Schizophrenia
Supplements studied for schizophrenia.
Overview
Several supplements have been studied as add-ons to antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia. Ginkgo (6 studies) may reduce overall and negative symptoms when combined with standard drugs. Glycine (6 studies) may improve negative symptoms with older antipsychotics but not with clozapine. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (6 studies) shows mixed results across doses and durations.
Melatonin (4 studies) may help sleep and medication side effects rather than core psychosis symptoms. Inositol (3 studies) did not benefit schizophrenia even at high doses. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Ginkgo | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Glycine | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | ★★★★★ | Low |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Theanine | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Probiotics | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Melatonin | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Selenium | ★★★★★ | Low |
| SAMe | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Lysine | ★★★★★ | Low |
| American Ginseng | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Inositol | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Tyrosine | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
| Sulforaphane | ★★★★★ | Very Low / None |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
17 supplements for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
GinkgoView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Ginkgo extract may help when taken alongside regular antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia.
- In studies lasting 8 to 16 weeks, adding 120–360 mg of ginkgo daily to medicines like olanzapine, clozapine, or haloperidol reduced overall symptoms and especially helped with “negative” symptoms including low motivation and social withdrawal.
- Some studies also suggest that ginkgo might reduce side effects of antipsychotic medicines, such as thirst, constipation, or certain behavior and heart-related problems.
- However, more research is needed to be sure about these effects.
Browse 6 studies·3 meta-analyses
MetaClinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Taskforce2022
WFSBP/CANMAT 2022 guidelines rated acetyl-L-carnitine as not recommended for ADHD based on Grade A evidence from meta-analyses and RCTs.
MetaEfficacy and safety of extract of Ginkgo biloba as an adjunct therapy in chronic schizophrenia: A systematic review of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with meta-analysis2015n=1,033
A meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (1033 patients) found Ginkgo biloba extract as adjunct to antipsychotics reduced negative symptoms in chronic schizophrenia versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 1,033
MetaReview and meta-analysis of usage of ginkgo as an adjunct therapy in chronic schizophrenia2010
A meta-analysis found Ginkgo biloba as adjunct therapy modestly improved total and negative schizophrenia symptoms versus antipsychotics alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
RCTA placebo-controlled study of extract of ginkgo biloba added to clozapine in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia2008n=22
In a 12-week RCT of 42 treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients on clozapine, adding EGb 761 120 mg/day did not significantly improve psychiatric rating scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 120 mg/day
- Population
- Schizophrenia patients
- Participants
- 22
RCTThe effect of extract of ginkgo biloba addition to olanzapine on therapeutic effect and antioxidant enzyme levels in patients with schizophrenia2005n=15
In an RCT of schizophrenia patients on olanzapine, adding Ginkgo biloba extract did not significantly improve symptom scores versus olanzapine alone.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Population
- Schizophrenia patients
- Participants
- 15
RCTA double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of extract of Ginkgo biloba added to haloperidol in treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia2001
In a double-blind RCT of 109 treatment-resistant schizophrenia inpatients, adding EGb 761 to haloperidol reduced positive and negative symptoms versus haloperidol alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 360 mg/day
- Population
- Schizophrenia patients
GlycineView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking glycine by mouth may help improve the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, like social withdrawal or lack of motivation, when used with older antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol or perphenazine.
- However, glycine does not seem to help with positive symptoms like hallucinations or delusions.
- It also does not appear to provide any additional benefit when used with clozapine, and in some cases might make symptoms worse.
- These findings come from small studies and more research is needed.
Browse 6 studies
RCTThe effects of glycine on auditory mismatch negativity in schizophrenia2018n=12
In an RCT of 12 schizophrenia patients, glycine 0.2 g/kg for 6 weeks did not significantly increase auditory mismatch negativity amplitude versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 0.2 g/kg
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 12
RCTPlacebo-controlled trial of glycine added to clozapine in schizophrenia2000n=27
In an 8-week RCT of 27 schizophrenia patients on clozapine, glycine 60 g/day did not improve positive, negative, or cognitive symptoms versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 60 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 27
RCTEffect of clozapine and adjunctive high-dose glycine in treatment-resistant schizophrenia1999n=10
In a 12-week double-blind study of 19 clozapine-treated schizophrenia patients, glycine 30 g/day did not improve psychiatric symptom scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 30 g/day
- Population
- Schizophrenia patients
- Participants
- 10
RCTEfficacy of high-dose glycine in the treatment of enduring negative symptoms of schizophrenia1999
In a 6-week RCT of 22 treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients, high-dose glycine 0.8 g/kg/day reduced negative symptoms versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 0.8 g/kg
- Population
- Adults
RCTDouble-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of glycine adjuvant therapy for treatment-resistant schizophrenia1996
In a 6-week crossover trial of 11 treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients, glycine 0.8 g/kg/day added to antipsychotics reduced negative symptoms versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 0.8 g/kg
- Population
- Schizophrenia patients
RCTAmelioration of negative symptoms in schizophrenia by glycine1994
In a double-blind RCT of 14 medicated schizophrenia patients, glycine significantly improved negative symptoms versus placebo over the treatment period.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Schizophrenia patients
Alpha-Lipoic AcidView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Research on alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) for schizophrenia shows mixed results.
- Taking 300 mg daily for 8 weeks helped reduce negative symptoms but not positive symptoms in one study.
- Another small study found that 100 mg daily for 4 months improved symptoms by 64%, although it did not have a comparison group.
- Other studies with 100 mg for 16 weeks or 600 mg for 12 weeks showed no improvement.
- A review of four studies found no clear benefit overall.
- Mixed results may be due to different doses, treatment length, or illness stages.
- When combined with fish oils, taking 150 mg of ALA twice daily did not prevent relapse or delay relapse over two years after a first psychotic episode.
Browse 6 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaAlpha Lipoic Acid for Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis2023
A systematic review and meta-analysis of alpha-lipoic acid in schizophrenia; the available abstract contains no extractable outcome data.
- Effect
- Benefit
RCTα-Lipoic Acid as Adjunctive Treatment for Schizophrenia: A Randomized Double-Blind Study2023
A 16-week double-blind trial in schizophrenia found adjunctive alpha-lipoic acid 100 mg/day did not improve cognition, psychopathology, or oxidative markers versus placebo and was associated with reduced blood cell counts.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 100 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with schizophrenia
RCTEffect of add-on alpha lipoic acid on psychopathology in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: a pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial2022n=20
In 20 treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients over 8 weeks, add-on alpha-lipoic acid significantly improved SANS negative symptom scores versus placebo, without SAPS or oxidative marker differences.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Population
- Patients with schizophrenia
- Participants
- 20
Open-labelMetabolic and clinical effect of alpha-lipoic acid administration in schizophrenic subjects stabilized with atypical antipsychotics: A 12-week, open-label, uncontrolled study2022
In 15 schizophrenia patients on atypical antipsychotics, 12 weeks of alpha-lipoic acid 600 mg/day lowered blood glucose, liver enzymes, prolactin, and QTc but raised HbA1c, without lipid or weight changes.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 600 mg/day
- Population
- Pregnant women
- Ages
- 18–60
Open-labelα-Lipoic Acid as Adjunctive Treatment for Schizophrenia: An Open-Label Trial2017n=10
An open-label pilot in 10 schizophrenia patients given alpha-lipoic acid 100 mg/day for 4 months reported 64% reduction in BPRS scores and improved cognition and lipid peroxidation.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 months
- Dose
- 100 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with diabetic neuropathy
- Participants
- 10
RCTA randomized, controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids plus an antioxidant for relapse prevention after antipsychotic discontinuation in first-episode schizophrenia2014n=33
In 33 first-episode schizophrenia patients tapered off antipsychotics, omega-3 plus alpha-lipoic acid 300 mg/day did not delay relapse versus placebo (90% vs 75% relapsed; mean time ~39 weeks both groups).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 300 mg/day
- Participants
- 33
- Ages
- 2–3
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) taken by mouth seems to help reduce negative symptoms of schizophrenia, like low motivation or social withdrawal, particularly when taken for six months or longer.
- Shorter use does not show much benefit.
- NAC’s effect on positive symptoms, like hallucinations or delusions, is less certain.
- Some studies show little improvement, but reviews combining many studies suggest there may be small benefits in positive symptoms, memory, and overall symptoms.
