| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2564548 | PharmaNutrition | 2013 | 9 Pages |
Nutrition plays a minor role in psychiatric practice which is currently dominated by a pharmacological treatment algorithm. An accumulating body of evidence has implicated deficits in the dietary essential long-chain omega-3 (LCn-3) fatty acids, eicosapenaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in the pathophysiology of several major psychiatric disorders. LCn-3 fatty acids have an established long-term safety record in the general population, and existing evidence suggests that increasing LCn-3 fatty acid status may reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. LCn-3 fatty acid supplementation has been shown to augment the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressant, mood-stabilizer, and second generation antipsychotic medications, and may additionally mitigate adverse cardiometabolic side-effects. Preliminary evidence also suggests that LCn-3 fatty acid supplementation may be efficacious as monotherapy for primary and early secondary prevention and for perinatal symptoms. The overall cost–benefit ratio endorses the incorporation of LCn-3 fatty acids into psychiatric treatment algorithms. The recent availability of laboratory facilities that specialize in determining blood LCn-3 fatty acid status and emerging evidence-based consensus guidelines regarding safe and efficacious LCn-3 fatty acid dose ranges provide the infrastructure necessary for implementation. This article outlines the rationale for incorporating LCn-3 fatty acid treatment into psychiatric practice.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Several psychiatric disorders are associated with deficits in long-chain omega-3 (LCn-3) fatty acids. ► LCn-3 fatty acid supplementation is safe and has many long-term health benefits. ► Treatment with LCn-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce symptom severity in different psychiatric disorders. ► The overall cost–benefit ratio endorses the incorporation of LCn-3 fatty acids into psychiatric treatment algorithms.
