When the clock stops ticking, metabolic syndrome explodes. Does omega-3 is able to disarm this bomb?

Abstract

Schizophrenia is not a single disease entity since there are multiple etiological factors and pathophysiological mechanisms involved however with common phenotypic characteristics. Furthermore, it is associated with increased mortality and reduced life expectancy. In this scenario, the cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death. People with schizophrenia are at high risk of metabolic syndrome once some antipsychotics drugs frequently cause weight gain, dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus and these facts together are important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and even to the occurrence of sudden death in this specific population. The long-term effect of metabolic syndrome on overall mortality and cardiovascular mortality is a fact that should not be neglected among individuals com schizophrenia. We debate that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is extremely beneficial for people with schizophrenia, since it is clearly demonstrated that this polyunsaturated fatty acid has a positive action in both the metabolic syndrome as in cardiovascular dysfunctions. We suggest that omega-3 supplementation must be considered in the treatment of people with schizophrenia aiming at reducing risk factor for sudden unexpected death.