A scientific paper published in the Early Intervention in Psychiatry journal has shown that some nutrients found in foods can help to reduce the symptoms of psychotic illnesses, when consumed in the early stages of treatment.

The team behind the research, led by University of Manchester honorary research fellow Dr Joseph Firth, examined the effects of nutrient supplementation as an additional treatment for young psychosis patients.

The study amalgamated data from eight independent clinical trials regarding nutrient supplementation in 457 young people who were deemed early sufferers of psychosis, such as schizophrenia.

“Nutrient supplementation in the treatment of mental illness is something which can be surrounded by both cynicism and ‘hype’”, said Dr Firth.

“We conducted this review just to see if there is any ‘real evidence’ if such nutrients can actually help young people with psychosis.

“Certainly, there is early indication that certain nutrients may be beneficial, not to replac standard treatment, but as an ‘add-on’ treatment for some patients.”

Taurine, an amino-acid found in foods such as shellfish and turkey, was tested in a Melbourne-based clinical trial of 121 young patients. It found that participants ingesting four grams of Taurine per day had reduced psychotic symptoms in 12 weeks.

Antioxidant supplements, including n-acetyl cysteine and vitamin C could also be effective in treating patients with high levels of oxidative stress.

Another trial examining omega-3 showed that the fatty acids helped to improve brain health in the participants, but was inconclusive as to whether psychotic symptoms were eased.

“We have to be careful to replicate the results of these initial studies before jumping to firm conclusions,” Dr Firth added.

The team are preparing to launch a new clinical trial, which will combine all of the potentially beneficial nutrients into one supplement.

Firth commented on the new trial, saying: “A combined nutrient intervention, explicitly designed from the evidence-base in psychosis, may therefore confer larger and more beneficial effects for young people with this condition.

“We will be testing this in Sydney, Australia in 2018, to learn more about the potential role of nutrition in mental health for the future.”