Disclaimer: Schizophrenia is outside of the scope of Naturopathic medicine and naturopathy cannot treat schizophrenia. Schizophrenia must be managed by a qualified health professional. This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional before starting any new treatment or if you have questions about your medical condition. While we aim to provide accurate, research-based information, individual needs and responses to treatments can vary. Our clinic offers personalized consultations to discuss health concerns and develop tailored care plans. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read on this site.
Studies have found that schizophrenia may often be linked to a complex web of imbalances in the body—ranging from nutritional and environmental factors to metabolic and hormonal processes. While the root causes of schizophrenia are still being investigated, research suggests that addressing these underlying elements may help support those seeking better cognitive function and emotional balance. This post will explore how nutrients like vitamin B12 and vitamin D, inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, and hormones like cortisol and DHEAS may influence schizophrenia symptoms. We’ll also look at other factors, including copper levels, gluten sensitivity, and omega-3 fatty acids.
By identifying these potential contributors through testing, we aim to develop more targeted strategies. Our clinic provides a comprehensive approach that includes thorough blood work, dietary evaluations, and natural therapies—all designed with a personalized focus. Keep reading to discover how these imbalances may connect with schizophrenia and why addressing them could make a difference in symptom management.
Nutritional Factors
Cobalamin (Vitamin B12), Folate, and Homocysteine
Cobalamin (vitamin B12) and folate deficiencies have long been studied in schizophrenia. A 2009 study highlighted a case where psychosis improved after cobalamin supplementation, suggesting that low vitamin B12 may sometimes play a role in symptom emergence. Further, a 2013 trial found that combining folic acid with vitamin B12 supplementation may improve negative symptoms in certain individuals. Researchers noted that genetic variations in folate absorption could influence each person’s response to treatment.
In addition, low folate has been correlated with more severe symptoms and cognitive impairment. One 2022 study found that those with lower folate had more pronounced negative symptoms and worse cognitive scores. These findings align with older data indicating that reduced folate and B12 levels can drive up homocysteine, an amino acid linked to neurological and vascular issues (2010 research).
For those with persistent symptoms, focusing on cobalamin and folate may be worthwhile. At our clinic, we offer a nutritional panel that evaluates levels of vitamins and minerals relevant to mental health, allowing us to customize strategies to meet individual needs.
Vitamin D
Multiple investigations have connected vitamin D deficiencies to schizophrenia. A 2020 meta-analysis covering 36 studies concluded that patients with schizophrenia often have significantly lower vitamin D levels than controls. Additionally, a recent 2023 study explored vitamin D supplementation in those with schizophrenia and observed improvements in certain metabolic markers and symptom severity.
Other findings suggest vitamin D deficiency may correlate with symptoms in schizophrenia (2016 research). While more large-scale trials are needed, ensuring sufficient vitamin D intake—and testing to avoid over-supplementation—could be supportive for some patients.
Copper and Ceruloplasmin
Abnormal copper regulation has been noted in schizophrenia. A 2006 study found elevated ceruloplasmin levels and copper in those with schizophrenia, suggesting that the enzymatic system involved in copper transport may be disrupted. Theoretically, high ceruloplasmin might drive excessive copper levels, potentially influencing dopamine pathways central to psychosis.
Although copper is essential in small amounts, too much can lead to oxidative stress. Screening for copper and ceruloplasmin levels provides valuable insight. Adjusting these imbalances—if discovered—may support overall metabolic health.
Environmental and Dietary Factors
Gluten Sensitivity
An intriguing area of research focuses on gluten. Elevated gliadin antibodies have been discovered in some individuals with recent-onset psychosis and chronic schizophrenia, as shown by a 2010 study and a 2012 study involving Chinese participants. Interestingly, these immune markers did not always align with classic celiac disease indicators, indicating a different immune response.
