, direct proof that diet-induced change in gut microbiota may be a direct cause of schizophrenia symptoms is harder to obtain. Also, dietary manipulations have not been shown to be consistently successful in alleviating schizophrenia symptoms. So far, the link between diet and schizophrenia has been suggested to involve the induction of neuroinflammation and modulation of the gut microbiota; these in turn have been associated with worsening symptoms of schizophrenia in some cases.

Gut-dwelling microbes such as bacteria have the potential to alter neurotransmitter equilibrium through production and/or consumption of a wide range of mammalian neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, or γ-amino butyric acid; a number of which are closely-linked to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia[75]. Already, evidence from animal studies (and even some human studies) suggest that gut bacteria can be used to manipulate neurotransmitter equilibrium to impact host physiology and that microbiota-based interventions can alter neurotransmitter levels[75]. However, how this knowledge can be used to develop a robust preventive and curative strategy for schizophrenia is still a challenge.

Studies have reported that diets that are low in anti-inflammatory or rich in pro-inflammatory factors (omega-6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory in contrast to omega-3 fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory) activate or worsen neuroinflammation, and if left uncontrolled, can induce pathologic changes of schizophrenia and exacerbate schizophrenia symptom severity[74,76]. Exposure to diets rich in gluten has been associated with an increase in the expression of human leukocyte antigen markers, which increase cells susceptible to attacks by T-cells, allowing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Also, there have been reports suggesting that a number of other immune pathways such as the complement protein (C1q) are activated in persons with schizophrenia[53].

A number of the B vitamins, including B2, B6, B9 and B12, are the sources of coenzymes and cofactors needed in one carbon metabolism[77]. One-carbon metabolism is crucial to cell proliferation and survival; therefore, deficiencies in these B vitamins (particularly B9 and B12) have been associated with severe alterations in normal cell biology. There is alteration of S-adenosyl methionine production, impairment of nucleotide synthesis, reduction in cell proliferation and a global hypomethylation of deoxyribonucleic acid[78]. More recently, alterations in one-carbon metabolism resulting in elevation in the level of homocysteine have been considered an independent risk factor for schizophrenia[79]. Homocysteine is a non-protein neurotoxic amino acid that can alter brain structure and function, especially during early phases of brain development[79-81]. The interaction of homocysteine with glutamatergic transmission has also been suggested as one of the possible links between homocysteinaemia and schizophrenia[82]. There have also been suggestions that the activity of homocysteine on other neuromodulators such dopamine, serotonin and acetylcholine could be linked to the development of schizophrenia[82-84].

Deficiencies or low levels of antioxidant vitamins such as C, E and beta carotene have been reported to cause oxidative stress[85]. There is overwhelming evidence demonstrating the crucial role played by oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia[86,87]. Higher lipid peroxidation levels, alterations in plasma and brain levels of antioxidants and/or antioxidant enzyme activity have also been observed in persons with schizophrenia[87-90]. Oxidative stress has also been described as a possible link between vitamins deficiencies and schizophrenia[86]. Studies have also shown that antioxidant vitamins such as C and E offer protection against cellular damage due to either inflammation or highly reactive oxygen-species[85].

NUTRITION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA THERAPY

In the last few decades, the crucial role played by nutrition in the maintenance of mental health has continued to be emphasised. The dynamic relationship between adequate intake of dietary nutrients and optimal mental health has also been reported[91,92]. The need to use nutritional interventions to achieve general health and well-being was the beginning of orthomolecular medicine. Orthomolecular medicine is defined as the restoration and maintenance of health through the administration of adequate amounts of substances normally occurring in the body. It allows the use of endogenous and natural compounds as either supplement in conditions of nutritional deficiencies or in the provision of additional requirements in conditions of increased demand[93]. Although, in the past, it had been regarded as a non-scientific approach to healing, the availability of increasing scientific evidence supporting its benefits in aging-related disease[94] and, more recently, in the management of a number of neuropsychiatric disorders (including depression and schizophrenia) is redefining its importance in clinical medicine[94,95].

Evolving knowledge regarding the impact of derangements in one-carbon metabolism, oxidative stress, autoimmunity, inflammation and the gut microbiome on the neuropathophysiology of schizophrenia[56,96,97] is leading scientists to suggest potential mechanisms that allow for the use of diet, nutrition and nutritional supplements as sole or adjunctive therapies in the management of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia[36].

