Micronutrients and Childhood Psychosis (2012)

This study investigated micronutrients in childhood psychosis. Childhood psychosis is difficult to address effectively with conventional pharmaceuticals, many of which have adverse long-term health consequences. In contrast, there are promising reports from several research groups of micronutrient treatment (vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids) of mood, anxiety and psychosis symptoms using a complex formula that appears to be safe and tolerable. The study reviews previous studies using this formula to support mental symptoms, and presents an 11-year-old boy with a 3-year history of mental illness whose parents chose to transition him from medication to micronutrients. Symptom severity was monitored in three clusters: anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and psychosis. Complete remission of psychosis occurred, and severity of anxiety and obsessional symptoms decreased significantly (p<0.001); the improvements are sustained at 4-year follow-up. A cost comparison revealed that micronutrient treatment was <1% of his inpatient mental healthcare. Additional research on broad-spectrum micronutrient treatment is warranted.

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Efficacy and cost of micronutrient treatment of childhood psychosis. Rodway et al. (2012). British Medical Journal Case Reports, doi:10.1136/bcr-2012-007213 

Omega 3 and anxiety (2011)

This study investigated omega 3 and anxiety. The study set out to determine if omega-3 fish oil supplementation could improve both anxiety levels and inflammation in a group of 68 medical students who didn’t have a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder but could be expected to be experiencing some level of anxiety as medical exams were coming up. The researchers measured anxiety levels, and took blood tests to measure markers of inflammation (known as proinflammatory cytokines). The subjects were given either a high dose fish oil (2g of the omega-3 EPA and 348mg of DHA) or a placebo capsule daily for 12 weeks. At this point, the measurements were taken again and these showed that those who had taken the fish oil had both lower levels of anxiety and lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines.

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Omega-3 supplementation reduces anxiety and inflammation in healthy young adults. Kiecolt–Glaser et al., 2011

Omega 3 and wellbeing (2007)

This 2007 New Zealand study investigated omega 3 concentrations and wellbeing. 2,416 people participating in the 1997 National Nutrition Survey. Researchers investigated if a relationship existed between the composition of fats in the blood and the mental and physical well-being.

They found that the higher the proportion of Omega 3 fats, the better the physical and mental wellbeing of the person. Specifically they measured EPA levels in the blood as well as the ratio of EPA to arachidonic acid (AA).

EPA is the fatty acid found in oily fish and fish oil supplements while AA is mostly found in meat and dairy products.

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Crowe FL et al.,’Serum phospholipid n 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and physical and mental health in a population-based survey of New Zealand adolescents and adults’.  Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Nov;86(5):1278-85

Healthy food boosts school performance (2007)

Research has demonstrated that healthy food boosts school performance. The Nutrition and Health survey in Taiwan Elementary School Children, 2001-2002, analysed the diets and school performance of 2,222 primary school children. The study shows that children with poorer overall school performance were more likely to eat sweets and fried foods and were less likely to eat foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.

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Fu ML et al. ‘Association between Unhealthful Eating Patterns and Unfavorable Overall School Performance in Children’, J Am Diet Assoc. 2007;107:1935-1943

Sleep Deprivation & Adolescence (2010)

This study investigated sleep deprivation & adolescence. Later parent-set bedtimes and correspondingly shorter sleep duration appears to be related to the development of depression in adolescence, a cross-sectional analysis showed. In the sample 24% of adolescents were shown to experience depression when going to sleep at midnight or later. In addition to depression, adolescents with later bedtimes also had a greater risk of having a 20% increased incidence of suicidal thoughts, compared with adolescents who went to bed before 10:00pm.

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Gangwisch, J. E., Babiss, L. A., Malaspina, D., Turner, J. B., Zammit, G. K., & Posner, K. (2010). Earlier parental set bedtimes as a protective factor against depression and suicidal ideation. Sleep, 33(1), 97–106. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/33.1.97

Tryptophan & Emotional Processing (2006)

This study assessed  tryptophan & emotional processing. It explored whether tryptophan (TRP) induces cognitive changes opposite to the negative biases found in depression and characteristic of those induced by serotonergic antidepressants in healthy volunteers. Thirty eight healthy volunteers were randomised to receive 14 days double-blind intervention with TRP (1g for 3x a day) or placebo. On the final day, emotional processing was assessed using four tasks: facial expression recognition, emotion-potentiated startle, attentional probe and emotional categorisation and memory. The results showed that TRP increased the recognition of happy facial expressions and decreased the recognition of disgusted facial expressions in female, but not male, volunteers. TRP also reduced attentional vigilance towards negative words and decreased baseline startle responsivity in the females. It concludes that these findings provide evidence that TRP supplementation in women induces a positive bias in the processing of emotional material that is reminiscent of the actions of serotonergic antidepressants. This highlights a key role for serotonin in emotional processing and lends support to the use of TRP as a nutritional supplement in people with mild depression or for prevention in those at risk.

Murphy SE et al. ‘Tryptophan supplementation induces a positive bias in the processing of emotional material in healthy female volunteers’. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006 Jul;187(1):121-30. Epub 2006 May 4

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School Children & Healthy Diets (2008)

This study investigated school children & healthy diets. A Canadian survey of 5,000 11 year olds and their families found that children who ate more fruits and vegetables and fewer calories from fat were 41% more likely to pass a literacy assessment. Furthermore, children with poor diet quality were observed to perform more poorly academically in school. Socioeconomic factors were taken into account when making the analysis.

Florence M D et al. ‘Diet quality and academic performance,’ J Sch Health. 2008 Apr;78(4):209-15

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Poor diet & mental health in teens (2011)

Research has investigated poor diet & mental health in teens. Three quarters of lifetime psychiatric disorders emerge in the teenage years or in early adulthood. In an Australian study involving 2054 teenagers, researchers found that during a 2 year period, the teenagers who improved the quality of their diets experienced improved mental health. In contrast, those whose diet quality deteriorated experienced a worsening of their mental health. A better quality diet was one that included fruit and vegetables as “core food groups” and included both 2 or more servings of fruit per day and 4 or more servings of vegetables, as well as general avoidance of processed foods including chips, fried foods, chocolate, sweets, and ice cream. A poorer quality diet was defined as one which was high in snack and processed foods. This study could have important implications for prevention of mental health disorders.

Jacka FN, Kremer PJ, Berk M, de Silva-Sanigorski AM, Moodie M, et al. (2011) A Prospective Study of Diet Quality and Mental Health in Adolescents. PLoS ONE 6(9): e24805.

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Schizophrenia & gluten free, low carb diets (2009)

Research has investigated schizophrenia & gluten free, low carb diets. The research relates the case of a schizophrenic woman whose symptoms improved when she was put on a low-carb, ketogenic diet. This highlights the possible link between coeliac disease and schizophrenia. 

