People with schizophrenia and depression have a low omega-3 index

Date

2016

Authors

Parletta, N.
Zarnowiecki, D.
Cho, J.
Wilson, A.
Procter, N.
Gordon, A.
Bogomolova, S.
O'Dea, K.
Strachan, J.
Ballestrin, M.

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Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, 2016; 110:42-47

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Natalie Parletta, Dorota Zarnowiecki, Jihyun Cho, Amy Wilson, Nicholas Procter, Andrea Gordon, Svetlana Bogomolova, Kerin O’Dea, John Strachan, Matt Ballestrin, Andrew Champion, Barbara J Meyer

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Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is higher in people with mental illness and is associated with a 30 year higher mortality rate in this population. Erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plus eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (omega-3 index)≤4% is a marker for increased mortality risk from CVD while >8% is protective. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are also important for brain function and may ameliorate symptoms of mental illness. We investigated the erythrocyte omega-3 index in people with mental illness. One hundred and thirty adults aged 18-65 years (32.6% male) with schizophrenia (n=14) and depression (n=116) provided blood samples and completed physiological assessments and questionnaires. Both populations had risk factors for metabolic syndrome and CVD. The average omega-3 index was 3.95% (SD=1.06), compared to an estimated 5% in the Australian population. These data indicate an unfavourable omega-3 profile in people with mental illness that could contribute to higher CVD risk.

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© 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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