Browse 3 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaMeta-analysis of randomised controlled trials with N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of schizophrenia2020n=220
A meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (220 NAC, 220 placebo) found adjunctive NAC improved PANSS negative and total scores after 24 weeks and improved working memory in schizophrenia.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 24 weeks
- Participants
- 220
RCTEffects of 12-month, double-blind N-acetyl cysteine on symptoms, cognition and brain morphology in early phase schizophrenia spectrum disorders2018n=60
A 12-month double-blind RCT in 60 early-phase schizophrenia patients found 3600 mg/day NAC produced limited symptom or cognitive benefits but subtle brain structural changes.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 3600 mg/day
- Population
- ALL patients
- Participants
- 60
RCTN-acetyl cysteine as a glutathione precursor for schizophrenia--a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial2008
A 24-week multicenter double-blind RCT of NAC 1 g twice daily as add-on therapy in chronic schizophrenia found no significant improvement on the primary symptom outcome.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 24 weeks
- Dose
- 1 g 2×/day
Vitamin B9 (Folate)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking folic acid alone has not been well studied for schizophrenia.
- One study found that a combination of folic acid and vitamin B12 taken daily for 16 weeks helped improve negative symptoms (like lack of motivation or energy) in people with schizophrenia who have a specific gene that makes it harder for their body to absorb folate.
- People without this gene did not see this benefit.
- This means the effect may depend on a person’s genetics.
Browse 3 studies·1 meta-analysis
RCTFolate and vitamin B12 supplementation in patients with schizophrenia and low serum folate level: A 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study2024n=36
An RCT in 36 schizophrenia patients with low folate found 5 mg folate plus 500 µg B12 daily for 24 weeks did not improve PANSS symptoms or cognition versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 24 weeks
- Dose
- 5 mg folate + 500 µg vitamin B12/day
- Population
- Patients with schizophrenia
- Participants
- 36
MetaFolic acid/methylfolate for the treatment of psychopathology in schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis2018n=789
A meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (340 patients) found folic acid plus antipsychotics modestly improved negative symptoms (SMD −0.25) but not total psychopathology in schizophrenia.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Patients with schizophrenia
- Participants
- 789
RCTEnhancement of recovery from psychiatric illness by methylfolate1990n=123
A randomized trial of 123 patients with major depressive disorder found that 15 mg/day for 6 months among both depressed and schizophrenic patients methylfolate significantly improved clinical and social recovery.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 15 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with major depressive disorder
- Participants
- 123
MelatoninView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Melatonin might help people with schizophrenia by improving sleep and reducing weight gain and blood pressure side effects from some antipsychotic medicines. One study found that 3 mg melatonin daily helped reduce weight gain from olanzapine and may improve some symptoms. Another found that slow-release melatonin helped with blood pressure and waist size but did not improve psychosis. Melatonin is mainly useful for sleep problems and side effects, not for treating schizophrenia itself.
- Melatonin can help with sleep and some medicine side effects in schizophrenia but does not treat the illness directly.
Browse 4 studies
RCTMelatonin attenuates antipsychotic metabolic effects: an eight-week randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled clinical trial2014n=24
An 8-week RCT of 24 patients on atypical antipsychotics found 5 mg/day melatonin attenuated weight gain (1.5 vs 2.2 kg) and reduced diastolic BP vs placebo, with greater fat-mass benefits in bipolar disorder.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 5 mg/day
- Population
- Psychiatric patients
- Participants
- 24
RCTMelatonin for prevention of metabolic side-effects of olanzapine in patients with first-episode schizophrenia: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study2014n=36
In 48 first-episode schizophrenia patients starting olanzapine, melatonin 3 mg for 8 weeks prevented weight gain and metabolic worsening versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 3 mg/day
- Population
- Schizophrenia patients
- Participants
- 36
RCTMelatonin in schizophrenic outpatients with insomnia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study2007n=40
In 40 schizophrenic outpatients with insomnia, flexibly dosed melatonin 3–12 mg improved sleep measures versus placebo without worsening psychiatric symptoms.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 15 days
- Dose
- 3–12 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with insomnia
- Participants
- 40
RCTMelatonin improves sleep quality of patients with chronic schizophrenia2000n=19
In 19 patients with chronic schizophrenia, melatonin 2 mg improved sleep quality scores versus baseline, supporting melatonin replacement in low-output patients.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 weeks
- Dose
- 2 mg/day
- Population
- ALL patients
- Participants
- 19
ProbioticsView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Probiotics have insufficient evidence for Schizophrenia.