Dietary intervention as a therapeutic target in schizophrenia

In the last half century, modifying dietary behaviours for the prevention and management of chronic disease has been a crucial area of research[98-102]. There is now overwhelming evidence that modifying important dietary habits, and dietary composition such as the consumption of vegetables/fruits, and increasing intake of fibre, polyunsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acid (in contrast to omega-6) have significant and sustained general health benefits[103,104].

More recently, the benefits of dietary choices and nutritional factors in sustaining mental health[105,106] especially in preventing the development of medical and metabolic complications are generally being recognised in psychiatry. Also, the use of dietary interventions particularly in the management of schizophrenia is slowly evolving. Gradually, emphasis is being placed on the need to include dietary interventions as sole (in the case of psychosis due to nutritional deficiencies) or adjunctive therapies in the management of positive and/or negative symptoms in schizophrenia[92,107].

Healthy diets such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and the Mediterranean diet are lifestyle changes or dietary modifications have been shown to be beneficial in the prevention, risk factor reduction and management of chronic diseases. Several studies have demonstrated that strict adherence to these dietary choices have rewarding effects on diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obstructive sleep apnoea, chronic kidney disease, arthritis, cancer and metabolic diseases[104,108-110]; with significant impact in reducing total mortality[104,111].

The Mediterranean diet, which reflects the eating habits of the Mediterranean or Middle East countries, is based on the consumption of fresh vegetables, cereals, olive oil and plants; with low consumption of meat[104]. While the DASH diet, which was designed by National Institute of Health funded researchers in the 1990s to aid in the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure, was also shown to be effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels. It is a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, nuts, grains, fish, meat and poultry[110]. Dietary interventions have proven to be successful in reducing the risk factors for a number of chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome and in some mental health disorders including depression and anxiety[112].

The benefits of good nutrition in schizophrenia have been self-reported[113]; and while the details of its benefits are still being studied scientifically, proponents of these alternative treatment approach have suggested that the beneficial effects of good nutrition and or dietary interventions could be multipronged. Good nutrition and healthy diets can impact schizophrenia symptom severity, duration of episodes, and the incidence of negative symptoms[113]. Also, there have been reports that persons with schizophrenia are more likely to have co-morbid health problems, including obesity, chronic inflammation, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease[40,113], all of which when they occur in the general population benefit from nutritional intervention. This has led to suggestions that these nutritional interventions could help in reducing schizophrenia mortality, especially when it is a sequela of these co-morbid conditions[114,115]. In a few instances, there have also been suggestions that dietary interventions could be beneficial in schizophrenia, especially if there is a causal relationship between diet and schizophrenia[114].

The earliest instances of dietary intervention in schizophrenia were from suggestions that gluten-free diets could be successful in mitigating schizophrenia or militating against its severity[116,117]. However, while a few studies (Table 1) have demonstrated the ability of diet free of gluten to improve functioning in schizophrenia or decrease symptoms severity[118-121], there have also been several studies that have reported no effect[122,123].

Table 1 Diet and Nutritional supplements as therapeutic targets.

Item	Subject	Model	Outcome	Ref.
DASH diet	Human	Randomised controlled study	No difference in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between groups	[131]
		Interventional study	Reduced sodium load and caloric intake compared to baseline	[14]
Gluten-free diet	Human	Double-blind gluten-free vs gluten-rich diet study	Improved functioning or decreased symptoms severity	[118-121]
		Clinical study	Improvements in symptoms of schizophrenia and extrapyramidal side-effects	[124]
		Clinical study	no significant effect of gluten-free diet	[122,123]
Ketogenic diet	Human	Case report	Complete amelioration of schizophrenia symptom	[130]
Omega-3 fatty acid	Rodents	Ketamine model of schizophrenia	Was protective against the development of behavioural changes	[134]
			Protective against decreased inhibition of the startle reflex, lipid peroxidation, and decreased antioxidant status in different brain regions	[139]
	Human	Clinical study	Decrease in the rate of transition to full-threshold psychosis and a decrease in the positive and negative symptoms, compared to those administered placebo	[95]
		Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials	Omega-3 fatty acid PUFA supplementation was effective in reducing clinical symptoms in persons with prodrome and/or first episode schizophrenia; mixed results were observed in persons with chronic schizophrenia	[140]
		Clinical study amongst hospitalised persons with acute violent schizophrenia	No significant effect of adjunctive omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on symptoms, when compared to conventional therapy alone	[141]
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)	Human	Clinical study	Improvements in symptoms were observed in persons with early schizophrenia	[136,142]
			No benefits were observed in persons with chronic forms of schizophrenia	[143,144]
Zinc	Rodent	Ketamine model of schizophrenia	Reversal of schizophrenia-like behaviours	[107]
			Age-related decrease in ketamine-induced alterations in behaviours (open field memory and anxiety) acetylcholinesterase activity, and oxidative stress parameters	[92]
Melatonin	Rodent	Ketamine model of schizophrenia	Reversal of schizophrenia-like symptoms, with benefits comparable to standard medications	[29]