The review of several studies concludes that more research is needed to confirm the association between gluten intake and schizophrenia and whether dietary change can ameliorate schizophrenic symptoms. Health care providers could consider screening for coeliac disease and/or augment the medical regimen for patients with schizophrenia with a gluten free or low carb diet.

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Schizophrenia symptoms may be helped by a gluten free, low carb diet. Kraft & Westman (2009). Archives of General Psychiatry, 66(10): 1090-1098.

Diabetes & Schizophrenia (2008)

Research has investigated the link between diabetes & schizophrenia.  This study looked at 99 patients with schizophrenia.  Their 2 h post prandial plasma glucose was tested prior to medication and then again after 6 weeks on medication.  The results were compared with a matched healthy control group.  The study found a significant difference in baseline 2 h post-prandial blood suger between the control group and treatment group as well as significant increase in weight, fasting blood sugar and 2h post-prandial blood sugar from baseline to endpoint between the groups.  It concluded that male patients with schizophrenia were liable to develop Diabetes Mellitus(DM) and antipsychotic treatment may lead to the development of DM in a significant 10% within 6 weeks.

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Saddichha s et al ‘Diabetes and schizophrenia – effect of disease or drug? Results from a randomized, double-blind, controlled prospective study in first-episode schizophrenia’.Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2008 May;117(5):342-7. Epub 2008 Feb 26

Low Essential Fats & Schizophrenia (2008)

In a study of people with schizophrenia, measures were made of levels of essential fats in red blood cells. Essential fats were found to be lower in this sample, than in the sample group without schizophrenia. In addition, an association was observed between levels of essential fats and severity of schizophrenia symptoms experienced.

Sumiyoshi T et al. ‘Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids and social cognition in schizophrenia.’ Psychiatry Res. 2008 Jan 15;157(1-3):87-93.

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Food additives, hyperactivity & children (2007)

Research has investigated food additives, hyperactivity and children. Lead researcher Professor Jim Stevenson says this study on food additives and hyperactive behaviour in children, carried out at Southampton University, shows that certain combinations of artificial food colours (tartrazine (E102), ponceau 4R (E124), sunset yellow (E110), carmoisine (E122), quinoline yellow (E104) and allura red AC (E129) as well as the commonly used preservative sodium benzoate (E211) are linked to increases in hyperactivity.

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McCann D et al., Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2007 Sep 5

Fish oil & psychosis (2008)

The study investigated fish oil & psychosis. Individuals at extremely high risk of developing psychosis appear less likely to develop psychotic disorders following a 12-week course of fish oil capsules containing long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Those taking the capsules also showed signs of reduced positive, negative and general symptoms of schizophrenia. Schizophrenic patients may have an underlying dysfunction in fatty acid metabolism and the potential effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on psychosis development may result from changes to cell membranes and interactions with neurotransmitter systems in the brain.

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Fish oil may reduce psychotic disorders in high risk individuals. Amminger et al. (2010). Archives of General Psychiatry, 67(2); 146-154.

Nutrition in infancy & earning power (2008)

Research has suggested nutrition in infancy may be linked to adult earning power.  The findings, published in The Lancet, were based on a three-decade study of Guatemalan males from birth. During the 1970s, some of the babies in the study were given a very nutritious food supplement, some a less nutritious one. When the researchers returned three decades later to see how the babies were faring, they found that men who had had the very nutritious supplement up to the age of three were earning nearly half as much more per hour than the other villagers. The  women did not have similar wage differentials, possibly because they had less choice about where they worked. The researchers assert that these results are the first direct evidence of a clear link between early-life nutrition and adult wages, and that feeding babies well could drive economic growth.

Hoddinott J et al. ‘Effect of a nutrition intervention during early childhood on economic productivity in Guatemalan adults’ Lancet. 2008 Feb 2;371(9610):411-6

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Homocysteine & Alzheimer’s Disease (2002)

A total of 1092 subjects without dementia (667 women and 425 men; average age, 76 years) were followed for an average of 8 years. Their homocysteine levels were monitored and it was noted which of those went onto develop dementia and Alzheimer’s. The authors concluded that an increased level of homocysteine in the blood is a “strong, independent risk factor for the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease”. There was a doubling of risk for Alzheimer’s with a homocysteine level greater than 14mmol/l.

Seshadri S et al,Plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.N Engl J Med., 346(7):476-83, 2002

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Homocysteine & Schizophrenia

Elevated plasma levels of the amino acid homocysteine have been associated with schizophrenia, particularly in young male patients. Among other factors, low folic acid and vitamin B12 levels have been implicated in the increase in homocysteine.

In this study, 100 inpatients with chronic schizophrenia and 100 ‘normal controls’ had their blood levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid measured. While there was no difference in blood levels of  folic acid or B12, the schizophrenia patients had higher homocysteine (15.42 v 11.54 µmol/l, p<0.001).

Both young and older females as well as younger males with schizophrenia had increased plasma homocysteine compared to controls. We therefore suggest that homocysteinemia is a general risk factor for schizophrenia

Haidemenos A, et al., Plasma homocysteine, folate and B12 in chronic schizophrenia, Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Aug 15;31(6):1289-96

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Calcium & Cognitive Decline (2007)

A total of 4,500 elderly people were involved in a 5-11 year study of the effects of blood calcium levels on cognitive decline. Cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and other measures of attention and memory. Higher levels of blood calcium (but still within the normal levels) was associated with worse cognitive function at the beginning of the study. They were also associated with a faster rate of decline in cognitive function during follow-up.

Schram MT et al, ‘Serum calcium and cognitive function in old age’, J Am Geriatr Soc. 2007 Nov;55(11):1786-92

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Omega 3 & Cognitive Decline (2007)

This study investigated omega 3 & cognitive decline. This was a prospective study of 2,000 people aged 50 to 65 years old. Results indicated that risk of global cognitive decline increased with elevated palmitic acid in both fractions and with high arachidonic acid and low linoleic acid in cholesteryl esters. Higher n-3 HUFAs reduced the risk of decline in verbal fluency, particularly in hypertensive and dyslipidemic subjects.

M A Beydoun, ‘Plasma n-3 fatty acids and the risk of cognitive decline in older adults: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study’, Am J Clin Nutr., vol 85(4):1103-1111, 2007

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Cognitive Performance & Fish Intake (2007)

This study examined the relationship between cognitive performance & fish intake. The study included 2,031 elderly Norwegians. The researchers report those eating at least 10 grams of fish a day performed significantly better in tests for cognitive performance, compared with people who ate less than 10 grams of fish and fish products. The best test scores occurred in those who consumed the most fish and fish products, which equates to 75 grams per day. Positive effects were observed to be more pronounced in unprocessed fish compared with processed fish intake. Interestingly, there was no significant difference between the consumption of lean or fatty fish, suggesting that the effects were due to something other than omega-3 fatty acids. However, further research is required to explore this area further.