Browse 1 study·1 meta-analysis
MetaEffect of probiotics on C-reactive protein levels in schizophrenia: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis2025
A meta-analysis of 4 schizophrenia RCTs found probiotic supplementation significantly reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Patients with schizophrenia
TheanineView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if taking L-theanine by mouth helps people with schizophrenia.
- One small study found that 200 mg twice daily helped reduce some positive symptoms, anxiety, and other general problems when taken with usual medications but did not improve negative symptoms or other issues.
- Two other small studies found that 400 mg daily lowered negative symptoms, anxiety, and some other symptoms but did not help positive symptoms or depression.
- These mixed results may be due to small study sizes and how symptoms were measured.
Browse 3 studies
RCTL-Theanine adjunct to risperidone in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia inpatients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial2023n=60
An RCT of 60 schizophrenia inpatients found that 400 mg/day L-theanine adjunct to risperidone significantly reduced PANSS negative and general psychopathology scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 400 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with schizophrenia
- Participants
- 60
RCTAdd-On Pregnenolone with L-Theanine to Antipsychotic Therapy Relieves Negative and Anxiety Symptoms of Schizophrenia: An 8-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial2018
An RCT of 40 schizophrenia patients found that pregnenolone plus L-theanine (50 mg/400 mg daily) significantly reduced negative symptoms and anxiety (SANS, HAM-A) versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 400 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with schizophrenia
RCTL-theanine relieves positive, activation, and anxiety symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-center study2011n=60
An RCT of 60 schizophrenia patients found that 400 mg/day L-theanine for 8 weeks significantly reduced anxiety, positive symptoms, and activation factor scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 400 mg/day
- Population
- Patients with schizophrenia
- Participants
- 60
Vitamin DView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if vitamin D helps people with schizophrenia.
- Health guidelines do not recommend taking vitamin D supplements of 1500 to 4000 IU daily to treat schizophrenia.
- A study found that a product containing vitamin D along with probiotics helped improve thinking skills but did not improve main symptoms like hallucinations or low mood.
- It is not clear if the vitamin D or the probiotics caused the improvement.
Browse 2 studies·1 meta-analysis
RCTCo-administration of probiotic and vitamin D significantly improves cognitive function in schizophrenic patients: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial2024n=35
An RCT in 70 schizophrenia patients found probiotic plus 400 IU/day vitamin D co-supplementation improved cognitive function (MoCA) versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 400 IU/day
- Population
- Schizophrenia patients
- Participants
- 35
- Ages
- 18–65
MetaClinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Taskforce2022
WFSBP/CANMAT 2022 guidelines rated acetyl-L-carnitine as not recommended for ADHD based on Grade A evidence from meta-analyses and RCTs.
American GinsengView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is uncertain if American ginseng helps schizophrenia.
- A small study found that taking a specific American ginseng extract 100 mg twice daily for 4 weeks slightly improved visual memory and reduced physical side effects from antipsychotic medications, such as walking problems and muscle stiffness.
- It did not improve other thinking or clinical symptoms.
Browse 1 study
RCTHT1001, a proprietary North American ginseng extract, improves working memory in schizophrenia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study2012n=64
In 64 stable schizophrenia patients over 4 weeks, HT1001 American ginseng improved visual working memory and reduced extrapyramidal symptoms versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 64
LysineView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- In people with schizophrenia whose symptoms are not fully controlled by risperidone, taking L-lysine 2 grams three times a day for 8 weeks improved symptoms by about one-third, especially for negative symptoms including a lack of motivation.
Browse 2 studies
RCTL-lysine as an adjunct to risperidone in patients with chronic schizophrenia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial2014
An 8-week RCT of 72 chronic schizophrenia patients found adjunctive 6 g/day L-lysine plus risperidone significantly improved PANSS negative and general psychopathology subscales vs placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 6 g/day
- Population
- Schizophrenia patients
RCTL-lysine as adjunctive treatment in patients with schizophrenia: a single-blinded, randomized, cross-over pilot study2011n=10
An 8-week single-blind crossover pilot of 10 schizophrenia patients found 6 g/day L-lysine significantly reduced positive PANSS scores and was well tolerated.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 6 g/day
- Population
- Schizophrenia patients
- Participants
- 10
SAMeView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is uncertain if taking SAMe helps people with schizophrenia.
- One small study found that SAMe reduced aggressive behavior slightly compared to placebo after 8 weeks of treatment.
