Carl Pfeiffer first noted that nutrition might have something to do with mental illness when he was a young physician. His discoveries led him to coin the term "Orthomolecular Psychiatry." Other doctors and researchers, including Linus Pauling, also began treating psychotic patients with supplements.
Many studies have been published and new information is still being discovered relative to the links between certain nutrients and brain chemistry. In Orthomolecular Psychiatry, "the schizophrenias" are seen as a group of disorders with very different nutrient needs required for treatment.
Amino Acid Glycine and Mental Health
Recent studies of this amino acid that is abundant in the body have shown promising results (Schizophrenia Research, Vol 72, Issues 2-3, pages 225-234). High doses of glycine (one gram per kilo of body weight divided into three daily doses) seem to reduce the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Limited conversation and interest in others are considered negative symptoms. To a lesser extent, glycine may improve positive symptoms associated with schizophrenia, such as the presence of delusions and voices. (Schizophrenia Research,Vol 72, Issues 2-3, pages 225-234.)
High doses of glycine (One gram per kilo of body weight divided into three daily doses) seem to reduce the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Limited conversation and interest in others are considered negative symptoms. To a lesser extent, glycine may improve positive symptoms such as the presence of delusions and voices.
In Orthomolecular Psychiatry, clinicians use labwork and other indicators to determine whether psychotic patients are histapenic, histadelic, pyroluric or have allergies that affect the brain. Mental illness may also be caused or complicated by a combination of factors including hypoglycemia and celiac disease. Lab tests are helpful, as are other clues.
Histapenic Schizophrenics
The Brain Chemistry Plan by Michael Lesser (Perigee Trade, January 7, 2003) forty percent of schizophrenics are in this category of histapenic schizophrenics. They have hallucinations, paranoia, have poor teeth and a tendency to gain weight in their lower body.
This type of schizophrenic responds to vitamin supplementation with niacin, folic acid, B12, pantothenic acid, and the minerals zinc and manganese. A complex vitamin with 100 mg of each B vitamin is essential. Niacin may cause a flushing sensation; work up to 1 g twice a day or use niacinamide. B12 should be taken in sublingual form and larger doses of folic acid require a prescription.
Histadelic Schizophrenics
If patients feel worse taking folic acid and vitamin B12 they might be histadelic. It's believed that approximately twenty percent of schizophrenics are histadelic.
This type of schizophrenic is sometimes associated with suicidal depression and may initially need medication or other interventions to prevent them from following through with thoughts to harm themselves. People with this schizophrenia subtype have a lean build, good teeth, a high pain tolerance and have negative symptoms. Schizoaffectives belong in this category as well as those with compulsions and addictions.
Histadelics respond to larger doses of the amino acid compound SAMe or methionine twice a day. Vitamin B6 is deficient if there is no dream recall, and manganese, calcium and zinc should be added in small amounts. Methionine may be toxic over long periods of time. Consult a physician.
Pyroluric Schizophrenics
Patients in the pyroluria subtype of schizophrenia are often pale. They may not be able to remember their dreams. Food sensitivities are common in this group. Roughly thirty percent of schizophrenics are pyroluric.
It's believed that zinc taken twice a day, along with vitamin B6 in the morning will improve this condition. It's important to note that patients should not exceed 300 mg of vitamin B6 except on the advice of a health care professional.
It is clear from the percentages that subtypes can overlap. Descriptions are not rigid, either, for instance a histadelic may have dental enamel defects because of gluten intolerance.
Allergies and Schizophrenics
Approximately ten percent of schizophrenics have a family history of allergies, skin rashes or celiac disease (Nutrition and Metabolism, February 2009). They typically feel better when they are fasting. Supplementation with 1 g of vitamin C twice a day, and a strict elimination diet is necessary to discover what foods are associated with an individual's sensitivity.
Vitamin B6 and the minerals calcium and potassium will be helpful. Celiac disease is an intolerance to gluten (wheat, barley and rye) and sometimes casein (milk protein) that often goes undiagnosed. Celiac disease can affect many body systems, including the brain (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1966, and British Journal of Psychiatry, May, 1969) .
Low Blood Sugar in Schizophrenic Patients
It's thought that psychosis may, in part, be due to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially if a sweet tooth and a junk food diet prevail. Simple, timed blood tests can be ordered by a family doctor to determine if blood sugar is low.
A diet of small, frequent meals consisting of high-quality proteins and fresh vegetables will relieve symptoms of fatigue, confusion, tremors and dizziness. Vitamin B3 and chromium can help regulate blood sugar. Patients should seek help from a naturopathic physician.
Good Fats for the Brain
Omega 3 essential fatty acids protect the brain. Fish oils, flax, hempseeds and chia are good sources. A 3-6-9 balance of essential fatty acids is vital for nervous system health. Oils such as coconut, borage and evening primrose are good sources.
Do not stop taking prescription medication abruptly. Anti-psychotic drugs should be not be discontinued, even slowly, without the knowledge and advice of a physician.
Researchers continue to build on the work done by Carl Pfeiffer, Linus Pauling, and other pioneers. As new developments come to light, both prescription medications and nutritional supplement information will be updated, to the benefit of those with mental illness and their families.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and is not meant to treat or diagnosis schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition requiring professional diagnosis and treatment by a qualified mental health specialist. Before altering medications or significantly changing dietary habits, consult with a qualified medical professional.
Mary Earhart - Mary Earhart, RN, BSN, is a Licensed Midwife. She has written articles for professional journals and grants for non-profit agencies as ...
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