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Nurk E et al., ‘Cognitive performance among the elderly and dietary fish intake: the Hordaland Health Study’, Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Nov;86(5):1470-8

Chromium & Depression (2003)

This study investigated chromium & depression. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot study of 15 subjects, chromium picolinate was observed to improved the moods of 70% of those taking chromium compared with 0% on placebo. Two hypothesised mechanisms of actions with relation to the observed results include 5HT2A downregulation and increased insulin sensitivity. However, due to the small sample number further studies are warranted including a greater number of participants to explore this area further.

Davidson et al., ’Effectiveness of chromium in atypical depression: a placebo-controlled trial’, Biol Psychiatry, 53(3):261-4, 2003

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Omega 3 & Breast Milk (2001)

This study explored omega 3 & breast milk. The Omega-3 fatty acid DHA found in oily fish has a role in visual development in infants. In a study of 39 breast-fed infants, it was found that the mothers who consumed the most fish had the highest levels of DHA in their breast milk. The babies who were fed on breast milk with the highest levels of DHA had the best visual development. This may have implications for dyslexia, but further research is required to substantiate further.

M H Jørgensen et al., ‘Is there a relation between docosahexaenoic acid concentration in mothers’ milk and visual development in term infants?’, J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.32(3):293-6, 2001

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Cognitive Activity& Lifespan (2012)

This study investigated cognitive activity & lifespan.  In this study, researchers wanted to compare cognitive and physical activity taken over a person’s lifetime with the amount of a protein called ß-amyloid which had been deposited in their brain. ß-amyloid is the protein which is the key marker of Alzheimer’s disease. In total they studied 86 people (65 healthy older individuals with an average age of 76 years, 10 Alzheimer’s patients with an average age of 75 years, and 11 young healthy people with an average age of 25 years).

The researchers found a significant association between lower levels of ß-amyloid and greater participation in cognitively stimulating activities across the lifespan, particularly when undertaken in early and middle life. The researchers’ findings suggest that keeping your brain active throughout life may prevent or slow deposition of ß-amyloid, perhaps influencing the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Landau SM, Marks SM, Mormino EC, Rabinovici GD, Oh H, O’Neil JP, Wilson RS, Jagust WJ. (2012) Association of Lifetime Cognitive Engagement and Low ß-Amyloid Deposition.Arch Neurol. Jan 23. [Epub ahead of print]

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Omega-3 & Pregnancy (2008)

This study explored omega 3 & pregnancy. Canadian researchers found that higher levels of the omega-3 DHA in the umbilical cord at birth was associated with better vision at 6 months of age and better performance in mental and coordination tests at 11 months in a study of 109 babies. Higher levels of DHA were also associated with a lower rate of pre-term delivery. The same benefits to the baby were not seen from DHA in breast milk, leading the researchers to assert that DHA is particularly important in the 3rd trimester as the brain goes through a ‘growth spurt’. DHA is found in oily fish and seed oils.

J L Jacobson et al. ‘Beneficial effects of a polyunsaturated fatty acid on infant development: evidence from the inuit of arctic Quebec.’ J Pediatr. 2008 Mar;152(3):356-64

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Omega 3 & Cognitive Performance (2007)

This research investigated omega 3 & cognitive performance. Dutch researchers used data from a trial involving 404 men and women (average age 60 at the start). The researchers report that higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a 60 % lower decline in mental processing speed over three years.

Dullemeijer C et al., ‘n 3 Fatty acid proportions in plasma and cognitive performance in older adults’, Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Nov;86(5):1479-85

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Homocysteine & Brain Atrophy (2002)

The study investigated homocysteine & brain atrophy. Through MRI examination of the brains of 36 healthy elderly individuals, results indicated that there appears to be an association between brain atrophy (shrinking) and higher levels of homocysteine. However, due to the small sample size further research is required to substantiate these findings further.

P S Sachdev et al., ‘Relationship between plasma homocysteine levels and brain atrophy in healthy elderly individuals’, Neurology, 58(10):1539-41, 2002

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Homocysteine associated with brain atrophy in the healthy elderly. Sachdev, Neurology, 58(10):1539-41, 2002

Omega 3 & Depression (2007)

The study investigated omega 3 & depression. In a small study, specific areas of the brains of deceased patients who had suffered from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) were compared with the brains of ‘age-matched normal controls’. The omega-3 fatty acid DHA was significantly different (-22%) in the brains of the individuals with depression, compared to the normal controls. Interestingly, there was a greater difference when comparing the female brains than when comparing the male brains. This study suggests that DHA deficiency may be a contributory factor in depressive disorders, particularly in females.

McNamara RK et al., Selective deficits in the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid in the postmortem orbitofrontal cortex of patients with major depressive disorder. Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Jul 1;62(1):17-24.

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Fish & Memory (2014)

This study investigated fish & memory. In this study, 260 healthy people were assessed for their level of fish consumption, their cognitive function and also underwent an MRI to assess their brain volume twice with a 10-year interval. It was found that those who ate baked or grilled fish on a weekly basis had better cognitive function and better levels of grey matter in their brain.

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Raji, C. A., Erickson, K. I., Lopez, O. L., Kuller, L. H., Gach, H. M., Thompson, P. M., Riverol, M., & Becker, J. T. (2014). Regular fish consumption and age-related brain gray matter loss. American journal of preventive medicine, 47(4), 444–451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2014.05.037

Folic Acid & Cognition (2007)

This study explored folic acid & cognition. In this study, over 1000 elderly people who were not having problems with their memory or mental function underwent a battery of tests. These tests showed that those with the highest blood levels of folic acid scored the best on tests of their ‘global cognitive function’ and ‘psychomotor speed’ – essentially their mental agility. These findings require further investigations to determine their relevance in subjects with dementia.

de Lau LM et al. ‘Plasma folate concentration and cognitive performance: Rotterdam Scan Study,’ Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Sep;86(3):728-34

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Folic Acid & Memory (2007)

This study investigated folic acid & memory. Absent-mindedness in the over-50s is significantly improved when people take folic acid supplements, according to this large study. Short-term memory, mental agility and verbal fluency tests were all better among people who took the supplement for three years, compared with a group given a placebo.

J Durga et al, ‘Effect of 3-year folic acid supplementation on cognitive function in older adults in the FACIT trial: a randomised, double blind, controlled trial ‘, The Lancet; 369:208-216, 2007

Click here for the abstract.

Fish Oil & Cognitive Decline (2007)

This study investigated fish oil & cognitive decline. 210 men aged 70 to 89 years old were followed for 5 years. There was a significant association between intake of fish oil (EPA and DHA) from diet and rate of cognitive decline, with those taking in the most fish oil from oily fish showing the least decline. The measure of decline used the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) which includes questions on orientation to time and place, registration, attention and calculation, recall, language, and visual construction.

