Living with schizophrenia is tough. Therefore, when I heard how vitamins and supplements may help with schizophrenia, especially for those experiencing psychosis, I was interested.

This article explores different studies on how vitamins have been proven to specifically help schizophrenics and certain vitamins that naturally help to lessen or better manage the negative symptoms.

Can A Lack Of Vitamins Cause Schizophrenia?

Recent studies have shown that there may be a link between a lack of vitamins and an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. Vitamin B deficiency has been particularly linked to the onset of symptoms of schizophrenia.

Many studies show the connection between low levels of vitamin D and schizophrenia. In this August 2020 study, it reports that 80% of schizophrenics have a below average level of vitamin D. The research is still ongoing. The risk of schizophrenia does increase with low amounts of specific vitamins, such as vitamin D or B12.

Vitamins proven to be suitable for schizophrenia may include Folic Acid supplements. As documented in this article published by the Cambridge University Press, other vitamins such as B6, B8, and B12 have proven to reduce “psychiatric symptoms significantly”. Thus, it does seem that certain vitamins do lower the risk of psychotic disorder in schizophrenics.

However, it is important to note that a lack of vitamins does not cause schizophrenia.

Can Vitamins Help With Psychosis?

As we have seen from the studies above, vitamins do help in managing psychosis and the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Here is another article. This study published in 2020 reviews the link between Omega-3 fatty acids and schizophrenia. The results acknowledged the direct benefits of managing the symptoms using the supplement.

What Are The Vitamins or Supplements That May Help?

In no particular order, below is a list of vitamins that are said to be useful in managing schizophrenia. 

B Vitamins (Folic Acid & L-Methylfolate): Commonly found naturally in food are Vitamin B3, B6, B9 (Folic Acid), and B12 (L-Methylfolate). High dosages of B vitamins alongside other vitamins are said to have reduced psychiatric symptoms. 

Citicoline: Natural occurring compound found in the neuronal cell membrane that stimulates a brain chemical called phosphatidylcholine. It is beneficial for memory and behavioural function.

D-Alanine: Helps to improve the function of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) which is important in regulating a wide variety of neurological activities.

D-Serine: An amino acid found in the brain that is needed to regulate the activities of neurons.

Vitamin D: A nutrient and hormone produced naturally by the body. Helps to prevent infection, reduce inflammation, and regulate critical genes in the brain.

Vitamin E: A fat-soluble vitamin that has antioxidant properties and helps with maintaining brain cell membrane function.

N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC): A form of amino acid L-cysteine that has antioxidant properties which is useful for mental health issues.

Melatonin: Hormones produced naturally by the body to regulate sleep. 

Probiotics: Good bacteria and/ or yeast that are important for the digestive system. Since mental health is often associated with the health of the gut, having enough good bacteria is important.

Sarcosine: Also known as N-methylgycine and Methylglycine, Sarcosine supplement helps to improve the quality of sleep.

Omega-3: Fatty acid that is highly important in brain health. It also helps to improve mood.

Which Vitamins Are Best For Schizophrenia?

There is no specific combination of vitamins that can guarantee a positive result. Vitamins should be taken as an extension to medication.

I personally take probiotics daily. Studies have shown that a healthy gut helps to promote a healthy mind. My psychiatrist has also told me that it is good to consume probiotics on a long term basis. Overall, a healthy gut helps to improve brain health. I noticed that it helps to regulate my mood too.

Fish Oil And How It helps Me

Another supplement that I consume daily is fish oil, high in Omega-3. It helps to improve my memory and focus. After adding this supplement to my diet, I can do daily tasks more efficiently. It improves my attention span, and I can carry out activities and run errands smoothly. It has been more than a year since I started on this supplement, and I have no plans of stopping it.

Why I Stopped Taking N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC was a supplement that I took for 4 months. I consumed 600mg once daily during the day. Initially, I was pleasantly surprised by its efficacy as it helps me to focus better, besides reducing rumination. However, after a few months, I realised I tend to get more agitated than before. Despite having the potential to improve mood and even control irritability, NAC did not work for me.

Vitamin D Improves The Symptoms Of Schizophrenia

Vitamin D can cause a huge positive effect on both the positive and negative symptoms of neurodivergence.

Low vitamin D levels are said to cause abnormalities in various neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) levels of the brain. GABA produces a calming effect. It helps to control stress, anxiety, and fear.

Thus, exposure to sunlight may increase the production of vitamin D in schizophrenic patients. This is the reason I recommend going outdoors to get some sunlight whenever possible. It may be tough for schizophrenics to do so, but keep trying. We will gradually get comfortable being outdoors. 

It took me around 2 years to get comfortable exercising outside my house, although it was only within the compound. I exercised for about 20 minutes almost daily. The sunlight makes me feel alive and gives me the energy that I need to go through the day.

Vitamins Complements Schizophrenia Therapy

Vitamins on their own are not the cure for schizophrenia. The holistic approach is needed to build an effective schizophrenia treatment.

You may be overwhelmed at the moment with the amount of information and supplements out there. Take your time to read through and understand the benefits of each of them. While some people swear by the effectiveness, others may not, as the results differ from person to person. Some vitamins may work for certain people but not for others. That is why there are different opinions on the effectiveness of vitamins and supplements. Thus, before starting on any of them, it is advisable to talk to your doctor or psychiatrist to get a better understanding and how they may be able to help you.