biochemical pathways and/or physiological actions which influence the function of the human brain,” according to a report from AP J Psychological Medicine 2012. “Vitamin deficiencies leading to oxidative damage, methylation deficits, affecting brain developmental mechanisms and neuro-degeneration may explain well some of the symptoms seen in schizophrenia.”
A recent study published in the world’s leading schizophrenia research journal, Schizophrenia Bulletin, examined nutritional deficits and their connection to first-episode psychosis (FEP). FEP can sometimes be an early stage of schizophrenia. This is a particularly interesting study because most other studies have looked at lack of nutrients in the context of long-term schizophrenia as opposed to FEP.
Researchers of the FEP study conducted a search of electronic databases and singled out 28 studies, examining blood levels of 6 vitamins (A, B12, C, D, E and folate) and 10 minerals (calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc) across 2,612 individuals. Of these individuals, 1,221 had FEP and 1,391 did not have FEP or any other mental disorders (the latter group served as the control group).
The results of the study revealed that the individuals with FEP had significantly low blood levels of folate and vitamin D, compared to the control group.
“Folate deficiencies, even in the general population, are among the most widespread of all nutritional deficiencies globally, and adversely affect intellectual development and