You are what you eat: of fish, fat and folate in late-life psychiatric disorders.
OBJECTIVE
There has been increasing research into the role of nutritional factors in mood and cognitive disorders in later life. This review evaluates findings from recent research for the role and effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and B vitamins in mood and cognitive disorders in later life.


RESULTS
Epidemiological studies, including genetic epidemiological ones, continue to provide support for the role of folate and/or vitamin B12 in mood disorders in later life. However, evidence from recent randomized controlled trials for the effect of these B vitamins and n-3 PUFAs is modest. There is little robust evidence for the effect of these nutrients on cognitive disorders in later life.


CONCLUSIONS
Larger randomized controlled trials allowing more appropriate meta-analyses are required to further evaluate current findings. Additionally, methods derived from research in geriatric medicine may assist in conceptualizing a role for these nutrients.
Bhat
Ravi S
RS
School of Rural Health, The University of Melbourne, Shepparton, Vic 3630, Australia. ravi.bhat@gvhealth.org.au
D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D004032:Diet / Q000379:methods*; D004041:Dietary Fats; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D005399:Fishes; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005494:Folic Acid Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D005852:Geriatric Psychiatry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D009752:Nutritional Status; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004041:Dietary Fats; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D005492:Folic Acid; D014805:Vitamin B 12