B M van Gelder et al, ‘Fish consumption, n-3 fatty acids, and subsequent 5-y cognitive decline in elderly men: the Zutphen Elderly Study’ American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol (85)4; 1142-1147, 2007

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Microbiome, Anxiety & Depression (2011)

This study investigated the microbiome, anxiety & depression. It is understood that there is constant communication between the gut and the brain (the gut-brain axis). In this study, mice were fed a strain of probiotic (gut bacteria) or placebo. The mice who received the probiotics showed significantly fewer stress, anxiety and depression-related behaviours than the unsupplemented mice (controls).  Not only was their behaviour different, but their levels of stress hormones were lower too. The researchers also observed altered GABA activity in the brains of the supplemented mice, suggesting a direct effect on brain chemistry.

Bravo JA, Forsythe P, Chew MV, Escaravage E, Savignac HM, Dinan TG, Bienenstock J, Cryan JF. (2011) Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. Aug 29. [Epub ahead of print]

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Breakfast & Cognition (2006)

This study examined the relationship between consumption of breakfast  & cognition. Subjects included 7,343 10th grade students from Oslo, Norway who completed a questionnaire assessing these variables. The main finding from this study was that eating breakfast regularly is associated with less mental distress and improved academic performance. The association was stronger for boys, than girls.

Lien, L., ‘Is breakfast consumption related to mental distress and academic performance in adolescents?’, Public Health Nutrition, 10(4), 422-428, 2006 July

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Depression & Processed Foods (2009)

This study investigated depression & processed foods. Eating a diet high in processed food increases the risk of depression, according to a recent study.  Data on diet among 3,500 middle-aged civil servants was compared with self reported depression five years later. Those in the ‘whole food’ (plenty of vegetables, fruit and fish) group had a lower risk of depression compared with those who had a high consumption of processed foods, the University College London team found.  The team said the study was the first to look at the UK diet and depression.

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Akbaraly, T. N., Brunner, E. J., Ferrie, J. E., Marmot, M. G., Kivimaki, M., & Singh-Manoux, A. (2009). Dietary pattern and depressive symptoms in middle age. The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science, 195(5), 408–413. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.108.058925

Fish Oil & Depression (2011)

This study investigated fish oil & depression. Moderate dose of Omega-3 fish oil was observed to improve mood in depressed elderly. In this small randomised controlled trial, a group of elderly people with mild to moderate depression were given either a fish oil capsule (with 300mg of the omega-3 essential fats EPA and DHA) or a placebo for six months. The researchers found that intervention with the fish oil was clinically effective.

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Iron & Depression (2007)

This study investigated iron & depression. Two hundred women who were not anaemic had their mood and blood iron levels measured. The iron levels in the women who were rated as depressed (67) were significantly lower than in the healthy controls (125).

M Vahdat Shariatpanaahi et al., ‘The relationship between depression and serum ferritin level’, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61; 532-535, 2007

Click here for the abstract.

Vitamins, Minerals & Mood (2007)

This study investigated vitamins, minerals & mood. 225 hospitalised acutely ill elderly people were either given a normal hospital diet plus multivitamin and mineral supplements (providing 100 per cent of the Reference Nutrient Intakes for a healthy older person for vitamins and minerals), or a normal hospital diet plus a placebo for six weeks. Measures of mood and mental agility were taken at the start, at six weeks and six months later. There were significant differences in symptoms of depression scores in the supplement group compared with the placebo group at 6 months. This effect was seen in all patient groups including those with no symptoms of depression, mild depression and those with severe depression.

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Omega 3, Depression & Children (2006)

This study investigated omega 3, depression & children. Antidepressant medication is not recommended for children due to concerns over adverse side effects. In this pilot study of omega-3 fatty acids in children with major depression, 28 children aged between 6 and 12 years old were assessed using the Children’s Depression Rating Scale (CDRS), Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Children were given either omega-3 fatty acids or sugar pills (placebo) for up to 16 weeks. Analysis of the results showed highly significant benefits of omega-3 versus placebo, on symptoms measured by the CDRS, CDI, and CGI rating scales.

H Nemets et al ‘Omega-3 Treatment of Childhood Depression: A Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study’. Am J Psychiatry 2006; 163:1098–1100

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Folate & Depression (2004)

This review explored folate & depression. A review of all randomized controlled trials that compared treatment with folic acid or 5′-methyltetrahydrofolic acid to an alternative treatment, for patients with depression. Three randomized trials (247 participants) were included. Two studies assessed the use of folate in addition to other treatment, and found that adding folate reduced Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores on average by a further 2.65 points [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38-4.93]. The remaining study found no significant difference when folate alone was compared with trazodone. The limited available evidence suggests folate may have a potential role as a supplement to for depression. It is currently unclear if this is the case both for people with normal folate levels, and for those with folate deficiency.

M J Taylor, ‘Folate for depressive disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.’, J Psychopharmacol., 18(2):251-6, 2004

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Breast Milk & Brain Health (2008)

This study investigated breast milk and brain health. In a study of 17,046 babies, followed for 6.5 years, those that were breastfed scored better on all measures of intelligence and academic skills of reading and writing than those who were not.

Kramer M S et al., Breastfeeding and Child Cognitive Development New Evidence From a Large Randomized Trial, Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2008;65(5):578-584

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Vitamin D & Parkinson’s (2011)

This study investigated Vitamin D & Parkinson’s. Early, untreated Parkinson’s disease is linked to a deficiency in vitamin D, more so than in those without the disease. In this 5-year study of 157 participants, the majority had some level of deficiency at the start of the trial. However, at the end of the study, vitamin D levels had increased suggesting that levels do not necessarily decline with disease progression.

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Vitamin D deficiency linked to Parkinson’s  M Evatt et al., Arch Neurol. 2011;68(3):314-319

Vitamin D & Depression (2008)

Dutch researchers compared vitamin D levels with mood in a study of 1,282 elderly people. They found that vitamin D levels were 14% lower in those with depression. Measures of parathyroid hormone showed that this hormone was 5-33% higher in elderly individuals with depression. Depression severity was also observed to be associated with serum vitamin D levels and parathyroid hormone levels.

Vitamin D is known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ because the primary source of it is from the action of the sun on your skin.

Hoogendijk W J G et al. ‘Depression Is Associated With Decreased 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Increased Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Older Adults.’ Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2008;65(5):508-512

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Vitamin D linked with depression in elderly. W J G Hoogendijk et al., Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2008;65(5):508-512

Learning, memory & school children (2007)

This study investigated learning and memory in school children. In two parallel studies (randomised, double-blind), a total of 780 school aged Indonesian and Australian children were given either a combination of vitamins and minerals, a supplement of omega-3 essential fats EPA and DHA, or the vitamins and minerals with the omega-3 fats, or a placebo on 6 days a week for 12 months. At the start of the trial, the children were tested for blood levels of all of these nutrients, all of which significantly improved when they were retested after 12 months. The Australian children on the vitamins and minerals had significant improvement in tests of verbal learning and memory as did the Indonesian girls.

Osendarp SJ et al. ‘Effect of a 12-mo micronutrient intervention on learning and memory in well-nourished and marginally nourished school-aged children: 2 parallel, randomized, placebo-controlled studies in Australia and Indonesia’ Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct;86(4):1082-93

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Diet & behaviour (2007)

This study looked at the impact of diet on behaviour. A review of five well-designed studies found that elimination diets reduced hyperactivity-related symptoms. The picture was of children potentially responding to a wide range of food items although the pattern was individual to the child. Supplementation with essential fatty acids decreased violence although there was no evidence of an influence on hyperactivity. Three well-designed studies have reported that vitamin/mineral supplementation reduced anti-social behaviour. There are also findings of an association between a tendency to poor blood sugar balance and aggression. Many responses to diet were idiosyncratic and involved a wide range of foods interacting with individual differences in physiology.

D Benton, ‘The impact of diet on anti-social, violent and criminal behaviour’, Neurosci Biobehav Rev.;31(5):752-74, 2007

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Folic acid & Children (2010)

This study explored the impact of folic acid on children. Dutch researchers report that the children of mothers who took folic acid supplements during pregnancy were better at internalising and externalising problems, compared to the children of mothers who did not take supplements. The researchers also suggested that supplementation during pregnancy may reduce incidence of mental health conditions in children, although this area requires further research.

Roza, S. J., van Batenburg-Eddes, T., Steegers, E. A., Jaddoe, V. W., Mackenbach, J. P., Hofman, A., Verhulst, F. C., & Tiemeier, H. (2010). Maternal folic acid supplement use in early pregnancy and child behavioural problems: The Generation R Study. The British journal of nutrition, 103(3), 445–452.

Click here for the abstract

Behaviour, Cognition & Children (2007)

This study explored behaviour, cognition and children. In this preliminary study, researchers investigated the relationship between lead, zinc and iron levels and cognition and behaviour in school children within a lower income population. Forty-two children, aged between 3 and 5 participated in the study. Nutrient status was assessed using blood samples. Behaviour was assessed by teacher’s using the California Preschool Social Competency Scale, Howes’ Sociability subscale, and the Preschool Behaviour Questionnaire and cognition was tested using the McCarthy Scales of Children’s Abilities.

The findings from this study are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution, particularly as the sample size was small. However, associations were seen between low zinc levels and higher anxiety as well as lower verbal scores. High lead levels were associated with lower teacher ratings of sociability and classroom social competence in girls. Children with both low zinc and low iron had the lowers verbal scores, although this result did not reach significance. The study does, however, contribute to the literature showing that levels of essential vitamins and minerals and toxic metals can impact children’s cognition and behaviour.

Hubbs-Tait, L. et al., ‘Zinc, Iron, and Lead: Relations to Head Start Children’s Cognitive Scores and Teachers’ Ratings of Behavior’, Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 107(1), 128-133, January 2007

Click here for the abstract

Omega 3, Depression & Bipolar (2007)

This study investigated omega 3, depression and bipolar. A meta-analysis (review of studies to date) by scientists in Taiwan suggests that omega-3 fatty acids have significant antidepressant effects in patients with depression and bipolar disorder. The researchers interpret the results cautiously, however, and recommend large-scale, well-controlled trials are conducted to determine who would benefit most from fish oils, what level of dose is required and specific composition of fish oils that should be used .

Lin PY and Su KP. ‘A meta-analytic review of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids’  J Clin Psychiatry, 2007 Jul;68(7):1056-61

Click here for the abstract

Omega 3 & Bipolar (2006)

This paper investigated omega 3 & bipolar. In a 12-week, double-blind study individuals with bipolar depression received either 1 g of EPA a day, 2 g/day or placebo, alongside their existing medication. Effectiveness of this treatment was assessed using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), as well as the Young Mania Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI). Significant improvement was seen with the EPA compared with placebo in the HRSD (P=0.04) and the CGI (P=0.004) scores. There was no apparent benefit of 2 g over 1 g dose. Both doses were well tolerated.

S Frangou et al., ‘Efficacy of ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid in bipolar depression: randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study’, Br J Psychiatry, 188:46-50, 2006

Click here for the abstract

Beta Carotene & Memory (2007)

This study investigated beta carotene & memory. In an 18 year study of over four thousand middle-aged to elderly men, those who took 50mg of beta-carotene on alternate days scored much better in tests of general cognition and verbal memory than those who took a placebo.

Grodstein F et al.,  ‘A Randomized Trial of Beta Carotene Supplementation and Cognitive Function in Men: The Physicians’ Health Study II’. Arch Intern Med. 2007 Nov 12;167(20):2184-90.

Click here for the abstract

Vitamin D & Cognition (2006)

This study examined vitamin D & cognition. Vitamin D status, cognitive performance, mood, and physical performance in older adults was assessed. 58% of the participants were found to have abnormally low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with presence of a mood disorder and with worse performance on 2 measures of mood and cognitive performance.

C H Wilkins et al., ‘Vitamin D deficiency is associated with low mood and worse cognitive performance in older adults’, J Geriatr Psychiatry, 14(12):1032-40, 2006

Click here for the abstract

Homocysteine & Brain Shrinkage (2011)

This study investigated homocysteine & brain shrinkage. UCLA School of Medicine researchers inlcuding a sample of 732 elderly people subjected to MRI brain scans, found that those with raised homocysteine levels have greater brain shrinkage regardless of age and diagnosis. Among those with cognitive impairment, the greater the homocysteine level the greater was the brain atrophy. The authors state ‘ Vitamin B supplements such as folate may help prevent homocysteine-related atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease by possibly reducing homocysteine levels.’

Click here for the abstract

Rajagopalan, P., Hua, X., Toga, A. W., Jack, C. R., Jr, Weiner, M. W., & Thompson, P. M. (2011). Homocysteine effects on brain volumes mapped in 732 elderly individuals. Neuroreport, 22(8), 391–395. https://doi.org/10.1097/WNR.0b013e328346bf85

Vitamin C & Cognition (2009)

This study investigated vitamin C & cognition. A new Danish animal study suggests that vitamin C deficiency in the first weeks and months of life may impair the development of neurones in the brain and decrease spatial memory.  Guinea pigs subjected to moderate vitamin C deficiency were found to have 30 per cent fewer hippocampal neurons and poorer spatial memory, compared with guinea pigs given a normal diet.  The Danish researchers used guinea pigs because, like humans, the animals cannot synthesise vitamin C, and can only obtain it via the diet.

“Although a direct extrapolation of this new phenomenon to humans is not currently possible, we found that the relatively high prevalence of vitamin C deficiency in humans, including infants and toddlers, warrants future clinical studies to clarify whether a similar link to brain development exists in humans,  …….. We speculate that the lack of vitamin C supplementation in high-risk individuals, such as pregnant women and newborns with poor vitamin C status, could be detrimental to normal brain development and lead to neurologic disabilities later in life.” wrote the researchers, led by Jens Lykkesfeldt, professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Copenhagen.

Click here for the abstract

B12 & Cognition (2011)

This study investigated B12 & cognition.  This study compared markers of vitamin B12 deficiency with various measures of brain shrinkage (MRI scans) and function (neuropsychological test results) over a 5 year period.  Results indicated that Methylmalonate, a specific marker of B12 deficiency, may affect cognition by reducing total brain volume. However, the effect of homocysteine (nonspecific to vitamin B12 deficiency) on cognitive performance may be mediated through increased white matter hyperintensity and cerebral infarcts.

Tangney CC, Aggarwal NT, Li H, Wilson RS, DeCarli C, Evans DA, Morris MC (2011) Vitamin B12, cognition, and brain MRI measures – A cross-sectional examination. Neurology 77:1276-1282

 Click here for abstract

Folate, B12 & cognitive impairment (2007)

This study investigated folate, B12 & cognitive impairment. A high folic acid and B12 intake in the elderly may be protective against age-related memory decline. However, those with a high folic acid intake, from fortified food or supplements, but a low B-12 status have more memory decline and hence a greater risk for dementia. They are also at greater risk of anaemia. This research found that 4% of the elderly in the USA have high folate and low B12 status.

In seniors with low vitamin B-12 status, high serum folate was associated with anemia and cognitive impairment. When vitamin B-12 status was normal, however, high serum folate was associated with protection against cognitive impairment.

Click here for the abstract

M S Morris, ‘Folate and vitamin B-12 status in relation to anemia, macrocytosis, and cognitive impairment in older Americans in the age of folic acid fortification’, Am J Clin Nutr.85(1):193-200, 2007

Homocysteine & Cognition (2007)

This study evaluated the association between plasma homocysteine levels and cognition. The presence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in 1215 elderly subjects (aged 60-85years) from Korea was assessed. Individuals with MCI may be at an increased risk for developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Homocysteine levels, in addition to folate and vitamin B12 levels were measured in blood samples. The presence of MCI was assessed by an independent physician using Mayo clinic criteria which included: 1) memory complaint, preferably corroborated by an informant; 2) objective memory impairment for age; 3) largely preserved general cognition; 4) essentially normal activities of daily living; and 5) no dementia.

The results also showed that high homocysteine was associated with low blood folate or vitamin B12 levels suggesting that supplementation of these nutrients may be helpful in reducing elevated homocysteine levels.

The results found a strong association between increased plasma homocysteine levels and risk of MCI. The association appeared to be independent of other well-known risk factors for cognitive decline such as age, sex, education, smoking, marital status, and serum vitamin levels which suggests that hyperhomocysteinemia may be an independent risk factor for MCI in elderly Korean subjects.

Kim, J. et al., ‘Plasma Homocysteine Is Associated with the Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment in an Elderly Korean Population’, The Journal of Nutrition, 137 (9), 2093-2098, September 2007

Click here for the abstract

Gluten, Dairy & Autism (2006)

This study investigated gluten, dairy & autism. The study reviewed seven trials of gluten/casein (cereal and milk protein) elimination diets in children with autism spectrum disorders. All trials reported some success in reducing symptoms of autism. However, the authors consider that design flaws in the studies weaken confidence in the findings and they make recommendations for future trials.

GW Christison, K Ivany, ‘Elimination diets in autism spectrum disorders: any wheat amidst the chaff?’, J Dev Behav Pediatr, vol 27(2 Suppl):S162-71, 2006.

Click here for the abstract

Immunity & Autism (2006)

This study investigated immunity & autism. The authors review research linking autism spectrum disorders with various abnormal immune responses during development. Interactions between the immune system and nervous system begin early in embryonic development, with normal nervous system development dependent on a normal balanced immune response. Several immune system disturbances have been linked to autism. Digestive system disturbances have been found in a significant proportion of autistic patients and the authors review studies linking gluten and casein (cereal and milk proteins) to autism.

P Ashwood, S Wills, J Van de Water, ‘The immune response in autism: a new frontier for autism research’, J Leukoc Biol, vol 80(1):1-15, 2006.

Click here for the abstract

Homocysteine & Eating Disorders (2007)

The study investigated homocysteine & eating disorders. Plasma homocysteine levels were found to be elevated in women and older female adolescents (but not in young female adolescents) with eating disorders. These findings were not observed to be related to deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folic acid.

Levine J et al,Plasma homocysteine levels in female patients with eating disorders Int J Eat Disord., 40(3):277-84, 2007

Click here for the abstract

Mediterranean Diet & Depression (2009)

This study investigated the mediterranean diet & depression.  In a study of over 10,000 healthy Spanish participants – those who followed a Mediterranean diet most closely had a greater than 30% reduction in the risk of depression.

The specific mechanisms which help to prevent the occurrence of depression are not well known, however, the authors suggest that the role of the overall dietary pattern may be more important than the effect of single components. It is plausible that the synergistic combination of a sufficient provision of omega-three fatty acids together with other natural unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants from olive oil and nuts, flavonoids and other phytochemicals from fruit and vegetables and increase levels of folate and other B vitamins in the overall Mediterranean diet may exert a fair degree of protection against depression.

Click here for the abstract

Autism & Digestion (2005)

This study explored autism & digestion. In the study, the role of immune sensitivity to dietary proteins in young children with autism was investigated. Of 109 children with autism, 75 had symptoms of digestive disturbance and 34 did not. 15 had known food hypersensitivities. Controls were 19 non-autistic children. Immune system markers of hypersensitivity to three milk proteins, gliadin (a gluten protein) and soy were measured. Children with autism showed a significant immune response to lactoglobulin (a milk protein) and those with digestive symptoms also showed a significant immune response to gliadin, compared to controls. However, no unusual response to casein (a milk protein) or soy was observed.

H Jyonouchi et al., ‘Evaluation of an association between gastrointestinal symptoms and cytokine production against common dietary proteins in children with autism spectrum disorders.’, J Pediatr, vol 146(5):605-10, 2005

Click here for the abstract

Immunity & Autism (2004)

This study focused on immunity & autism. The authors considered how immune reactions to food proteins may relate to immune reactions against the body’s own brain cells in autistic patients. The immune reactions of 50 autistic patients to a range of food proteins were compared to the immune reactions to brain proteins. 50 non-autistic patients were used as controls. The study found immune antibodies in autistic patients which reacted to both gliadin (a gluten protein from cereals) and to brain proteins, suggesting a possible autoimmune basis for autism.

