This paper just published in the Archives of General Psychiatry reports on a randomized, placebo-controlled trial that set out to “determine whether {omega}-3 PUFAs reduce the rate of progression to first-episode psychotic disorder in adolescents and young adults aged 13 to 25 years with subthreshold psychosis.” (PUFAs = polyunsaturated fatty acids) The omega-3s (fish oil) reduced progression to psychosis and improved function. The authors conclude: “Long-chain {omega}-3 PUFAs reduce the risk of progression to psychotic disorder and may offer a safe and efficacious strategy for indicated prevention in young people with subthreshold psychotic states.” I have found that we can predict who will benefit most from fish oil supplementation for psychiatric and neurological conditions with a fatty acid analysis, a blood test that measures the amounts and ratios of fatty acids in cell membranes.

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This study published recently in the journal Advances in Therapy compared glucosamine sulfate with omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) to glucosamine sulfate given alone in the treatment of osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). Both were effective, but the combination was more effective for higher levels of pain and stiffness.

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This study compared the effects of fish oil versus krill oil, with a control diet of oleic, linoleic plus alpha-linoleic oils. Fish and krill oils both lowered liver fat and inflammation compared to the control diet, 38% and 60% respectively. Krill oil, however, reduced heart triglycerides by 42% compared to the fish oil reduction of 2%. This substantial reduction of unhealthy fat deposition and inflammatory response is particular value in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

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