Medical Matters: A three-day conference was recently held in London exploring the role of diet and nutrients in a variety of psychological and psychiatric problems. The title of the conference was Brain Food and the speakers included psychologists, psychiatrists, biochemists, physicians and nutritionists, writes Brendan Fitzpatrick
More than 250 people attended from the various interested specialities resulting in an extremely informative and educational conference covering a variety of common problems including learning difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia, attention deficit disorders (ADD), anxiety states and depression.
In recent years parents have become increasingly concerned about the effect of modern day nutrition on both their child's behaviour and educational achievements.
Much attention has been focused on the role of fish oils, and one of the speakers was Alex Richardson PhD, a senior research fellow who has done pioneering research into essential fatty acids and mental health.
She has extensively studied and carried out scientific trials on the use of essential fatty acids in a variety of common problems in childhood including attention deficit disorder, dyslexia, and difficulties with memory and concentration.
Trials showed that motor function was not helped by fatty acid supplements, but that there was significant improvement in reading and spelling. Nine months' progress in reading occurred in three months with approximately six months' progress in spelling over a three-month period.
Working memory, attention and concentration were improved and overall there was a decreased level of depression, stress and aggression.
Essential fatty acid deficiency is diagnosed by symptoms, clinical examination and laboratory tests.
While most attention has been on the role of fatty acid supplements, it is important that diet or food allergies, and other vitamins and minerals, are used in obtaining optimum results.
Many parents will be familiar with the effect of blood sugar changes on their child's behaviour, in particular, the effects of a high intake of refined carbohydrates, such as chocolate, biscuits, cakes and soft drinks.
The role of maintaining blood sugar through diet and chromium was emphasised in different psychological conditions including attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, mood changes and anxiety states.
The incidences of childhood and teenage depression appears to be increasing in recent years and evaluation of their nutrition and their vitamin and mineral status should be part of an overall treatment programme.
People with poor glucose tolerance generally have poor memories and mood, and these decreased with fasting. Studies show that slow release carbohydrates, such as wholegrain bread and porridge, result in better memory, and emphasise that small breakfasts lead to reduced mental function later in the morning.
The speakers stressed the bowel-brain connection and that bowel disorders could contribute to psychological illness. This would not be surprising in that bowel inflammation, gluten sensitivity for example, can result in malabsorption of food and many essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, which are important for optimum brain function.
While supplement use is generally extremely safe, it is important that good quality supplements are used at the right dosages for a correct period. Side effects can occur in certain medical conditions and when used with prescribed medication.
The risk of Alzheimer's is increased with smoking, obesity, diabetes and raised blood pressure. Trials of vitamin supplementation have been mixed, but rates of both Alzheimer's and dementia are generally less with increased fish intake, and patients may benefit from fatty acid supplements as well as perhaps vitamins E and C.
It was encouraging to note that these controversial areas are being scientifically researched and I believe it is important that psychiatrists and all those involved in the treatment of mental illness should be familiar with the role of diet and nutrition in their speciality.
In my experience, it can greatly help symptom control in selected individuals and medication should be only one aspect of overall management.
In addition to supplements, the role of food allergies and intolerance may also need to be evaluated by a combination of a comprehensive questionnaire, allergy testing and elimination diet.
While the conference's main emphasis was on psychological and neurological problems, diet and supplements should also be considered in many common medical conditions, including bowel disorders, joint pains, skin condition, unexplained fatigue and hormonal problems.
The conference's general thrust was that drugs are far too prominent in conventional medicine and the hope was expressed that, in future, it would be only one aspect of medical treatment, rather than dominating mainstream practice.
Similar conferences such as this, involving other medical specialties, would be greatly beneficial to both patients and medical practitioners in the future.
Dr Brendan Fitzpatrick is a GP with a special interest in complementary medicine.