Nutritional Management of Schizophrenia: Gut-Brain Axis Mechanisms and Dietary Interventions - PubMed
2 days ago
- #gut-brain-axis
- #nutritional-interventions
- #schizophrenia
- Schizophrenia (SCZ) affects 1% of the global population and involves genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
- Current treatments focus on symptom alleviation, with clozapine being the most effective antipsychotic for resistant patients.
- Nutritional interventions and lifestyle modifications are emerging as important in managing SCZ.
- Dietary patterns, nutrient intake, and gut microbiota influence brain function and mental health.
- Dysbiosis (altered gut microbiota) is linked to neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalances, and impaired neurodevelopment, relevant to SCZ.
- Maternal nutrition during pregnancy and early life impacts fetal neurodevelopment and may predispose offspring to SCZ.
- High consumption of fast food and processed carbohydrates in SCZ patients exacerbates nutritional deficiencies and gut dysregulation.
- The gut-brain axis mediates interactions through neural, endocrine, and immune pathways, affecting neurotransmitter synthesis and brain function.
- Potential interventions include ketogenic diets, probiotics, prebiotics, and natural antioxidants to modulate microbiota and improve SCZ symptoms.
- Nutritional management should be integrated into SCZ care to enhance clinical outcomes and overall health.