Browse 1 study
RCTImprovement of aggressive behavior and quality of life impairment following S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e) augmentation in schizophrenia2009n=18
An 8-week double-blind RCT in 18 chronic schizophrenia patients with low-activity COMT found adjunctive SAMe 800 mg reduced aggression and improved quality of life, though two patients had increased irritability.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 800 mg
- Population
- Patients with the low activity COMT polymorphism
- Participants
- 18
SeleniumView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking selenium together with probiotics for 12 weeks helped people with schizophrenia feel a little better overall, but it did not significantly change specific symptoms.
- It also slightly improved some blood markers related to inflammation and blood sugar, but did not affect cholesterol levels.
Browse 1 study
RCTThe Effects of Probiotic and Selenium Co-supplementation on Clinical and Metabolic Scales in Chronic Schizophrenia: a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial2021n=30
In 60 chronic schizophrenia patients over 12 weeks, probiotic plus selenium co-supplementation improved metabolic and clinical scales versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 200 μg/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 30
Acetyl-L-CarnitineView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is uncertain if taking acetyl-L-carnitine by mouth helps people with schizophrenia.
- A very small study found it reduced some symptoms when added to clozapine, but did not improve thinking or other symptoms.
- The study had no comparison group, so results should be interpreted cautiously.
Browse 1 study
Open-labelAcetyl-L-carnitine augmentation of clozapine in partial-responder schizophrenia: a 12-week, open-label uncontrolled preliminary study2016
A 12-week open-label trial in 9 schizophrenia patients on clozapine found acetyl-L-carnitine 1 g/day add-on reduced positive symptoms modestly but did not meaningfully improve overall PANSS scores.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 1 g/day
- Population
- Patients with schizophrenia
InositolView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Studies have found that inositol might help with depression, but it did not work for schizophrenia, even at high doses.
Browse 3 studies
Clinical trialCSF inositol in schizophrenia and high-dose inositol treatment of schizophrenia1994
In 12 anergic schizophrenia patients, high-dose inositol (12 g/day for 1 month) did not improve symptoms; CSF inositol levels did not differ from controls.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 1 month
- Dose
- 12 g/day
- Population
- Schizophrenia patients
Inositol 6 g daily may be effective in depression but not in schizophrenia1993
Clinical reports suggested 6 g/day inositol may help depression but not schizophrenia symptoms.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 6 g/day
RCTLack of effect of inositol treatment in chronic schizophrenia1993
In patients with chronic schizophrenia, inositol treatment produced no symptom improvement versus control.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Schizophrenia patients
SulforaphaneView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is not clear if taking sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli sprouts, helps people with schizophrenia.
- One early study found that taking a special broccoli seed supplement for 16 weeks did not improve schizophrenia symptoms compared to a placebo.
Browse 1 study
RCTRandomized controlled trial of an adjunctive sulforaphane nutraceutical in schizophrenia2021
In schizophrenia patients, adjunctive sulforaphane did not significantly improve positive or negative symptom scores versus placebo in this randomized controlled trial.
- Effect
- No Benefit
TyrosineView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is unclear if tyrosine helps improve schizophrenia symptoms.
- A small study showed that adding tyrosine to standard medication did not improve symptoms compared to medication alone.
Browse 1 study
RCTL-tyrosine pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia: preliminary data1994
An RCT of schizophrenia inpatients found that 10 g/day L-tyrosine adjunct to molindone for 3 weeks did not improve BPRS, SANS, or CGI scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 3 weeks
- Dose
- 10 g/day
- Population
- Patients with schizophrenia
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid | ★★★★★52% | 6 | 1 | 13% |
| Ginkgo | ★★★★★72% | 6 | 3 | 13% |
| Glycine | ★★★★★68% | 6 | 0 | 13% |
| Melatonin | ★★★★★48% | 4 | 0 | 9% |
| Inositol | ★★★★★36% | 3 | 0 | 7% |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | ★★★★★52% | 3 | 1 | 7% |
| Theanine | ★★★★★48% | 3 | 0 | 7% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | ★★★★★52% | 3 | 1 | 7% |
| Lysine | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Vitamin D | ★★★★★48% | 2 | 1 | 4% |
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine | ★★★★★36% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| American Ginseng | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Probiotics | ★★★★★48% | 1 | 1 | 2% |
| SAMe | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Selenium | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Sulforaphane | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Tyrosine | ★★★★★32% | 1 | 0 | 2% |