Investigation of alteration in erythrocyte lipids in people at ultra high risk of developing psychosis

Consumption of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) is associated with higher n-3 LCPUFA status in the circulation, which has in turn has been associated with a number of health benefits in humans. n-3 LCPUFA cardiovascular health benefits are well known and there is emerging evidence for mental health benefits. Limited studies have indicated that there is a positive correlation between an improvement of Ultra-High-Risk (UHR) of developing psychosis symptoms and the intake of n-3 LCPUFA; however there is a need for further studies involving larger randomized-controlled studies since the previous work was conducted with low numbers. These studies have also shown that people classified as UHR of developing psychosis have reduced n-3 PUFA, n-6 PUFA and n-3 index. What is unknown is the molecular phospholipid data and how that data may relate to developing psychosis and also how this is affected by n-3 LCPUFA supplementation.