Omega-3 fatty acid in ultra-high-risk psychosis: A systematic review based on functional outcome

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#eicosapentaenoic-acid #erythrocytes #fatty-acids-omega-3 #humans #psychotic-disorders

Omega-3 fatty acid in ultra-high-risk psychosis: A systematic review based on functional outcome

Susai et al., 2022 | Early Interv Psychiatry | Systematic Review

Citation

Susai Subash Raj, Sabherwal Sophie, ... Cotter David R. Omega-3 fatty acid in ultra-high-risk psychosis: A systematic review based on functional outcome. Early Interv Psychiatry. 2022-Jan;16(1):3-16. doi:10.1111/eip.13133

Abstract

AIM: Among different types of poly unsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids (FA) play a substantial role in brain development and functioning. This review was designed to evaluate and synthesize available evidence regarding omega-3 FAs and functional outcome in the ultra-high-risk (UHR) population. METHODS: An electronic search in PubMed, EMBASE, PSYCINFO and COCHRANE search engines has been performed for all articles published until January 2019. The studies that have data regarding omega-3 FAs and functional outcome in UHR population were included. RESULTS: Out of 397 nonduplicate citations, 19 articles met selection criteria. These articles were from four different primary studies, namely the Program of Rehabilitation and Therapy (PORT), the North American Prodromal Longitudinal Studies (NAPLS), Vienna High Risk study (VHR) and the NEURAPRO. The data from the NAPLS study found a positive correlation between functional improvement and frequency of dietary intake omega-3 FA. Moreover, among the erythrocyte omega-3 FA only eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) showed a positive correlation with functional score. The VHR study found long-term improvement in functional outcome in omega-3 group compared to control, whereas such difference was noticed in the NEURAPRO. In the VHR study both omega-3 and omega-6 together predicted the functional improvement at 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The number of studies available remains insufficient and more studies with standardized outcome measures in a clinically comparable UHR population would be of more value to understand the clinical benefits of omega-3 FA in the UHR population.

Key Findings

Out of 397 nonduplicate citations, 19 articles met selection criteria. These articles were from four different primary studies, namely the Program of Rehabilitation and Therapy (PORT), the North American Prodromal Longitudinal Studies (NAPLS), Vienna High Risk study (VHR) and the NEURAPRO. The data from the NAPLS study found a positive correlation between functional improvement and frequency of dietary intake omega-3 FA. Moreover, among the erythrocyte omega-3 FA only eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • Erythrocytes
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Humans
  • Psychotic Disorders
  • Risk Factors

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3-schizophrenia

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09