• Supporting Scientific Evidence
• Helpful Actions

Researchers have found a positive correlation between high levels of reactive oxidative molecules (normally generated by the body during biochemical processes) and the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, indicating a possible role for oxidative stress in the development of the disease. Therefore, antioxidants (which neutralize free oxygen radicals) have the potential to help in decreasing the risk or severity of the disease. "There are several lines of evidence to support the contribution of oxygen free radicals in schizophrenia, including increased lipid peroxidation, fatty acids, and alterations in blood levels of antioxidant enzymes," note Pinkhas Sirota (Tel Aviv University, Israel) and colleagues.

Also - recent research has suggested that "Cell damage caused by free radicals could be the reason why some people with schizophrenia don't respond to treatment" This is according to one University of Pennsylvania study. The researchers found evidence of a destructive biological process similar to that seen in people with Alzheimer's disease and other major neurodegenerative disorders. (See News Story)

Action: Higher than normal intake of foods known to have a high content of antioxidants, as well as supplements of high antioxidant vitamins (Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin C) may have some beneficial impact on the incidence and progression of the disease. Foods high in antioxidants include blueberries (frozen or fresh), dried plums, spinach and strawberries.

Note - one must be particularly careful in purchasing vitamin supplements because it is an entirely unregulated industry and many less than reputable organizations sell products that do not actually contain the specified doses. We recommend that any source you choose have a certified "GMP" (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification and approval. (Look for the GMP stamp on the label. One reliable provider we are familiar with is the Internet-store www.iherb.com - and specifically products from the "NOW Foods" company. We have no affiliation with either of these organizations. (Please note that researchers tell us that there is no good, validated research that supports the idea that any type of vitamin or fatty acid (EFA) will cure schizophrenia).

Supporting Research (a sample):

• Why Some Schizophrenics Are Hard to Treat (News)
• Overproduction of neutrophil radical oxygen species correlates with negative symptoms in schizophrenic patients: parallel studies on neutrophil chemotaxis, superoxide production and bactericidal activity. (Research)
• Decreased antioxidant enzymes and membrane essential polyunsaturated fatty acids in schizophrenic and bipolar mood disorder patients. (Research)
• A mitochondrial DNA sequence variant associated with schizophrenia and oxidative stress.
  
• Blood superoxide dismutase level in schizophrenic patients with tardive dyskinesia: association with dyskinetic movements. (Research)
• Dopamine-induced oxidative stress in neurons with glutathione deficit: implication for schizophrenia. (Research)
  
• Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme levels in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. (Research)