A Vojdani et al., ‘Immune response to dietary proteins, gliadin and cerebellar peptides in children with autism.’, Nutr Neurosci, vol 7(3):151-61, 2004

Click here for the abstract

Autism Statistics (2011)

This study explored autism statistics. A new, comprehensive survey of adults in the UK reports that approximately one in a hundred have autism, defined on a tight set of criteria. These figures are similar to estimates in children. Results further suggested the weighted prevalence of autism in adults was estimated to be 9.8 per 1000 (95% confidence interval, 3.0-16.5). Prevalence was not related to the respondent’s age. Rates were higher in men, those without educational qualifications, and those living in rented social (government-financed) housing. There was no evidence of increased use of services for mental health problems.

Click here for the abstract

Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s (2011)

This study investigated risk factors for Alzheimer’s. This study looked at the evidence regarding seven modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s. They calculated that about half of the 33 million cases worldwide could be prevented (that’s 17 million) and calculated that if these risk factors were to be modified to only a ‘relatively modest degree’, specifically by 10-25% as many as 1 – 3 million cases of the current 33 million worldwide could have been prevented.

The risk factors they considered were diabetes, midlife high blood pressure (hypertension), midlife obesity, smoking, depression, cognitive inactivity or low educational attainment, and physical inactivity. A major shortcoming of this report is that they didn’t consider dietary and lifestyle factors such as increasing B vitamins / reducing homocysteine, increasing essential fats and vitamin D, adopting a Mediterranean diet.

Click here for the abstract

Barnes, D. E., & Yaffe, K. (2011). The projected effect of risk factor reduction on Alzheimer’s disease prevalence. The Lancet. Neurology, 10(9), 819–828. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(11)70072-2

Homocysteine & The Brain (2011)

A study conducted by UCLA School of Medicine researchers of 732 elderly people given MRI brain scans finds that those with raised homocysteine levels have greater brain shrinkage regardless of age and diagnosis. Among those with cognitive impairment, the greater the homocysteine level the greater was the brain atrophy. The authors state ‘ Vitamin B supplements may help prevent homocysteine-related atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease by possibly reducing homocysteine levels’.

Rajagopalan P, Hua X, Toga AW, Jack CR Jr, Weiner MW, Thompson PM.  Homocysteine effects on brain volumes mapped in 732 elderly individuals. Neuroreport, 22(8):391-5, 2011.

Clich here for abstract.

Homocysteine & Dementia (2011)

This was a meta-analysis* of eight studies, involving almost 9,000 subjects. The results found that at 5 µmol/l increase in homocysteine level was associated with a 35% increase in incidence of dementia.

The researchers could not conclude that raised homocysteine is an actual cause. However, they did estimate that if it was causal, we could expect an approximate 20% reduction in risk of dementia from treatment with folic acid and B12.

Click here for the abstract

Homocysteine and dementia – a clear association. Wald, Kasturiratne, & Simmonds (2011). Alzheimer’s and dementia 7: 412-417

*Meta-analysis: a collation and analysis of a group of studies on the same topic

Folate & Alzheimer’s (2007)

This study investigated folate & Alzheimer’s. Folate helps the body to process homocysteine, which is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and may also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers studied the diets of 965 people age 65 and older who did not have dementia when the six-year study began.

Results demonstrated 192 cases of incident AD. The highest quartile of total folate intake was related to a lower risk of AD (hazard ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-0.9; P=.02 for trend) after adjustment for age, sex, education, ethnic group, the epsilon4 allele of apolipoprotein E, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, current smoking, heart disease, stroke, and vitamin B6 and B12 levels. Vitamin B6 and B12 levels were not related to the risk of AD.

Conclusions: Higher folate intake may decrease the risk of AD independent of other risk factors and levels of vitamins B6 and B12. These results require confirmation with clinical trials.

Luchsinger et al., ‘Relation of higher folate intake to lower risk of Alzheimer disease in the elderly’, Arch Neurol.;64(1):86-92, 2007

Click here for the abstract

Dementia & Alzheimer’s (2007)

This study investigated dementia & Alzheimer’s. Over 8000 over-65s were monitored for development of dementia and Alzheimer’s over a 4 year period and details of their dietary habits were analysed. Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was found to be associated with a decreased risk of all types of dementia. Weekly consumption of fish was also associated with a decreased risk of all dementias and Alzheimer’s Disease but only amongst those people who do not have the genetic variation called ApoE4. The regular use of omega-3 supplements was associated with a slight decreased risk of all dementias. However, the regular use of omega-6 supplements, where it was not balanced with the use of omega-3 supplements or fish, actually doubled the risk developing dementia amongst those who do not have the ApoE4 gene. In summary, frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, fish, and omega-3 rich oils may decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer disease, especially among ApoE4 non-carriers. In addition, balance of the omega 3:6 ratio may also be an integral risk factor, although further research is warranted.

Gateau P et al.,’Dietary patterns and risk of dementia: The Three-City cohort study, Barberger’.  Neurology. 2007 Nov 13;69(20):1921-30

Click here for the abstract

Vitamin D & Alzheimer’s (2011)

Scientists at Oxford University’s OPTIMA project* ran a study to look for a link between vitamin D & Alzheimer’s. Participants were comprised of 255 people with definite or probable Alzheimer’s and 260 healthy elderly people. The study looked at the gene for the vitamin D receptor, which manages the body’s response to vitamin D.

Findings were that there does appear to be a link. Two slight changes in the genetic code which makes up the gene for the vitamin D receptor were associated with risk of Alzheimer’s. These are preliminary findings, and more research is needed to understand their significance.

Lehmann DJ, Refsum H, Warden DR, Medway C, Wilcock GK, Smith AD (2011) The vitamin D receptor gene is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Neurosci Lett. Oct 24;504(2):79-82.

*OPTIMA is led by Professor David Smith who is also on our Scientific Advisory Board

Click here for abstract.

Homocysteine & Dementia (2002)

This study investigated homocysteine & dementia. A total of 1092 subjects without dementia (667 women and 425 men; average age, 76 years) were followed for an average of 8 years. Their homocysteine levels were monitored. The study used multivariable proportional-hazards regression to adjust for age, sex, apolipoprotein E genotype, vascular risk factors other than homocysteine, and plasma levels of folate and vitamins B12 and B6. Over a median follow-up period of eight years, dementia developed in 111 subjects, including 83 given a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. The multivariable-adjusted relative risk of dementia was 1.4 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.1 to 1.9) for each increase of 1 SD in the log-transformed homocysteine value either at base line or eight years earlier. The relative risk of Alzheimer’s disease was 1.8 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.3 to 2.5) per increase of 1 SD at base line and 1.6 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.2 to 2.1) per increase of 1 SD eight years before base line. With a plasma homocysteine level greater than 14 micromol per liter, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease nearly doubled.