DASH: Dietary approaches to stop hypertension; PUFA: Polyunsaturated fatty acid.

In a double-blind gluten-free vs gluten-rich diet study, Vlissides et al[120] reported significant improvement in symptoms measured on a psychosis in-patient’s profile. Jackson et al[124] tested the feasibility and efficacy of administering gluten-free diet in 2 patients with schizophrenia who were either positive for anti-tissue transglutaminase/anti-endomysial antibodies (coeliac disease) or antibodies to gliadin (indicative of gluten sensitivity). They reported that gluten-free diet was well-tolerated in patients with schizophrenia, resulting in no adverse effects; also, in both patients (irrespective of the antibodies), improvements in schizophrenia symptoms and extrapyramidal side-effects were observed[124]. Porkins et al[122] and Storms et al[123] in separate studies that compared the effects of a gluten-free diet or added gluten in patients with schizophrenia reported no significant effect of gluten-free diet on tests and rating scales. However, in those who received gluten–rich diet, a significant improvement was observed in tension-anxiety and anger-hostility[123]. The potential adverse effect of gluten-free diet has also been reported. De Palma et al[125] reported that the administration of gluten-free diet to persons who do not have coeliac disease or non-coeliac gluten sensitivity was associated with alteration of the gut microbial flora and an increase in host immune activation.

Ketogenic diets are high in fat but low in carbohydrate and have been shown to be successful in weight loss and/or control, reduction of cardiovascular risks and the management of diabetes mellitus[126,127]. While it has also been shown to be beneficial in the management of Alzheimer’s disease and seizure disorders[128,129], there is however a dearth of scientific information on its benefits in schizophrenia. Kraft and Westman[130] published a case report that demonstrated the complete amelioration of schizophrenia symptoms in a 70-year-old Caucasian woman with long-standing schizophrenia following the commencement of a ketogenic diet.

Currently available literature points to the fact that the beneficial effects of a gluten-free diet is limited to a small subset of persons with schizophrenia (those with coeliac disease or non-coeliac gluten sensitivity). So, there have been suggestions that alternative dietary modifications such as diets high in fibre, the DASH diet or Mediterranean diet, which are associated with minimal side-effects, could become beneficial as adjunctive therapies in improving immune, metabolic and cardiovascular events linked to the premature mortality observed in schizophrenia. Sorić et al[131] conducted a 3-mo randomised controlled study to examine the benefits of the DASH diet in reducing metabolic syndrome parameters in hospitalised schizophrenic patients and observed no significant difference in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between the intervention group and control after 3 mo of dietary intervention[131]. However, the result of another interventional study carried out in a sample of young persons with first episode schizophrenia showed reduced sodium load and caloric intake compared to baseline[14]. The Mediterranean diet has also been suggested to be beneficial in schizophrenia, largely due to its ability to reduce pro-inflammatory markers, cardiovascular disease risk and immune markers; while improving the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids[131-133].

Overall, while there have been several suggestions of the possible benefits of dietary modifications and interventions in the management of schizophrenia, the dearth of scientific information in this regard limits its use.

Nutritional supplements as therapeutic targets or adjuncts in schizophrenia

There is a great deal of interest directed towards the use of nutritional supplements such as vitamins and trace elements either as therapeutic targets or adjuncts in the management of schizophrenia (Table 1). While this is an evolving area of medicine, evidence of the strong correlation amongst nutritional deficiencies, mineral excess/deficiencies and the awareness of the impact of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and immune mediated responses in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia are increasing research into the benefits of nutritional interventions and nutritional supplements in schizophrenia management. Also, more recently, there is increasing consideration of diet and nutrition as important modifiable factors in mental health disorders; with a growing body of evidence showing that nutritional supplementation with vitamins, essential fatty acids, minerals and trace elements not only provide additional physiological benefits but could also act as adjuncts to pharmacologic therapy[16,25].

The earliest suggestions that vitamins could provide therapeutic benefits in schizophrenia possibly arose from reports that associated schizophrenia with vitamin deficiencies[85]. These benefits have been attributed to their ability to act by using mechanisms that are separate from those employed by the current pharmacologic agents. The result of clinical studies had reported that supplementation with folic acid, pyridoxine and vitamins B12 and C were beneficial in ameliorating schizophrenia symptoms when used alone or as adjuncts with conventional therapy[85]. Also, the results of preclinical[69,92,134,135] and clinical studies[95,136-138] have continued to provide evidence in support of the beneficial effects of other nutritional supplements in schizophrenia; although there have also been a few dissenting reports. Gama et al[134] reported that the administration of omega-3 fatty acid polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplements to adolescent rats was protective against the development of behavioural changes in a ketamine model of schizophrenia, features that are synonymous to positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia[134]. In another study, Zugno et al[139] observed that pre-treatment of adolescent rats with omega-3 fatty acid was also protective against decreased inhibition of the startle reflex, lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant status in different brain regions (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum). In humans, Amminger et al[95] examined the ability of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to protect against the development of first-episode psychosis in adolescents and young adults (13 to 25 years of age) with subthreshold psychosis. They observed that in the group administered omega-3 PUFA, there was a decrease in the rate of transition to full-threshold psychosis and a decrease in the positive and negative symptoms, compared to those administered placebo[95]. There have also been reports of non-consistent effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in schizophrenia[140,141]. Chen et al[140] following a metanalysis of randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials reported that while omega-3 fatty acid PUFA supplementation was effective in reducing clinical symptoms in persons with prodrome and/or first episode schizophrenia, mixed results were observed in persons with chronic schizophrenia[140]; suggesting that it may not be consistently beneficial in this subset. While examining the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the development of hostility and psychopathology amongst hospitalised persons with acute violent schizophrenia, Qiao et al[141] observed no significant effect of the adjunctive use of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on symptoms, when compared to conventional therapy alone. Similarly, improvements in symptoms had been reported for eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation in persons with early schizophrenia[136,142], while there have also been reports of no benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid in persons with chronic forms of schizophrenia[143,144].

A number of other preclinical studies had also examined the effects of other dietary supplements such as zinc or melatonin as therapeutic targets and/or adjuncts in mouse models of schizophrenia[29,92,107]. Onaolapo et al[107] reported that zinc administered (either alone or with standard antipsychotics) was associated with a reversal of ketamine-induced alteration in open-field behaviours, working memory, social interaction, antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation. Onaolapo et al[92] also examined the ability of dietary zinc supplementation to mitigate the development of ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like behaviours in prepubertal and aged mice. Results showed age-related decrease in ketamine-induced alterations in behaviours (open field memory and anxiety) acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative stress parameters[92]. Dietary supplementation with melatonin has also been shown to reverse schizophrenia-like symptoms in mice, with benefits comparable to standard medications[29].

The benefits of dietary supplements in mitigating the pro-oxidant and other drug-related side-effects of antipsychotics like haloperidol have also been reported in mice[135] and in humans[145]. Sivrioglu et al[145] examined the effects of combining antioxidant supplements (omega-3 fatty acid, vitamins E and C) in schizophrenia patients with ongoing haloperidol therapy over a 4 mo period. Results showed an improvement in clinical symptoms and a decrease in the severity of side-effects induced by haloperidol[145]. Dietary supplementation with zinc had also been shown to reverse haloperidol-induced changes in open field behaviour and spatial working memory, while potentiating haloperidol induced anxiolysis; suggesting that co-administration of haloperidol with zinc can reduce some side-effects that are known to be associated with haloperidol therapy[135].

As research continues to reveal the relationships that link nutrition to the expression of symptoms, and the progression of schizophrenia, it is becoming apparent that the roles of nutrition might emerge to be larger than previously-thought. The pro- or anti-inflammatory effects of some food components are already known. However, while the impact of gut bacteria on neurotransmitter levels is now being understood; the indirect route from consumed food to possible changes in neurotransmitter balance appears more difficult to navigate.

CONCLUSION

Overall, despite our current knowledge of the possible links between nutrition and schizophrenia, and some tentative pathways for this relationship, the larger challenge remains how to get to the point where precision dietary manipulation becomes a widely-accepted approach to schizophrenia prevention and a day-to-day management strategy.