Vitamins and Supplements for Schizophrenia

If you or a loved one has schizophrenia, you may wonder whether medication alone is enough to treat or prevent symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and aggression. Research shows that some supplements can help, but results on others are more mixed.

We know omega-3 fatty acids are good for brain health, and that seems to extend to schizophrenia. A review of studies of people with schizophrenia found that taking omega-3 fatty acids led to a drop of about 25% in positive symptoms (hallucinations and delusions) and negative symptoms like withdrawal and flat affect.

Being low in vitamin D may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. A combination of probiotics and high doses of vitamin D improved symptoms in people with schizophrenia, according to a 2019 study. Sun exposure and fortified foods can enhance vitamin D levels.

A large review found that people who took high-dose B-vitamins like B6, B8, and B12 in addition to their medications significantly reduced symptoms of schizophrenia compared with those who took medicines alone. These supplements seem most helpful when people start them early in their illness.

Vitamin E may protect against side effects of antipsychotic medications, such as tardive dyskinesia, which causes stiff, jerky movements of your face and body that you can't control. However, there's no evidence that it treats the condition once it starts.

These good bacteria live in your digestive tract and keep it healthy. They also have a connection to brain health. One study found that probiotics may ease symptoms of delusions and hallucinations in people with schizophrenia.There are many kinds of probiotics on the market, so look for ones with Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus fermentum.

Sleep disorders like insomnia are often major problems for people with schizophrenia. Melatonin, a hormone your brain makes to regulate your sleep cycle, is a safer option than prescription medication for people with schizophrenia. It also seems to prevent some side effects of schizophrenia drugs, like weight gain, according to one study.

It's always best to talk to your doctor before starting any supplements. Even though they don't require a prescription, not all of them may be safe. You doctor can make sure there won't be any interactions with your medicine or unwanted effects.