Moreover, a 2018 meta-analysis found that people with celiac disease had roughly double the odds of developing schizophrenia. While this does not confirm causation, it hints that certain gluten-related issues may influence mental health. If ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms or autoimmune features are present, screening for gluten sensitivity might be worth considering.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Research into omega-3 supplementation has yielded mixed but sometimes promising results. In a 2021 meta-analysis, omega-3 fatty acids appeared to help general psychopathology and positive symptoms, though negative symptoms were less responsive. Another 2016 study focusing on first-episode patients found that six-month supplementation with omega-3s was associated with improved overall symptom severity and global functioning. Some data also suggest that lower baseline omega-3 levels might predict better responses to supplementation (2020 review).
These findings imply that addressing omega-3 imbalances may help certain individuals. Testing for fatty acid status, combined with clinical evaluations, allows for more precise interventions.
Inflammatory Factors
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Inflammation may play a role in schizophrenia. For instance, a large 2023 study examined CRP and various inflammatory ratios (NLR, PLR, MLR) in nearly 700 acute inpatients. CRP correlated moderately with these ratios, and the association was especially pronounced in patients experiencing multiple episodes. The authors concluded that these inflammatory measures could act as complementary biomarkers rather than replacements for CRP.
Another 2018 study suggested that even modestly elevated CRP levels in stable outpatients were linked to worse one-year clinical outcomes. These outcomes included more severe positive symptoms and general psychopathology. This paints a cautious picture: persistent, low-level inflammation may aggravate disease progression over time.
At our clinic, testing inflammatory markers like CRP and specific immune ratios can help us tailor a supportive plan, potentially aiming to calm chronic inflammation through diet, lifestyle changes, and other targeted measures.
Hormone-Related Factors
DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate)
DHEAS is another hormone that has been discussed in schizophrenia research. One 2005 pilot study indicated that higher DHEAS levels may correlate with better performance on certain memory and executive function tasks, suggesting this hormone might affect cognition. While further studies are needed, looking into DHEAS levels can provide another piece of the puzzle in understanding each patient’s hormonal status.
Putting It All Together
Managing schizophrenia is undeniably complex. It typically involves standard treatments such as psychotherapy and medication, but naturopathic doctor consultations and integrative measures may offer an extra layer of support by addressing potential underlying imbalances. Our clinic looks beyond symptoms, using a thorough approach to testing. This can include:
Vitamin and Mineral Panels to assess cobalamin, folate, vitamin D, iron, copper, and others.
Inflammatory Marker Checks like CRP, NLR, and MLR to evaluate chronic inflammation.
Hormonal Evaluations for cortisol, DHEAS, and more.
Metabolic Assessments for blood sugar regulation, cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance.
Food Sensitivity Screening if gluten or other dietary factors are suspected contributors.
Afterward, interventions might involve natural therapies, including diet adjustments, nutrient supplementation, stress management, or carefully selected herbal remedies. For example, boosting folate or vitamin B12 may help with negative symptoms, while evaluating vitamin D may make a difference in inflammation and metabolic factors. Omega-3 supplementation could be considered if test results show low baseline levels. Each plan is unique—our goal is to address multiple angles of well-being, from immune function to brain chemistry.
Conclusion
Before beginning any intervention, it is beneficial to conduct comprehensive testing to identify specific imbalances. This helps ensure that each therapy is suited to your individual context and health profile. Correcting a nutritional or hormonal deficiency without proper diagnostic insights could lead to unintended outcomes.
Schizophrenia is multi-layered, often associated with a tangle of metabolic, inflammatory, hormonal, and nutritional factors. By identifying these elements, we can develop personalized strategies that may enhance mental health. We recognize the complexity of this condition and the importance of a supportive, collaborative environment for patients.
At our clinic, we use personalized ranges to interpret blood work, tailored specifically to each patient and their unique context. Standard blood ranges often lack customization and may not account for individual health needs. By focusing on precise targets, we aim to support specific conditions. Research suggests that certain conditions tend to improve quicker at certain nutritional blood target levels. Similarly, optimal hormone levels are typically found within a narrow, specific range of the standard reference values, ensuring better balance and well-being.
Our clinic offers a thorough assessment, followed by an integrative plan that aims to address the root causes of your concerns. We believe that by taking this broader approach, you can find additional ways to support mental health and improve overall quality of life.
