The metabolic syndrome, omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes in relation to schizophrenia.

Although schizophrenia is normally regarded as a brain disease, there is clear evidence that schizophrenia is strongly associated with a variety of physical conditions. These include an increased rate of the metabolic syndrome and its physical complications including diabetes and coronary heart disease, and a reduced rate of rheumatoid arthritis. It is argued that these associations may point to a commonality of some aetiological factors. Evidence implicating omega-3 fatty acids in all of these disorders is presented. The associations may derive either from genetic or from environmental factors, including nutrition. Further investigation of these associations may give important clues regarding the aetiology of schizophrenia.