Megavitamin and dietary treatment in schizophrenia: a randomised, controlled trial

Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 1999 Feb;33(1):84-8. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1614.1999.00527.x.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of adjunctive megavitamin and dietary treatment in schizophrenia.

Method: A random allocation double-blind, controlled comparison of dietary supplement and megavitamin treatment, and an alternative procedure was given for 5 months to 19 outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. In addition to usual follow-up, the experimental group received amounts of megavitamins based on their individual serum vitamin levels plus dietary restriction based on Radioallergosorbent (RAST) tests. The control group received 25 mg vitamin C and were prescribed substances considered allergenic from the RAST test.

Results: Five months of treatment showed marked differences in serum levels of vitamins but no consistent self-reported symptomatic or behavioural differences between groups.

Conclusions: This study does not provide evidence supporting a positive relationship between regulation of levels of serum vitamins and clinical outcome in schizophrenia over 5 months.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orthomolecular Therapy / methods*
  • Schizophrenia / diet therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome