Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress in the brain. Omega-3 fatty acidsįish oil supplements, which contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, may help improve cognition in people with schizophrenia. Researchers observed that adding sarcosine to first- and second-generation antipsychotics - except for clozapine - had a positive effect. One 2020 review of 7 trials that used sarcosine supplements with 326 participants with schizophrenia found that sarcosine supplements reduced clinical symptoms - though not to a significant degree. This action allows more glycine to stick around longer to stimulate other brain cells, which may improve memory. Sarcosine prevents glycine from being taken back into the brain cells from where it was released. Sarcosine supplements may help with the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, particularly when taken alongside an antipsychotic medication. Sarcosine, or N-methylglycine, is an amino acid derivative found naturally in the body. The researchers conclude that the high dose glycine treatment may increase the effectiveness of antipsychotic medications. Cognitive and positive symptoms also improved. Notably, in a small 2004 trial, 17 people with schizophrenia took either olanzapine or risperidone, supplementing with 0.8 grams of glycine per kilogram of body weight daily for 6 weeks in addition to their regular medication significantly reduced negative schizophrenia symptoms. The amino acid glycine may help reduce the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.Ī few small trials have been conducted on the effects of adding glycine to antipsychotic medications. NAC had no observable effect on positive symptoms. No benefit was seen before 8 weeks, so it’s important to continue with supplementation for several months. One 2019 review found that people with schizophrenia experienced improved working memory after taking NAC for 24 weeks. Research from 2006 has also linked low levels of glutathione levels to schizophrenia. Plus, glutathione depletion has been linked to brain inflammation and neurodegenerative conditions. regulate glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter often dysregulated in schizophrenia).NAC produces an antioxidant called glutathione, which may help: N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a powerful amino acid that may help these deficits. These cognitive problems contribute to a majority of the daily dysfunction experienced by individuals with this condition. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)Ĭognitive deficits, particularly with working memory, are consistently seen in people with schizophrenia. Plus, what may work for one person may not work for another. Still, research on supplements and schizophrenia often has limitations, such as small sample sizes or mixed results. Our picks of the best supplements for schizophreniaĪll supplements on this list are supported by scientific evidence. They can help you determine the best dosage and determine possible risks, side effects, or medication interactions. If you’re interested in trying a supplement, it’s vital to speak with your treatment team first. Still, supplements can’t replace treatment for schizophrenia, though they may be used as an add-on. While a few of the supplements suggested in this article may improve the positive symptoms, many may help ease the negative and cognitive aspects of the disorder. These symptoms have been more difficult to treat with pharmaceutical medications. The disorder is known primarily for its “positive” symptoms of psychosis - such as hallucinations and delusions - which are typically controlled with atypical antipsychotics.īut some of the most challenging symptoms are the disorder’s “negative” symptoms, such as lack of concentration, motivation, and word fluency. Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder marked by disruptions in perception, emotions, and thinking. Share on Pinterest Charday Penn/Getty Images
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