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Nutrients for first-episode psychosis

This article aimed to review all studies examining efficacy, tolerability and the biological mechanisms of action, of nutrient supplementation in first episode psychosis (FEP) (1). A systematic review was conducted. The results included 11 studies. . Six studies examined omega-3 fatty acids, with inconsistent effects on psychiatric symptoms. However, mechanistic studies found significant improvements in hippocampal neuronal health and brain glutathione. Antioxidants "n-acetyl cysteine" and vitamin C also improved oxidative status in FEP, which was associated with reduced psychiatric symptoms. No benefits were found for vitamin E . Finally, one study trialling the amino acid taurine, showed significant improvements in positive symptoms and psychosociall functioning. The authors conclude that there is preliminary evidence that taurine improves outcomes in FEP, whereas effects of omega-3 and antioxidant vitamins/amino-acids are inconsistent; perhaps mainly benefitting patients with high levels of oxidative stress. References (1) Firth J, et al. Adjunctive nutrients in first-episode psychosis: A systematic review of efficacy, tolerability and neurobiological mechanisms. Early Interv Psychiatry. 2018, doi: 10.1111/eip.12544.