Conclusions: An increased plasma homocysteine level is a strong, independent risk factor for the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Seshadri S et al, Plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.N Engl J Med., 346(7):476-83, 2002

Click here for the abstract

Omegas 3, 6 & DCD (2005)

This study investigated omegas 3, 6 & DCD. DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder) is associated with core deficits in motor function as well as difficulties in learning, behaviour and psychosocial adjustment that persist into adulthood. In a randomised, controlled trial, 117 children with DCD aged 5-12 years were given omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements or placebo for 3 months. At this point all children received the omega-3 and omega-6 supplements for a further 3 months. While there appeared to be no effect on motor skills, there were significant improvements in reading, spelling and behaviour in the children on the essential fat supplements compared with those on placebo and then similar improvements were seen for the placebo group once they started supplementation.

A J Richardson & P Montgomery, ‘The Oxford-Durham study: a randomized, controlled trial of dietary supplementation with fatty acids in children with developmental coordination disorder ‘, Pediatrics, 115(5):1360-6, 2005

Click here for the abstract

Essential fatty acids & mental health (2005)

The study investigated essential fatty acids & mental health. A review finds that there is an association between depression and low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and that low levels of the fatty acids in red blood cell membranes are found in both depressive and schizophrenic patients. Five of six double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in schizophrenia, and four of six such trials in depression, have reported therapeutic benefit from omega-3 fatty acids in particularly when EPA is added on to existing psychotropic medication. Individual clinical trials have suggested benefits of EPA treatment in borderline personality disorder and of combined omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The evidence to date supports the use of omega-3 fatty acids in the management of treatment unresponsive depression and schizophrenia alongside medication. As these conditions are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus, omega-3 fatty acids should also benefit the physical state of these patients.

Peet & Stokes, ‘Omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of psychiatric disorders ‘, Drugs, 65(8):1051-9, 2005

Click here for the abstract

Omega 3 & Brain Ageing (2007)

This study investigated omega 3 and brain ageing. An Italian study measured the blood levels of essential fats in 935 elderly Italians and compared these with their cognitive function, which ranged from normal cognitive function through to dementia. The researchers found those with the worst cognitive function, had the lowest level of essential fats, especially omega-3.

Click here for the abstract

Nutrients & Brain Aging (2011)

This study investigated nutrients & brain aging. In this ground-breaking study, 104 healthy elderly people (with an average age of 87) had blood levels of 30 different nutrients measured. Mean age was 87 ± 10 years and 62% of subjects were female. Results suggested that two NBPs associated with more favourable cognitive and MRI measures: one high in plasma vitamins B (B1, B2, B6, folate, and B12), C, D, and E, and another high in plasma marine ω-3 fatty acids. A third pattern characterized by high trans fat was associated with less favourable cognitive function and less total cerebral brain volume. Depression attenuated the relationship between the marine ω-3 pattern and white matter hyperintensity volume.

Click here for abstract.

Bowman GL, Silbert LC, Howieson D, Dodge HH, Traber MG, Frei B, Kaye JA, Shannon J, Quinn JF (2011) Nutrient biomarker patterns, cognitive function, and MRI measures of brain aging. Neurology Dec 28. [Epub ahead of print]

Nutrition in Children (2006)

This study explored nutrition in children. This study sought to examine the relationship between food poverty (defined as those individuals who go to school or bed hungry because there is not enough food at home) and food consumption, health and life satisfaction among 8424 school children from the Republic of Ireland, aged between 10 and 17 years. Each participant completed a questionnaire, which assessed social class, dietary composition, eating habits and the presence of emotional and physical symptoms including feeling low, nervous, bad tempered, afraid, tired, exhausted and suffering from headache, stomachache, backache, dizziness and neck of shoulder pain. The questionnaire also assessed the children’s feelings about life and life satisfaction.

Children experiencing food poverty reported lower intakes of fruit, vegetables and brown bread and higher intakes of crisps, fried potatoes and hamburgers. They also had increased risk of experiencing somatic and mental symptoms and experienced negative health perceptions and lower life satisfaction.

Molcho, M et al., ‘Food poverty and health among schoolchildren in Ireland: findings from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study’, Public Health Nutrition, 10(4), 364-370, 2006 June

Click here for the abstract

Low Carbohydrate Diet & Alzheimer’s (2012)

This study investigated low carbohydrate diet & Alzheimer’s. In this study 23 Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment were randomly assigned either a low or high carbohydrate diet.  Body composition, metabolic parameters, and memory and mood measures were obtained before and after the intervention. There was no group difference in demographics, level of memory impairment, or metabolic parameters before the intervention. At the end of the intervention period, there were significant reductions in weight, waist circumference and glucose levels for the low carbohydrate group. Furthermore, verbal memory function was significantly improved for the low carbohydrate subjects. Depressive symptoms were not affected by either diet. These findings indicate that ketosis induced by very low carbohydrate consumption, even in the short-term, can improve cognitive function in older adults with greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease. This study is a first in its field and the findings warrant further investigation.

Click here for the abstract

Krikorian, R., Shidler, M. D., Dangelo, K., Couch, S. C., Benoit, S. C., & Clegg, D. J. (2012). Dietary ketosis enhances memory in mild cognitive impairment. Neurobiology of aging, 33(2), 425.e19–425.e4.25E27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2010.10.006

Nutrients for Autism (2011)

This study investigated nutrients for autism. It involved  giving 141 children and adults with autism, a multi-nutrient formula containing a broad range of vitamins and minerals or a placebo. Their symptoms were assessed before and after the study which ran for three months. Fifty-three of the children in the study also had blood measures taken of nutritional and metabolic status(biomarkers) before and after.

In terms of symptoms, the supplemented group had significantly greater improvements than the placebo group on the following scores: Parental Global Impressions (PGI-R), Hyperactivity, Tantrumming, Overall and Receptive Language. The change in the PGI-R was strongly associated with a number of the biomarkers suggesting that there is a relationship between changes in biomarkers and changes in symptoms.

Levels of many vitamins, minerals, and biomarkers improved including markers of oxidative stress thought to be elevated in autism, as well as markers of key biological processes such as methylation and sulphation.

Click here for the abstract

Adams JB, Audhya T, McDonough-Means S, Rubin RA, Quig D, Geis E, Gehn E, Loresto M, Mitchell J, Atwood S, Barnhouse S, Lee W. (2011) Effect of a vitamin/mineral supplement on children and adults with autism. BMC Pediatr. 11:111.