Publication:

Nutrient deficiencies in patients with psychiatric disorders – investigating how low levels of omega-3s, B vitamins and magnesium affect mental health conditions like depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Background Psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are complex mental health conditions that significantly affect individuals' quality of life and functional ability. While their etiology is multifactorial, growing evidence suggests that nutritional factors play an important role in the onset and progression of these disorders. This study aims to explore the relationship between deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and magnesium and common psychiatric disorders, namely depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2022 at two tertiary care centers in Chattogram, Bangladesh: Chattogram Ma O Shishu Hospital Medical College and BGC Trust Medical College and Hospital. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, including depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, were enrolled from the outpatient and inpatient departments of psychiatry at both institutions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results In this study, omega-3, B vitamin and magnesium deficiencies were observed in 61%, 58% and 47% of psychiatric patients, respectively. Deficiencies were most common among those with depression (72.9% omega-3, 66.7% B vitamins, 50% magnesium). Patients with longer illness duration (>5 years) showed higher deficiency rates, with 70.8% for omega-3, 79.2% for B vitamins and 62.5% for magnesium. Symptom severity was significantly higher in deficient patients, with mean scores of 26.5, 27.2 and 25.8 for omega-3, B vitamin and magnesium deficiencies, respectively (p<0.05).

Conclusions This study demonstrates a high prevalence of omega-3 fatty acid, B vitamin and magnesium deficiencies among patients with psychiatric disorders, particularly those with depression and longer illness duration. These deficiencies were significantly associated with greater symptom severity, underscoring the critical role of nutritional status in mental health.