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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
The efficacy and safety of nutrient supplements in the treatment of mental disorders: a meta-review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials
World Psychiatry, Volume 18, No. 3, Year 2019
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Description
The role of nutrition in mental health is becoming increasingly acknowledged. Along with dietary intake, nutrition can also be obtained from “nutrient supplements”, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and pre/probiotic supplements. Recently, a large number of meta-analyses have emerged examining nutrient supplements in the treatment of mental disorders. To produce a meta-review of this top-tier evidence, we identified, synthesized and appraised all meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on the efficacy and safety of nutrient supplements in common and severe mental disorders. Our systematic search identified 33 meta-analyses of placebo-controlled RCTs, with primary analyses including outcome data from 10,951 individuals. The strongest evidence was found for PUFAs (particularly as eicosapentaenoic acid) as an adjunctive treatment for depression. More nascent evidence suggested that PUFAs may also be beneficial for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, whereas there was no evidence for schizophrenia. Folate-based supplements were widely researched as adjunctive treatments for depression and schizophrenia, with positive effects from RCTs of high-dose methylfolate in major depressive disorder. There was emergent evidence for N-acetylcysteine as a useful adjunctive treatment in mood disorders and schizophrenia. All nutrient supplements had good safety profiles, with no evidence of serious adverse effects or contraindications with psychiatric medications. In conclusion, clinicians should be informed of the nutrient supplements with established efficacy for certain conditions (such as eicosapentaenoic acid in depression), but also made aware of those currently lacking evidentiary support. Future research should aim to determine which individuals may benefit most from evidence-based supplements, to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms. © 2019 World Psychiatric Association
Authors & Co-Authors
Firth, Joseph
Australia, Penrith
Western Sydney University
United Kingdom, Manchester
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Australia, Melbourne
University of Melbourne
Siskind, Dan J.
Australia, Brisbane
The University of Queensland
Marx, Wolfgang
Australia, Geelong
Barwon Health
Veronese, Nicola
Italy, Rome
Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche
Italy, Castellana Grotte
Irccs Saverio de Bellis
Schuch, Felipe B.
Brazil, Santa Maria
Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
Smith, Lee
United Kingdom, Cambridge
Anglia Ruskin University
Solmi, Marco
Italy, Padua
Università Degli Studi Di Padova
Carvalho, Andre F.
Canada, Toronto
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Canada, Toronto
University of Toronto
Vancampfort, Davy
Belgium, Leuven
Departement Revalidatiewetenschappen
Belgium, Leuven
Ku Leuven
Berk, Michael
Australia, Melbourne
Orygen Youth Health
Australia, Geelong
Barwon Health
Stubbs, Brendon
United Kingdom, London
South London and Maudsley Nhs Foundation Trust
United Kingdom, London
King's College London
Sarris, Jerome
Australia, Penrith
Western Sydney University
Australia, Melbourne
University of Melbourne
Statistics
Citations: 133
Authors: 12
Affiliations: 20
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1002/wps.20672
ISSN:
17238617
Research Areas
Food Security
Mental Health
Study Design
Randomised Control Trial